Timi Dakolo Responds to Femi Lazarus’ Charges on Gospel Artists

Timi Dakolo Defends Gospel Artists Amid Femi Lazarus Claims

​The recent exchange between Pastor Femi Lazarus and singer Timi Dakolo has sparked a broader conversation about the commercialization of gospel music and the financial dynamics within church ministries.​

Pastor Femi Lazarus, leading the Light Nation Church in Abuja, criticized the high fees some gospel artists charge for church performances, sharing an instance where an artist demanded ₦5 million. He expressed concern that worship meetings are becoming performances, highlighting the ruthlessness with which ministers charge.

In response, Timi Dakolo defended gospel musicians, emphasizing that music, while spiritual, is also an art that requires significant investment in production and promotion. He argued that artists deserve fair compensation for their work and highlighted the disparity in how churches compensate local artists compared to international acts. Dakolo also pointed out that churches often invest heavily in infrastructure and events, questioning why musicians are expected to offer their services for free.