Award-winning gospel singer Tim Godfrey has expressed deep frustration over how Nigerian churches treat gospel artistes, revealing that he was once paid with tubers of yam and live chickens after performing at a religious event.
Speaking during a recent worship programme at The Place of Grace in Port Harcourt, the “Nara” crooner described the lack of fair compensation for artistes in churches as “wicked and absolutely unfair.”
His comments come amid growing debate over performance fees in gospel music, following claims by Femi Lazarus, lead pastor of the Light Nation Church, that a gospel artiste once demanded ₦5 million to perform at a worship event — a statement that sparked nationwide discussion earlier this year.
Tim Godfrey, who now resides abroad, said he found such criticisms hypocritical, arguing that churches often overlook the effort, cost, and time that go into preparing for performances.
“Coming to Nigeria has become difficult because of how badly artistes are treated,” he said.
“I’ve received tubers of yam and live chickens as honorarium. Is that what I’m supposed to use to pay rent, school fees, or buy property? It’s so unfair, absolutely unfair.”
The singer, known for his energetic performances and hit collaborations with international acts, said the narrative that gospel musicians should perform for free ignores the realities of their craft.
“What sense does it make that people work so hard, yet you say they shouldn’t be paid? Why are people so wicked?” he added.
His comments echo earlier sentiments by fellow gospel artiste Timi Dakolo, who criticised churches for underpaying local singers while “willing to pay international acts far more.”
The debate over performance fees has continued to polarise Nigeria’s faith community — with some arguing that ministry should not be commercialised, while others maintain that gospel artistes deserve professional respect and compensation for their work.
