Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo and Pastor Femi Lazarus have a fierce debate on the economic expectations of gospel singers and ministers.
The dispute began with Pastor Lazarus, the founder of the light state church, criticizing the high fees for evangelical artists to perform at church events, believing that their focus should be on ministry rather than money.
In a recent sermon, Lazarus predicted the alleged invoice of a gospel singer, demanding a $10,000 remuneration deposit, a 50% non-refundable deposit, first-class flight tickets and premium accommodation. He claims that such financial requirements are inconsistent with the nature of the Gospel Department.
“The error of invoices is to use the word ‘reward’; just tell them the price. When they pay you this money, you yell on the floor, but those who know God know He is not there,” He said.
He further claimed that some gospel singers avoided charging outstanding pastors in exchange for recognition while levied high fees on smaller ministries.
In response, Timi Dakolo shot at the clergy, saying what he was talking about was the gospel artist. He defended their right to make a living from crafts and advised pastors to rely on church choirs if they could not afford professional gospel singers.
Timi Dakolo then accused Pastor Femi Lazarus of hypocrisy, claiming that the pastor charged his ministry school, which provided doctrine for Jesus Christ. He shared a screenshot of the alleged email that showed that each student at the school was charged at least $150 and that more than 1,000 students were likely to be enrolled.
“Sir, your ministry college, people who teach and preach Jesus are up to $150 per person. There may be as many as 1,000 students. Let’s do math training. Do you even have advanced and standard houses of God? Do you have no gifts and revelations sold to you for free?” Dakolo asked.
His remarks sparked different reactions, with some supporting the priest’s stance, while others argue that gospel singers, such as professionals in other fields, should be fairly compensated for their work.
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