US-based Nigerian gospel singer Lara George has weighed in on the ongoing debate about whether Nigerian gospel artists should be paid for performing in churches and Christian events. Addressing the backlash against gospel artists who charge for performances, Lara compared them to secular musicians who earn millions.
She questioned why people would view secular musicians differently if they led praise and worship, asking:
“If you found out that your favorite non-Naija gospel artist charges $100k USD to sing songs of praise and worship, would they appear less spiritual to you because they do so? Or did you all think that they sing for free?”
Lara highlighted what she sees as hypocrisy, pointing out that some Nigerian churches willingly pay huge sums to foreign gospel artists but hesitate when it comes to Nigerian singers.
“If you discovered that many of your favorite ‘pulpit persons,’ who act as though paying Naija artists is unthinkable, actually pay non-Naija artists those so-called ‘high sums of money,’ would your view of the ‘pulpit person’ change?”
The singer also took a jab at some pastors who live extravagant lifestyles, asking where their money truly comes from.
“Have you ever asked whether it is the ‘pulpit-person’s’ tapes and CDs that afford them lavish lifestyles with private jets here and there? Or is that lifestyle funded by tithes and offerings?” she wrote.
Lara then posed a bold question: “A gospel artist is a professional. A professional artist. Is there such a thing as a professional pastor?
Dear ‘pastor,’ what’s your source of livelihood exactly? If we stop tithes and offerings, will that ministry also retire? I can’t stand either bullies or hypocrisy!”
Her comments come after Pastor Chris Oyakhilome revealed that some well-known gospel artists left Christ Embassy because they began demanding payment for performances, turning professional and earning from the church.
Lara’s statement sparked mixed reactions:
- @djgosporella: “This same question I have asked – IS PASTORING A PROFESSION?”
- @ademefunadelayo: “How is Pastor Chris a bully? I hope you know he has invested in many of these gospel artists too.”
- @_kingthorba: “Gospel artists come with instrumentalists, backups, and rehearse in studios—these all cost money. Why shouldn’t they be paid?”
- @Favour: “Lara George, for you to say this, your level of spirituality needs to be questioned. You think Pastor Chris would be poor if he weren’t a pastor? Do better next time.”
