The debate between singer Timi Dakolo and Pastor Femi Lazarus of the Light Nation Church has intensified, with Dakolo accusing Lazarus of charging $150 for his ministry school. This controversy began when both figures expressed differing views on whether gospel artists should charge for performances at church events.
In a viral video, Pastor Lazarus criticized gospel musicians who seek payment, asserting that they should rely on God’s provision instead of prioritizing financial gain. He emphasized that gospel artists are ministers, not mere performers.
Contrarily, Dakolo defended the right of gospel artists to earn a living, arguing that financial obligations necessitate compensation for their work. He suggested that pastors should focus on developing their church choirs rather than expecting professional gospel musicians to perform for free.
In his follow-up statement, Dakolo clarified that while he is a Christian raised in the church, he does not identify as a gospel artist. He accused Lazarus of hypocrisy for charging students an enrollment fee for his ministry school, which he claims has around 1,000 registered students.
Dakolo shared a screenshot that allegedly reveals the school’s fee structure, criticizing Lazarus for profiting from what he described as a freely given gift. He concluded by urging the pastor not to shift the goalposts regarding the definitions of ministry and performance.
