“I Once Received Yams, Live Chickens As Payment For Performing”

Gospel singer and minister Tim Godfrey has responded to the ongoing debate surrounding the high performance fees demanded by some gospel artists.

The conversation first emerged in March when Femi Lazarus, lead pastor of Light Nation Church in Abuja, disclosed that a gospel artist had once requested N5 million to perform at a worship event, calling the demand “ruthless.”

“Many of the worship meetings in Nigeria have become performances. Somebody has charged N5 million to come here to sing. You will be amazed at the ruthlessness with which ministers charge,” the clergyman said.

During a recent worship program at The Place of Grace in Port Harcourt, Godfrey voiced his frustration, saying the criticism “made him so mad.”

He contended that it is “absolutely unfair” for people to expect artists to invest significant effort without receiving proper compensation.

The singer, who lives abroad, explained that the way artists are treated has made returning to Nigeria challenging.

Godfrey also recounted receiving yams and live chickens as payment for his performances, questioning how artists are expected to cover basic expenses like rent and school fees under such circumstances.

“Coming to Nigeria has become difficult because of how badly artistes are treated. The stories about why artistes charge or collect money got me so mad, and I asked, why are people so wicked? What sense does it make that people work so hard, yet you say they shouldn’t be paid?” he said.

“I’ve received tubers of yams 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.”

Earlier, singer Timi Dakolo stated that gospel artists should not be expected to perform without pay.

He further condemned churches that offer low compensation to local gospel artists yet are “ready to pay international performers much higher fees.”

Watch him speak below…