Renowned Nigerian gospel singer, Panam Percy Paul, has revealed that he turned down a whooping N7 billion record deal in 1995.
In a now viral august 2024 interview with Emmanuel Iren, the 68-year-old songwriter recalled being at the peak of his ministry and success in the industry when he received the offer.
The offer came with a condition that shocked him – to minimize his use of Jesus’ name in his songs. Instead, the record label suggested using alternative names like ‘Righteous One’ or ‘Greatest Lover’.
Pointing out that he chose to prioritize his faith over financial gains, he immediately declined the offer, saying “you can keep the money, while I keep the name.”
He said “1995, I was at the peak of ministry and success in the industry; I was offered 24 million pounds, equivalent to N7bn, for a three-year contract.
“The catch was ‘can you reduce the number of times you call the name Jesus in your songs? One of them said ‘You actually don’t need to mention the name Jesus. You can call him other names like Righteous One or Greatest Lover.
“I was shocked, so I told them, you can keep the money, while I keep the name.”
Expressing concerns over the growing commercialisation of gospel music, Paul said the industry has become more focused on business than ministry, with record labels and marketers dictating the creative direction of gospel artistes.
“Today, the extreme is that music ministry has now become the music industry where the industry dictates to the ministers what to do, how to sing and when to sing. For example, it was the marketers in Alaba that encouraged the musicians to add tongues to their songs.”
Paul’s unique blend of praise, worship, country music, and African highlife has defined his decades-long career. With over 40 years in the industry, he has earned numerous accolades and continues to receive recognition for his talent.
