Nigerian singer, Tim Godfrey, has reacted to the controversy over the high performance fees charged by some gospel artistes.
Naijaonpoint recalls that earlier in 2024, the lead pastor of the Light Nation Church in Abuja, Femi Lazarus, revealed that a gospel artiste once demanded ₦5 million to perform at a worship event, describing the act as ruthlessness.
He said, “Many of the worship meetings in Nigeria have become performances. Somebody has charged N5 million to come here to sing. You will be amazed at the ruthlessness with which ministers charge.”
Singer Timi Dakolo argued that gospel artistes should not be expected to perform for free, criticising churches that underpay local gospel singers.
However, during a recent worship programme at The Place of Grace in Port Harcourt, Godfrey expressed his frustration, stating that the criticism made him so mad.
The singer, who resides abroad, explained that the treatment of artistes has made returning to Nigeria difficult, adding that it is absolutely unfair to expect artistes to put in immense effort without fair pay.
Godfrey also recalled being given yam tubers and live chickens as an honorarium, questioning how artistes are expected to meet basic needs like rent and school fees under such conditions.
He said, “Coming to Nigeria has become difficult because of how badly artistes are treated. The stories about why artistes charge or collect money got me so mad, and I asked, why are people so wicked? What sense does it make that people work so hard, yet you say they shouldn’t be paid?
“I’ve received tubers of yams and live chickens as honorarium. Is that what I’m supposed to use to pay rent, school fees, or buy property? It’s so unfair, absolutely unfair.”
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