Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has fired back at Apostle Lazarus, who recently criticized gospel musicians for charging fees to perform at church events. The pastor lamented that ministry should not be commercialized, recalling an instance where a singer allegedly demanded ₦5 million to perform for his congregation. His statement ignited a heated debate within the gospel music community.
I really wish every music minister in Nigeria & beyond could sit down & take time to listen to this
This is a most profound & timely message to them.
Thank you @FemiLazarus_ for this sir 🙏 pic.twitter.com/IPPsu1MWoH
— DON “Tobechukwu” Ade 👑 (@Row_Haastrup) March 14, 2025
“Music is a Profession, Not Just Ministry” – Dakolo Claps Back
In a strongly-worded response, Dakolo defended gospel musicians, emphasizing the financial investment required to sustain their craft. He urged Christians to recognize that, while music is spiritual, it is also a profession that deserves fair compensation.
“My dear Christians, a quote or conversation can sound intelligent and deep yet be untrue. 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.”
“Music is an art. If you can’t pay people, use your choir members and pay them what you would have given the guest artist. I doubt you’d do that.”
“Churches Spend Millions, But Musicians Are Expected to Work for Free?” – Dakolo Questions Double Standards
The singer also called out the double standards in churches, noting that huge sums are spent on extravagant buildings, promotions, and pastoral engagements, yet musicians are often expected to offer their services for free.
“This gaslighting has to stop. Gospel ministers want good things too, they are not beggars. The best architects are hired to build big churches, large sums of money are spent on promoting big programs. No one should diminish another person’s ministry. Ministry needs music, and music needs ministry.”
“Invest in Your Church Musicians” – Dakolo’s Advice to Churches
Dakolo stressed that becoming an elite musician takes years of training and dedication, urging churches to develop and pay their in-house musicians well rather than criticizing those who charge fees.
“It takes at least 10 years and countless hours to become an elite musician. Develop your musicians and singers in your church and pay them well. Stop belittling their craft. None of these people making such comments will fly economy or travel alone to save money for the ministry that invites them to preach.”
He concluded by saying that while his response came from a place of love, the conversation around fair compensation for gospel musicians needs to change.
Do you think gospel musicians should charge for church performances, or should their work be purely for ministry? Share your thoughts in the comments!