Tope Alabi Weighs In On Controversy Over Gospel Singers Charging Churches

Renowned Nigerian gospel singer Tope Alabi has added her voice to the ongoing debate about gospel artists charging fees for performances at churches.

In a recent online interview, the indigenous gospel artist shared that she initially performed without requesting payment. However, over time, she realized that this approach negatively impacted her music group. According to her, many of her band members left because they were not receiving financial incentives after each performance.

Recounting her experience, Tope Alabi revealed an instance where she and her 11-member backup crew were collectively paid just N20,000 for a performance. This, she said, opened her eyes to the reality that many organizations fail to appreciate established gospel singers adequately. She emphasized the importance of discussing financial terms before accepting invitations to minister.

Her comments come amid heated discussions sparked by differing views from Timi Dakolo and Apostle Femi Lazarus on the subject of gospel singers charging for their services.

Apostle Femi Lazarus, the lead pastor of Light Nation Church, recently criticized gospel artists who charge fees to perform in churches. In a widely circulated video, he argued that gospel singers should recognize their role as ministers of the gospel and trust God for their financial provisions rather than focusing on monetary gains.

In response, Timi Dakolo pushed back against such criticisms, accusing certain clerics of gaslighting gospel artists. Dakolo insisted that gospel singers deserve a comfortable life and should not be shamed for charging fees, highlighting the expenses they incur to sustain their careers. He further suggested that churches unable to afford renowned gospel artists should invest in training their own choir members for such roles.

As the debate continues, Tope Alabi’s perspective sheds light on the challenges faced by gospel musicians and the need for a balanced approach to ministry and financial sustainability.

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See some comments below:

@basilc_c:”Its ok to inform a church to take care of your logistics, but charging for profit is like a pastor charging to minister. God has a way of providing for his own.”

@espiritu_hombre:”I think there should be balance in this very topic, the music ministry is a very heavy part of the church,reason why most church will invest heavily on that department, the same logic that stands for selling the bible or any spiritual books and materials is the same logic that stands for paying musicians, I just think we have not seprated the offices ,we should call them christian entertainers rather than worshipers . A worshipper that chooses music as a means of livelihood should carve out a business out of their craft rather than charge churches, e.g musical instruments and gadgets for rentals and studios for making music. So we are clear what this person does rather than lean on their gifts for profit.”

@basilc_c:”Its ok to inform a church to take care of your logistics, but charging for profit is like a pastor charging to minister. God has a way of providing for his own.”

@honeyk7777:”That is is. God bless u ma. Churches always take advantage of the artists.”

@laytosh:”No need to invite anyone let use our choirs,the 5m they will oay for 10mins can sponsor 30 children to school in the church for a term.”