Several gospel artists, including Mike Abdul and Esther Igbekele, have reacted to the viral comments made by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the founder of LoveWorld (Christ Embassy).
In a recent statement, Oyakhilome criticized many gospel musicians for prioritizing fame and financial success over serving God.
He claimed that some artists had turned their worship into entertainment, making church services more about personal gain than spiritual connection. He also mentioned that some musicians were more focused on performances than on prayer, commercializing their gifts.
He remarked, “The church has become a party place rather than a prayer place where God’s word is celebrated. They are not soul winners; they lead praise in church, but when it’s time for prayer, they disappear. The music has become worldly. It’s more about celebrating themselves than God.” He further stated that many gospel artists had started charging fees for their performances, becoming professionals who profit from the church.
In response, gospel singer Mike Abdul, popularly known as Mike Abdul, expressed that he appreciated the ongoing conversation, believing it could inspire gospel artists to reflect on their practices.
He shared, “I think it’s just human behavior. There will always be extremes where people are more lured by money than the mission. The church has been gracious enough to support gospel music. So when such extremes arise, it’s on us to address them. It’s a good reminder for us to stay true to our purpose. This conversation helps us evaluate and do what is right. We need structures that balance money and sustainability in what we do.”
On the other hand, renowned gospel singer Esther Igbekele responded to the criticism by asserting that gospel musicians shouldn’t have to remain poor simply because they chose to serve God through music.
She said, “Choosing gospel music is about serving God, but that doesn’t mean you should live in poverty. If you’re truly worshiping the Lord, He will bless you. Right now, I’m traveling from Lagos to Akure, and it’s no small task. I work with a team of people who have families, bills, and responsibilities. If you’re not compensating them, they won’t follow you. Worshiping God doesn’t mean being destitute.”
She continued, “I don’t agree with arguments that claim worship has become a party, but there are two sides to every story. People think differently. For me, if you’re doing God’s work, people should bless you. I also believe that some people go to church not just for deep worship, but for uplifting their spirits and temporarily escaping their struggles, especially in a world where many are dealing with depression.”
Both singers highlighted the importance of balancing spirituality with practicality while addressing the growing concerns around the commercialization of gospel music.
