Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has weighed in on the growing debate sparked by Apostle Lazarus, who recently criticized gospel artists for charging fees to perform at church events.
The pastor argued that ministry should not be commercialized and expressed his disappointment after a gospel singer reportedly demanded five million naira to perform at his church. His comments ignited a wave of discussion within both the Christian and gospel music communities, with some agreeing that gospel music should be a selfless service to God, while others, including Dakolo, pushed back against what they saw as an unfair expectation placed on musicians.
Responding in a detailed and passionate post, Dakolo defended gospel musicians, emphasizing the financial investments required to sustain a music career. He highlighted the reality that music, beyond being a tool for worship, is also a professional endeavor that requires compensation.
“My dear Christians, a quote or conversation can sound intelligent and deep yet untrue,” Dakolo wrote. “Just like everyone else, you deserve the very best things life has to offer. You should be paid what you deserve. Studio sessions, production, and promotion cost a lot. You have a family to feed, you have rent to pay. You have more songs to put out.”
His message was clear: gospel musicians, like professionals in any field, deserve fair compensation for their work, especially when their craft involves significant expenses.
Dakolo also called for an end to what he described as unfair criticism of musicians who expect payment for their services. He pointed out that if churches are unwilling or unable to pay guest artists, they should simply rely on their in-house choir rather than expecting external musicians to perform for free.
“We should stop all these attacks on people’s work,” he continued. “As much as it is spiritual, music is an art. If you can’t pay people, use your choir members and pay them the amount you could have given the guest artist. I doubt the second part.”
His words underscored the idea that professional musicians should not be guilt-tripped into offering their services without compensation when other aspects of church operations require financial investment.
Furthering his argument, the singer pointed out the financial priorities of many churches, highlighting how significant amounts are spent on architectural designs, event promotions, and pastoral engagements, yet musicians are often expected to work without pay. “This gaslighting has to stop,” Dakolo stated firmly.
“Gospel ministers want good things too; they are not beggars. The best of architects are called upon to build big churches, large sums of money are disbursed for promoting big programs and all. No one should diminish another person’s ministry. Ministry needs music, and music needs ministry.”
His words resonated with many who have long observed the double standards in how churches handle financial commitments.
Dakolo concluded his statement by stressing the time, dedication, and expertise required to become a skilled musician, arguing that their work should not be undervalued.
“It takes at least 10 years and chains of hours to be an elite musician. Develop your musicians and singers in your church and pay them well. Leave all these belittling alone,” he advised. He also pointed out the hypocrisy in some of the arguments made against gospel musicians, questioning why those who criticize them for seeking fair payment rarely make similar sacrifices.
“None of these people saying this will fly economy and travel alone to save money for the ministry that invites them to preach. All this was said in love,” he added, ending his message with a tone of both honesty and care.
His response sparked further discussions, with many agreeing that gospel musicians deserve the same respect and financial appreciation as other professionals within the church community.
