Founder of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation) Pastor Tobi Adegboyega has described Afrobeat star Davido as a gospel artiste.
During an appearance on the Off The Record podcast which gained attention on Monday, Adegboyega explained that “gospel” means “good news,” and he believes Davido exemplifies this through his music.
“Gospel means good news. Everyone there is a gospel artiste. Davido is a gospel artiste. Have you heard: ‘Because I stand strong?'” the pastor said, referencing Davido’s hit song.
Adegboyega addressed criticism over his decision to feature secular musicians rather than traditional gospel artistes at his recent birthday celebration. The event featured performances from friends including Davido and Zlatan Ibile whom Adegboyega described as his “son.”
“What I had then was my friends—friends who are there through thick and thin,” Adegboyega explained. Davido told me: ‘I just want to be there and perform for one hour.’ They’re my friends. I didn’t pay any of them. They love me, and I will give my friends platforms.”
Adegboyega also criticised gospel artistes who have questioned his choices, suggesting they should focus on building relationships rather than passing judgment.
“If gospel artists aren’t my friends and are instead joining the bandwagon to criticize me by asking, ‘Is that a church?’ What should I do? Drag them with a rope?” he asked rhetorically.
The pastor emphasised his loyalty to his friends, saying they will always have a place at his events.
“Zlatan is like a son to me, his kids are my kids and his parents are in my house. So should I now say, ‘Well, because you are not gospel artistes, let me go and look for some gospel artistes who are criticising me and force them to sing?’” He said.
