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Timi Dakolo and Pastor Femi Lazarus clash over gospel ministry fees
A heated exchange has erupted between Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo and Pastor Femi Lazarus over the financial expectations placed on gospel artists performing at church events.
The controversy began when Pastor Femi Lazarus, founder of Light Nation Church, strongly criticized gospel singers for charging significant fees before accepting invitations to minister at churches.
According to him, gospel music should be about ministry, not financial gain.
During a recent sermon, Lazarus displayed an invoice allegedly sent by a gospel artist demanding $10,000 as an honorarium, a 50% non-refundable deposit, first-class airfare, and luxury accommodation.
He condemned such financial requests, arguing that they contradict the core values of the gospel.
“The mistake on that invoice is the word ‘honorarium’ used; just tell them the price. When they pay you this amount of money, you will shout and roll on the floor, but those who know God know He’s not there,” he stated.
He further alleged that some gospel artists waive their fees for wealthy and influential pastors in exchange for endorsements, yet impose exorbitant charges on smaller ministries.
Timi Dakolo, however, was quick to challenge the pastor’s remarks, accusing him and other clerics of gaslighting gospel musicians.
The singer insisted that gospel artists, like professionals in other industries, have the right to earn a living from their craft. He advised churches that cannot afford professional gospel singers to rely on their choir instead.
In a direct response, Dakolo accused Pastor Lazarus of hypocrisy, pointing out that the cleric charges students for his ministry school while criticizing gospel artists for seeking compensation.
The singer shared what appeared to be an email from Lazarus’s ministry school, indicating that students pay at least $150 for enrollment, with a potential student base of over 1,000.
“Sir, you are charging as low as $150 per person for your school of ministry, teaching and preaching Jesus. Probably having as much as 1,000 students. Let’s do the math. You even have premium and standard for God’s house? Are you not selling the gift and revelation freely given to you?” Dakolo asked.
His comments have since ignited debates across social media, with opinions divided. While some defend the pastor’s stance that gospel music should be ministry-driven, others argue that gospel musicians deserve fair compensation for their work, just like professionals in any other field.
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