Pastor Femi Lazarus has responded to the ongoing debate over the financial expectations in gospel music by praising singer Timi Dakolo for his advocacy on behalf of gospel musicians.
The debate, which was sparked by Lazarus’ recent sermon, focused on the financial demands made by gospel artists for their performances.
Dakolo, a well-known advocate for fair compensation in the music industry, had strongly challenged Lazarus’ stance, calling for better treatment and remuneration for gospel musicians.
In an Instagram post on Monday, March 24, Pastor Lazarus shared a picture of himself with Dakolo and Pastor Emmanuel Iren.
He referred to Dakolo as a “music legend” and urged people to acknowledge his contributions, writing, “My brother #timidakolo 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.”
Lazarus acknowledged the validity of Dakolo’s concerns and highlighted the need for improvement in the gospel music space.
He assured both gospel event hosts and performers that they would work together to make necessary changes.
“Pain is real. From pulpit to the pew, the pain is real, but we will be fine. This generation will not have a carryover of pain. Better structures will be built. Hosts will do better. Guests will do better. We will have a better nation together,” he wrote.
The ongoing conversation stems from a recent sermon by Lazarus, where he questioned the financial demands of gospel artists for their performances.
Dakolo had responded strongly, particularly challenging Lazarus on his personal practice of charging fees for his school of ministry, especially after the pastor criticised an unnamed gospel artist’s performance fee.
In response to Dakolo’s comments, Lazarus clarified his position by making a distinction between “music ministers” and “music artists.”
He emphasised that genuine gospel ministers should not commercialise their calling for personal gain.
“Ministers charging for performances are in the business of music, not ministry,” he explained.
Lazarus suggested that such individuals should seek alternative sources of income unless they feel a divine calling to full-time ministry.
The pastor also expressed concern over the struggles of many gospel music ministers, admitting that churches often fail to offer sufficient support.
“We must do better. Pastors need to support their music ministers, many of whom are struggling due to a lack of resources and proper backing,” Lazarus concluded.
