Singer Timi Dakolo has responded to Pastor Femi Lazarus after the cleric criticized gospel musicians for charging fees to perform in churches.
In a video disseminated on social media, the pastor remarked that worship gatherings in Nigeria have turned into performances due to the high fees guest artists now command.
‘’Worship gatherings in Nigeria have morphed into performances. One artist has demanded N5 million to come here and sing. They will roll on the ground, weep… it’s just their trade. They will play the drums, saxophones, and keyboards. If they don’t charge, how will they compensate those musicians? We have strayed so far from His presence (of God) that we forget He meets our needs. This question stems from someone unfamiliar with God. The life we’ve been summoned to in ministry is one of continual provision. We should turn to Him for our next supply.
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The reason you ponder how they will pay musicians is that those employed to handle keyboards are hires and not ministers. If we truly are ministers, God meets our needs.‘‘
Timi watched the video and disagreed. He urged people to stop undermining Nigerian gospel artists. He contended that if any pastor believes gospel musicians should not be compensated, then they should utilize their church’s choir during any of their events.