₦airaland Forum

Popular Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter Tim Godfrey has spoken out in defence of gospel artists who charge fees for performances, insisting that ministry deserves value just like any other professional field.

In a recent post shared on his official social media pages, the “Nara” crooner expressed disappointment at the mindset that gospel musicians should perform for free simply because their work is spiritually driven.

“It’s wrong for people to assume that gospel artists shouldn’t be paid,” he wrote. “Being in ministry doesn’t mean you should work without fair compensation.” Eyes of Lagos reports,

“I Was Once Paid with Yams and a Live Chicken” – Tim Godfrey Recalls Early Struggles

Reflecting on his early years in gospel music, Tim Godfrey shared that he often performed at church events where he was compensated with food items instead of money.

“There were times I finished performing, and they would hand me a few tubers of yam or even a live chicken,” he revealed. “It was humiliating but defining. Those moments taught me the importance of valuing my craft.”

According to him, while he understands that ministry is service, times have changed, and it’s only fair that gospel artists are treated as professionals who invest time, skill, and resources into their work.
“Charging Fees Doesn’t Make Artists Less Spiritual”

Tim Godfrey firmly rejected the notion that gospel singers who charge for performances are “money-driven.”

“Charging a fee doesn’t make you unspiritual,” he said. “We invest a lot — from rehearsals, travel expenses, equipment, and production — and all these require funding. It’s about balance, not greed.”

He questioned why churches and fans are quick to criticise gospel artists for demanding payment, yet they gladly pay secular performers far higher fees for similar events.
A Call for Professionalism in the Gospel Industry

The award-winning gospel star emphasized that the church must learn to balance ministry and professionalism, especially as the gospel industry continues to grow globally.

He urged pastors, event organizers, and music directors to recognize gospel singers as both ministers and creative professionals deserving of honour and fair pay.

“Honouring gospel artists financially isn’t just about rewarding their talent,” he said. “It’s an investment in the future of Christian music in Nigeria and beyond.”

Tim Godfrey’s Lasting Message: Value the Work, Not Just the Worship

Tim Godfrey concluded his message by reminding Christians that valuing gospel artists financially helps sustain their ministries and encourages excellence within the community of faith-based musicians.

“Excellence requires investment,” he added. “If we want gospel music to thrive, we must support those who create it — both spiritually and financially.”

voiceoftheupcom:
https://eyesoflagos.com/tim-godfrey-says-gospel-artists-deserve-to-be-paid-for-their-work/

realmarkanthony:
Well he may be right though and before anyone goes on to bash him, ask yourself when you are shouting and dancing in church on sundays and when you have the likes of big artists dropping songs for you that you love, those were not gotten through THANK YOU FOR COMING STATEMENTS.. a lot is being paid for behind the scenes so don’t come and say oh he should do it for free, studio sessions are not free, producers are not free, backups are not free, instruments in your church were not gotten for free from the sellers

epainos:
Monetizing the gospel of Chriat is wrong.

Christ Oyakhilome started paying them heavy fee cos he thought he was encouraging, not knowing that he was making them businessmen of the gospel. Lol. It was too late before he realised it.

As a musician, if his talent is only making music, he can find other ways to monetize his gift like teaching, recording, or even use digital means. So, does it mean that all the money he has been making on digital platforms isn't enough for him that he wants to collect money while ministering on God's altars? He wants to collect money while the pastor preaching should give it out freely? So, why do they buses the word "ministering" when they still want to collect money?

Well, I think he doesn't really know Christ. You can know Christ and charge money while ministering for Him. It is not possible.

Northernblood8:
He is an idiot. Jesus never charged anyone to minister

Iamzik:
The pastors also charge to preach so musicians quickly learnt from them

Northernblood8:
He is an idiot. Jesus never charged anyone to minister

Iamzik:
The pastors also charge to preach so musicians quickly learnt from them

realmarkanthony:
Well he may be right though and before anyone goes on to bash him, ask yourself when you are shouting and dancing in church on sundays and when you have the likes of big artists dropping songs for you that you love, those were not gotten through THANK YOU FOR COMING STATEMENTS.. a lot is being paid for behind the scenes so don’t come and say oh he should do it for free, studio sessions are not free, producers are not free, backups are not free, instruments in your church were not gotten for free from the sellers

MadamExcellency:
What will the Church pay Evangelists and Soul winners? Prayer warriors closed shops for days to pray for the success of the music ministration before artists play, how much is their share because the aim is spiritual and not canal exaltation.