The recent exchange between Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo and Apostle Femi Lazarus has garnered significant public attention. The controversy began when Apostle Lazarus criticized gospel musicians for charging fees to perform in churches, suggesting that such practices commercialize spiritual ministry.
In response, Timi Dakolo defended the artists, asserting their right to earn a livelihood from their craft and highlighting the financial obligations they face.
Dakolo further pointed out that Apostle Lazarus charges $150 for enrollment in his ministry school, questioning the consistency of the pastor’s stance on monetizing religious services. This led to widespread discussions on social media about the ethics of charging for religious services.
In an attempt to reconcile, Apostle Lazarus acknowledged Dakolo’s concerns, referred to him as a “music legend,” and shared a photo of them together, indicating a desire to move past the disagreement.
However, shortly after this conciliatory gesture, Dakolo posted a cryptic video depicting two boys by the sea, where one boy throws a stone into the water, and the other throws a stone at the first boy.
Many interpreted this as a subtle jab at Apostle Lazarus, suggesting that despite the pastor’s efforts to make peace, Dakolo might still harbor some discontent. This video sparked mixed reactions online, with some criticizing Dakolo for being “childish” and others finding humor in the situation.
The incident has ignited broader conversations about the commercialization of religious services and the expectations placed on gospel artists and ministers.
