Timi Dakolo, a Nigerian singer, has addressed remarks made by Apostle Lazarus, who lambasted gospel performers for charging to perform at church functions.

By citing an instance in which a singer charged $5 million to perform for his congregation, the pastor argued against the commercialisation of ministry.

Within the gospel and gospel music communities, his comments provoked discussion and responses.

Watch video bellow…

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

Dakolo defended gospel musicians in a thorough piece, emphasising the financial outlay necessary to support their art. Beyond its spiritual value, he challenged Christians to acknowledge that music is a vocation that requires pay.

“My dear Christains, a quote/comversation can sound intelligent and deep yet untrue. Just like everyone else. You deserve the very best things life has to offer. You should be paid what you deserve. Studio session, production and promotion cost a lot. You have a family to feed, you have rent to pay.”

“You have more songs to put out. We should stop all these attack on people’s work. As much as it is spiritual, music is an art. If you can’t pay people, Use your choir members and pay the amount you could have given the guest artist. I doubt the second part.”

ALSO READ: Video of Apostle Femi Lazarus Chasing His Drummer off the Altar for Interrupting Him Goes Viral

The singer also questioned why musicians are frequently expected to provide their talents for free, pointing out that churches spend a lot of money on pastoral engagements, event promotion, and construction.

“This gaslighting has to stop, Gospel ministers want good things too, they are not beggars, the best of architects are called upon to build big church, large sum money disbursed for promoting big programs and all. No one should diminish another persons ministry, Ministry needs music and music needs ministry.”

“It takes at least 10years 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 None of these people saying these will fly economy and travel alone to save money for the ministry that invites to preach. All this was said in love.”