Ministry or Money? Timi Dakolo Fires Back at Apostle Femi Lazarus Over Gospel Artistes’ Performance Fees
In a recent social media uproar, Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has boldly responded to Apostle Femi Lazarus’ controversial remarks about gospel singers charging fees for performances. The Apostle, in a now-viral post, criticized the commercialization of ministry, citing an instance where a gospel artiste allegedly demanded 5 million naira to perform at his church. Lazarus’ comments ignited a fiery debate, with many questioning the intersection of faith, art, and financial compensation. While some agreed with the Apostle, arguing that ministry should remain a selfless service, others, including Timi Dakolo, have come forward to defend the rights of gospel artistes to earn a living from their craft.
Dakolo, known for his soulful music and candid opinions, took to Instagram to address the issue head-on. He emphasized that music, even within the gospel genre, is both a spiritual calling and a professional career that incurs significant costs. “Studio sessions, production, and promotion cost a lot. You have a family to feed, rent to pay, and more songs to put out,” he wrote. Dakolo challenged the notion that gospel artistes should perform for free, urging churches to either pay guest artistes fairly or rely on their choir members instead. His response has sparked further conversations about the value of art, the realities of the music industry, and the need to respect the livelihoods of those who dedicate their talents to ministry. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the line between ministry and money is far more complex than it seems.
