Solomon Buchi Weighs In On Gospel Music Commercialization Saga

Social commentator Solomon Buchi has shared his perspective on the ongoing discussion surrounding the commercialization of gospel music in Nigeria, a debate that has recently sparked controversy within the Christian community.

His remarks follow a dispute ignited by Pastor Femi Lazarus, who criticized gospel artists for charging performance fees. In response, well-known gospel singer Timi Dakolo defended the practice, emphasizing the financial commitments musicians make—such as studio production, marketing, and distribution. Dakolo also questioned why churches readily invest in areas like infrastructure and clergy salaries but often expect musicians to perform for free.

Adding to the discourse, Buchi expressed the view that gospel music should be seen either as a service or a business rather than strictly a ministry. He encouraged artists to explore multiple revenue streams, such as working as session musicians or songwriters, rather than relying solely on performance fees.

His stance has drawn mixed reactions, with some Nigerians supporting his argument while others insist that gospel music remains a spiritual calling rather than a commercial venture.

See the post here;

He went on to suggest the gospel can continue without his music. In his words,

“Church numbers would drop if we yanked off ‘good music’ from most modern Pentecostal churches; take off the guitars, pianos, drums and strip it down to just a worship leader and a congregational choir. We have made an idol of music, thus, making music ministry an essential disaster.”

“It’s easy to agree that gospel music ministry is hugely compromised. They compete for awards “best worship song of the year”; they chase Spotify and Apple streams and end up copying world sounds and trends to produce marketable songs solely for profit, and they charge for their ministrations.”

See some comments below:

@oadefisayo;”Cool! There were music ministers in the Bible though. Asaph was one.”

“Why should a Pastor leave his church choristers to go hire someone else and expect free services? Use your choristers. Appreciate the ones you have. We so much love to import. The moment you’re requesting for the services of a hired person, then don’t complain of the fee”

@bjroyale;”This post needs to be archived. This is a clear opinion from the Bible and not man’s opinion. I remember Pastor Chris Oyakhilome said this year’s back. It’s indeed a wake up call for Christians. We do not commercialize the gospel. Thanks for this brother. The challenge, as rightly noted, is when we started commercializing music”

@FojoBass;”This conversation is a very nuanced one, and you can’t just say one party is wrong the other is right. Your conclusion that music ministry is similar to other unitsin church is erroneous.”

@BinalayefaG;”If the churches don’t patronize them we won’t have all these issues. It is like a lion being feed and now wants to eat up his owner. Churches will still invite and pay huge amount and still come to complain. So to me there’s nothing to talk about concerning this issue.”

@emediong_eric;”This isn’t a controversial take like you said. It’s the plain truth and it only seems controversial because the “lie” became the norm.”

@Ajiboyeadeola3;”See Wetin our gospel musicians don cause 🤣”

@oge_hub;”True, music has become an idol among the Pentecostal.”