Timi Dakolo: ‘Churches Underpay Local Gospel Musicians, Pay Foreign Artists in Dollars’

In what seems like a reply to Pastor Femi Lazarus’ viral video, Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has sparked a conversation about the treatment of local gospel musicians, criticizing churches for underpaying them while spending lavishly on foreign artists.

In a recent post on social media, Dakolo stated, “I am not a gospel musician. I am a Christian that does music.” He went on to highlight how many church choir members struggle financially, despite dedicating their time and talent to music ministry.

“Singing your heart out and trekking home… Yet you invite foreign artists, pay them in dollars, fly them and their crew down, and put them in the best hotels,” Dakolo lamented. He pointed out that many choir members can barely afford proper uniforms or a decent place to stay.

He also criticized the mentality of undervaluing local talent, stating, “If you invite Don Moen, you can’t even think of giving him ₦5 million, but you treat our own musicians small.”

Dakolo emphasized that gospel music is not just spiritual but also an art form that requires years of dedication and training. He urged churches to recognize the value of local musicians and pay them fairly for their work.

His comments have sparked mixed reactions, with some agreeing that churches need to do better, while others argue that ministry should not be about money.

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What do you think? Should churches pay local gospel musicians more? Let us know in the comment section 👇

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