A recent performance by Afrobeats artist Spyro during a church event has ignited a wave of controversies, raising questions about its alignment with Christian principles.
The singer, known for his hit song ‘Only Fine Girl’, rendered his popular track at The Harvesters International Christian Centre last Sunday, prompting divided opinions among observers.
While some voiced concerns over the song choice within the church context, others defended the event, citing it as a staged performance resembling a musical.
This led to a scrutiny of the church’s lead pastor, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, for permitting such a performance within the church premises.
A concerned individual, sharing the video, questioned its appropriateness: “Is this proper to sing in a church? I like Pastor B o but I don’t know what to say about this.”
In response, another commentator, Marvel Angulu, urged pastoral intervention: “I think the spiritual father or oversight of the pastor of this church needs to talk to them.”
However, in contrasting opinions, One user criticized the growing secular influence within churches: “Gradually, we are diluting the church with worldly songs. It doesn’t matter the title of the drama.”
Yet, another user defended the performance, providing context: “It was a stage play, more like a musical, and different people came to impress the King depicting King Herod in the Bible and how he was merciless, he took off Spyro’s head after this performance.”
Amid the ensuing backlash, Nollywood actor Daniel Etim Effiong clarified that the event featuring Spyro and other celebrities was not part of a regular Sunday service but a free-to-register musical stage play titled “#HarvestersNG Fantasia 2023: A Christmas Musical.”
Effiong emphasized, “IT WASN’T A SUNDAY SERVICE, IT WAS A (FREE TO REGISTER) MUSICAL STAGE PLAY!!!”
The event saw the presence of Spyro, alongside Nollywood figures like Sharon Ooja, Bisola Aiyeola, Uzor Azukwe, Dorathy Bachor, among others.
