Nigerian gospel singer Lara George has weighed in on the controversy surrounding payment for gospel singers’ performances at churches and Christian events. Her comments come after Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy stated that some gospel singers had left his church because they began charging fees for their performances.
Lara George argued that gospel singers are professionals who deserve to be paid for their services. She questioned why people would find it acceptable for non-Nigerian gospel artists to charge high fees for their performances but frown upon Nigerian artists doing the same.
The singer also challenged pastors who criticize Nigerian gospel singers for charging fees, asking them to disclose their own sources of livelihood. She wondered if the lavish lifestyles of some pastors are funded by the sale of their tapes and CDs or by tithes and offerings from their congregations.
Lara George’s comments have sparked a lively debate, with some people agreeing that gospel singers deserve to be paid for their services, while others argue that they should perform for free as a way of serving God.
In her post, Lara George wrote: “If you found out that your favorite non-Naija Gospel artiste 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?”
She also asked: “Have you ever asked whether it is the ‘pulpit-person’s’ tapes and CDs that are affording them the lavish lifestyles they live with private jets here and there? Or is that lifestyle from tithes and offerings????”
Lara George’s comments have added fuel to the ongoing debate about whether gospel singers should be paid for their performances. While some people see it as a matter of fairness and professionalism, others believe that gospel music should be performed solely for the purpose of serving God.
see some comments and post below
Djgosporella wrote: “This same question I have asked, ‘IS PASTORING A PROFESSION?'”
Ademefunadelayo said: “How is Pastor Chris a bully? I hope you know he has invested in many of these gospel artists too.”
_Kingthorba reacted: “Gospel Artiste come with instrumentalist , backups , they rehearse at studios etc .. all these require money . I do not understand why you won’t pay them for coming on your stage.”
