Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has revealed why he rarely performs in Nigeria.
In a video making the rounds on Thursday, the 45-year-old told a congregation that he dislikes coming to Nigeria because of how poorly gospel artistes are treated.
“I don’t like coming to Nigeria. Coming to Nigeria became difficult because of how artists are being treated so badly.
“And I want to say it, all of those stories of why are they charging, why are they collecting money, why are they doing this, it got me so, so mad. I said, why are people wicked? What sense does it make that people work so hard and you are saying they should take… I have collected tubars of yam as honorarium. I have collected a full alive, living, breathing chicken as honorarium. And that is what I’m going to use to pay school fees, pay house rent, buy property, buy… No! That is so unfair! That is absolutely unfair!”
Tim Godfrey was reacting to criticism from social media users who condemned gospel artistes for charging to perform in churches and gospel events.
The ‘Nara’ crooner argued that performing gospel music is a full-time job and artistes deserve to be treated with respect.
The debate over gospel singers charging to minister resurfaced recently after Pastor Femi Lazarus of Light Nation Church claimed a gospel artiste demanded $10,000, first-class tickets and luxury accommodation to perform at his church.
His remarks divided opinions online. While some agreed that gospel ministry should not be commercialised, others insisted that artistes should be fairly compensated.
Singer Timi Dakolo also defended his colleagues, saying gospel singers spend heavily on production and band members and should not be expected to perform for free.
