Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has fired back at Pastor Femi Lazarus after the Abuja-based cleric criticized gospel musicians who charge hefty fees to perform at church events. Dakolo accused the preacher of hypocrisy, revealing that Lazarus also charges fees for his School of Ministry, with participants paying up to $150 each.
Pastor Lazarus had earlier gone viral for condemning gospel artists demanding excessive fees, claiming one singer charged $10,000, requested a 40-man escort, first-class flights, and a luxury suite. The pastor argued that such charges contradict the essence of gospel ministry.
Responding via Instagram, Dakolo challenged him to name the artist in question, asserting that no gospel singer has a 40-man crew. He also questioned why the pastor, who preaches against selling the gospel, monetizes his own teachings.
“If charging to minister makes gospel artists performers, then charging to teach makes preachers merchants of hope and motivational speakers,” Dakolo wrote. “You even have premium and standard plans in God’s house?”
The debate has sparked reactions online, with many questioning whether gospel music should be free or if artists deserve compensation for their craft.
