Gospel star Tim Godfrey has opened up about the poor treatment of gospel artistes in Nigeria, recalling how he was once paid with tubers of yams and live chickens for performing.
Speaking during a recent worship programme at The Place of Grace in Port Harcourt, Godfrey expressed frustration over the backlash against gospel singers who charge for performances, describing the criticism as “so unfair.”
“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.”
Godfrey’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the high-performance fees charged by gospel artistes.
The controversy began after Pastor Femi Lazarus of the Light Nation Church, Abuja, revealed in March that a gospel artiste once demanded N5 million to perform at a worship event, calling it “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.
Reacting to such criticisms, Godfrey insisted that gospel artistes invest heavily in their craft and deserve fair compensation for their work.
Singer Timi Dakolo had also weighed in on the matter, saying gospel artistes should not be expected to perform for free and criticising churches that underpay local performers while paying international acts more.
