A debate over what has been tagged ‘exorbitant charges’ demanded by Nigerian gospel musicians when asked to perform in churches has lingered for about a month.
In February, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome criticised gospel singers who left his church, stating that they began focusing on money, self-promotion, and performance fees instead of soul-winning and proper worship.
In a recent sermon, the Senior Pastor of Light Nation Church, Femi Lazarus, lamented the same and revealed that some gospel musicians charge as much as $10,000 (approximately N15 million) to minister in churches.
Projecting and reading from an alleged invoice he received from an undisclosed gospel minister, Pastor Lazarus read, “Honorarium is $10,000. Mode of payment: A non-refundable 50 per cent payment has to be made before we can have this event on our calendar. The balance of 50% must be made two days before the event.”
The Abuja-based pastor further disclosed that the musician’s document demanded…