Lead pastor of Light Nation Church in Abuja, Femi Lazarus, has extended an olive branch to singer Timi Dakolo after their heated exchange over gospel singers charging high fees to perform in churches.
Pastor Lazarus and Dakolo clashed on social media after the cleric criticised gospel artistes for demanding large payments to minister at church events.
In response, Dakolo questioned why the pastor charged fees for his school of ministry while condemning gospel musicians for doing the same.
Pastor Lazarus defended his stance, stating that his school of ministry operates as an educational institution, making the charges necessary.
Dakolo, on the other hand, argued that gospel musicians also have financial obligations and should be compensated for their work.
Before their reconciliation, the ‘Great Nation’ singer had dismissed Lazarus’ claims that gospel artistes charge $10,000 to minister at church events.
During a recent sermon, the pastor displayed what he claimed was an invoice from a gospel artiste, stating that the singer required a $10,000 honorarium with a non-refundable 50% deposit, a first-class flight ticket and accommodations in an executive suite.
The invoice also allegedly specified that the artist would be accompanied by a 40-person entourage, with their expenses covered by the church.
Criticizing the demands, Lazarus said, “Those who know God know He’s not with ministers like this. Many charlatans don’t bill big pastors; they use them for endorsements. You can’t demand such things without growing.”
Reacting on Instagram, Dakolo dismissed the invoice as fake and urged Nigerians to be discerning.
“Nigerians, you should not believe everything you see. Nobody has a 40-man crew in Nigeria. Name the artist in order to justify capping,” he wrote, adding a laughing emoji.
This is not the first time Dakolo has opposed Lazarus’ views on gospel artists charging for performances.
In March, the singer expressed frustration over the ongoing debate, insisting that gospel musicians should not be expected to minister for free.
However, in a reconciliatory move on Monday evening, Pastor Lazarus shared a photo of himself with Dakolo and Pastor Emmanuel Iren on Instagram, acknowledging Dakolo’s concerns and calling for better structures in the industry.
“My brother Timi Dakolo is a music legend, give him his flowers. What a man! He genuinely carries the burdens of musicians.
“His concerns are real. I love you. Better structures will be built. Pain is real. From pulpits to the pew, the pain is real, but we will be fine.
“This generation will not have carryover of pain. Hosts will do better. Guests will do better. We will have a better nation together.”
Timi Dakolo is yet to respond.
