Popular Nigerian singer, Timi Dakolo, has tackled the lead pastor of Light Nation Church in Abuja, Femi Lazarus for criticising gospel musicians who charge to perform in the church.
The pastor claimed that a gospel singer charged $10,000 to perform at a church event.
NEWSUNPLUG recalls that pastor Lazarus while addressing his congregation in a viral video on social media, condemned the high fees charged by some gospel artistes in Nigeria, stating that such demands are excessive and unjustified.
The pastor shared a purported invoice from the singer which includie demands for 40-man escort, first class flight, and executive suite accommodation.
Responding, Timi Dakolo dared him to call the name of the person, arguing that no singer has 40 crew members.
Dakolo in another post on his Instagram page, called out pastor Lazarus for also charging to teach people at his school of ministry, and accused him of selling the gospel.
“All this was said in love and with respect sir. I’m not a gospel artiste but a Christian raised in church. Let’s not shift the goal post.
“By your definition, if anyone charges to minister, they are not Gospel artistes, they performers. And by that definition, if any preacher charges to teach and minister, they are merchants of hope and motivational speakers and performers too.
“Sir, you are charging as low as 150 dollars per person for your school of ministry. Teaching and preaching Jesus. Probably having as many as 1000 students. Let’s do the math. You even have a premium and standard for God’s house?
“Are you not also selling the Gift and revelation freely given to you? Again let’s not keep shifting the goal post”.