Popular gospel singer Sola Allyson has responded to recent criticism after being called out on social media for not mentioning the name “Jesus” in her songs.
The controversy arose following an interview with veteran gospel artist Panam Percy Paul, in which he claimed he was once offered £24 million in 1995 to remove the name “Jesus” from his songs. His statement sparked discussions online, leading some users to scrutinize Allyson’s music for the same reason.
One particular user, @Folahanayo1, took to X (formerly Twitter) to single out the singer, alleging that she had deliberately avoided mentioning Jesus in her lyrics throughout her career.
In a series of posts, the critic referenced Allyson’s 2019 album, IRI, highlighting that none of the eight tracks, with a total runtime of 48 minutes, contained the name “Jesus.”
The user wrote, “Sola Allyson @thesolaallyson cannot relate. A whole album and not a single mention of Jesus. Here is your 2019 album, IRI. 8 tracks and a runtime of 48 minutes. Throughout the entire album, the name ‘Jesus’ is not mentioned once. (Correct me if I’m mistaken). Not even in Track 8 where you talked about who you ‘Gbekele.’ The personal attack is really below you, though.”
This statement fueled debates among fans and critics, with some agreeing while others defended Allyson’s artistic and spiritual choices.
Reacting to the backlash, Allyson took to social media with a video response on X, questioning the motives behind the criticism. She expressed deep disappointment at the way some individuals were using their faith as a weapon to attack others.
In her emotional response, she pushed back against what she described as an attempt to pressure her into conforming to a specific style of gospel music. “Why are you people this callous and unkind? Is it until I commit suicide? If this is what you are with your own Jesus, I do not want to be identified with you lots!” she stated, highlighting the toll such public scrutiny can take on artists and individuals in the public eye.
The singer further defended her approach to music, emphasizing that her songs are deeply rooted in her faith and values, even if they do not explicitly mention “Jesus” by name. She insisted that she does not seek validation from critics and refuses to conform to their version of what gospel music should be.
“Once again, no one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it. I do NOT seek to be with your kind of Jesus. Leave me alone and face your own journey,” she declared. Her response struck a chord with many fans who resonated with her perspective on faith and individuality in worship.
The controversy has since sparked wider discussions about the diversity of gospel music and the varying ways artists express their faith. While some believe that explicitly mentioning “Jesus” is a fundamental part of gospel music, others argue that faith can be conveyed in different forms without adhering to rigid expectations.
Despite the backlash, Allyson remains steadfast in her artistic and spiritual convictions, making it clear that she will not be swayed by external pressures.
