Timi Dakolo has publicly criticized Pastor Femi Lazarus for charging $150 for his ministry school, especially since Lazarus has previously condemned gospel musicians for charging fees to perform at churches.
The artist emphasized that he is not a gospel artist, but a Christian raised in the church. He urged the pastor not to change the definition of gospel artists and preachers.
Dakolo pointed out that if charging for ministry makes one a performer, then charging for teaching and preaching should also categorize pastors as “merchants of hope.”
He highlighted the financial realities that gospel musicians face, including the investments required for studio sessions, production, and promotion.
The artist argued that music is both a spiritual pursuit and a professional one and that artists deserve fair compensation for their work.
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“All of this is said with love and respect, sir. I am not a gospel artist, but a Christian raised in the church. Let’s not shift the goalposts. By your definition, if anyone charges to minister, they are not gospel artists; they are performers.
“And by that definition, if any preacher charges to teach and minister, they are merchants of hope or motivational speakers and performers as well.
“Sir, you are charging as low as $150 per person for your school of ministry, teaching and preaching about Jesus.
“With possibly as many as 1,000 students, let’s do the math. You even have premium and standard options for your church. Are you not selling the gifts and revelations that were freely given to you?
“Once again, let’s not keep shifting the goalposts.”
Dakolo also questioned the expectation that musicians should perform for free while churches are willing to spend on architecture and event promotions.
Ultimately, Dakolo called for greater respect and recognition for the efforts and contributions of gospel artists, urging society to support them rather than criticize their need to charge for their services.
