Artistes react to Pastor Chris remark on gospel singers
Some gospel singers, including Mike Abdul and Esther Igbekele, have responded to the viral remarks made by the founder of LoveWorld, also known as Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, who stated that many gospel musicians were more focused on personal fame and financial gain than on serving God. He claimed that their approach to worship had become worldly, turning church services into entertainment rather than spiritual gatherings. He also criticised some musicians for prioritising performances over prayers and commercialising their talent.
He said, “The church was turned into a party place, not a prayer place where God’s word was truly celebrated. They were not soul winners; they led praise in church, and when it was time for prayers, they were gone. The music became worldly. They danced for themselves and celebrated themselves—not God.”
He added that many of the artists began charging fees for their performances and became professionals making money from the church.
Reacting to the viral video by Oyakhilome, singer, Michael Abdul, popularly known as Mike Abdul, stated that he liked the ongoing conversation because it would help gospel singers to do what is right.
He said, “I think it is just human behaviour. There will always be extremes where people will be more lured by the money than the work. I think the church has been gracious enough to stretch a hand of honour and fellowship to the music of the gospel.
“So, I think when such extremes come, it depends on us to address them. It’s a good call actually, I won’t lie to you, so that we watch it and do what is right. People are engaging in the conversations and it is a way of reminding us to watch it and do what is right. We need to be able to draw structures that will attend to the issue of money and the sustainability of what we do.”
However, a top female gospel singer, Esther Igbekele, stated that gospel singers should not remain in poverty because they chose the genre.
“Well, they both align together because choosing gospel music is somehow giving out to the Lord a mandate because there are other businesses. So it doesn’t mean you should be wretched. If you are worshipping the Lord, the Lord himself will bless you. As I’m talking to you, I’m on my way to a programme from Lagos to Akure (Ondo State). You know what it entails to move from point A to B and I am working with grown-up people. They have families, they have bills to pay, and they have things to sort out. If you are not paying them, they will not follow you. So you won’t say because you are giving your life to God, you want to be worshipping God and you remain in penury.
“I am not in party to that kind of arguments. But you know, there are two sides to a coin, so people think differently. But for me, if God is really giving you the courage to do his work, people should bless your life.
“I wouldn’t say some churches have turned worship into a party. The truth is, many people in the world today are struggling with depression. They feel down and need something to lift their spirits. That’s why some people go to church—not necessarily for deep worship, but just to feel happy and forget their problems for a while.”
