- Ali Baba shares three poignant stories of church musicians facing hardship to underline the challenges they encounter while serving in local parishes
- Pastor Femi Lazarus stirs controversy by criticising gospel singers for charging performance fees, insisting that ministry should not be a money-making venture
- Timi Dakolo counters Lazarus, defending gospel artists by highlighting the professional and financial demands of their craft that justify payment
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The feud between Pastor Femi Lazarus and Timi Dakolo has gained traction, and Nigerian comedian Ali Baba has stepped into the fray.
Pastor Lazarus, leader of Light Nation Church, kicked off the debate by condemning gospel singers who demand payment for church performances.
Ali Baba, Pastor Femi Lazarus and Timi Dakolo discussing gospel singers. Photo Credit: @alibabagcfrSource: Instagram
In a widely circulated video, he recounted an instance where a singer requested N5 million. He argued that genuine ministers should rely on divine provision rather than turning worship into a business. Timi Dakolo, a celebrated Nigerian artist, didn’t hold back in his response.
He argued that gospel music, while a calling, is also a profession requiring significant investment—studio sessions, production costs, and promotion isn’t cheap. Dakolo stressed that these artists have responsibilities like feeding their families, urging pastors to stop guilt-tripping them and either pay for their services or stick to church choirs.
Ali Baba’s take on churches and gospel artists
Ali Baba brought a raw, relatable twist to the saga with his Instagram post on March 21, 2025. He shared three real-life stories of church musicians to illustrate their struggles. Gbenga, a keyboardist, sought accommodation help from his church after shuttling between the mainland and Victoria Island for services, only to find his belongings dumped outside after months of waiting.
Eze, a skilled bassist, endured suspensions for gigging with a “secular” jazz band, eventually quitting the church after his deaconess aunt warned of a final ban. Sammie’s tale ends with his death, though details are scarce, leaving a sombre note.
Ali Baba’s caption framed these as examples of talent stifled by unpaid labour, unpaid bills, and what he termed “well-manicured blackmail” from church leaders. He pointed out the irony: musicians who leave parishes to chase their dreams often return as paid stars, invited by the same churches that once ignored their pleas.
His Instagram caption ended with,
“In the end, the ones that stayed in the local parishes, see the ones that launched out on their own apursued the gospel ministration, became popular, accepted, paid, & invited, by the same parish that refused to even give them tokens of particles from tithes, to ease, their tight corner”
See the post here
Reactions to Ali Baba’s views about gospel singers
@uchennaji said;
“If only I can share my story as to why I walked out almost 2decades ago after serving at a prominent-elite RCCG church in VI. Maybe someday …🚶🏾🚶🏾🚶🏾”
@holy_ake said;
“Where is the lie? You invite foreigners and pay them, why not show love to those that are dedicated in your church doing the work”
@minjoechristian said;
“I went through this exact experience.”
@ola_bass said;
“Thissss!!!!!! If the so called body of Christ/Pastors dey do Artistes/Musicians/Choir well, they wouldn’t have to put a price tag on their talents. Emphasis: Treat your Musicians well 🙏🙏🙏🙏”
@loladefacetalk said;
“I saw something similar first hand, I just told myself, my dear get up and go and make some money. No one will rate you if you don’t polish yourself and add some value. I mean premium value.”
Ali Baba shades popular musician over lavish lifestyle
Recall legit.ng reported how Ali Baba threw subtle jabs at a popular musician.
Ali Baba weighs in on the gospel singers vs. pastors debate involving Pastor Femi Lazarus and Timi Dakolo. Photo Credit: @alibabagcfrSource: Instagram
He narrated how a famous artist dropped N1.5 billion on a Maybach and bling during an overseas shopping spree.
Ali Baba contrasted the lavish spending with the everyday struggles of Nigerians, raising eyebrows about priorities.
Source: TheTalk.NG
