Tim Godfrey has addressed the controversy over the high-performance fees charged by some gospel artistes.
The discussion first gained attention in March after Femi Lazarus, lead pastor of the Light Nation Church in Abuja, revealed that a gospel artiste once demanded N5 million to perform at a worship event, describing the act as “ruthlessness”.
“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,” the clergyman said.
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”.
He argued that it is “absolutely unfair” for people to expect artistes to dedicate immense effort without fair pay.
The singer, who resides abroad, explained that the treatment of artistes has made returning to Nigeria difficult.
Godfrey also recalled being paid with tubers of yams and live chickens as honorarium, questioning how artistes are expected to meet basic needs like rent and school fees under such conditions.
“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?” he said.
“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.”
Singer Timi Dakolo had earlier argued that gospel artistes should not be expected to perform for free.
He also criticised churches that underpay local gospel singers while being “willing to pay international acts far more”.
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