Pastor Femi Lazarus and Timi Dakolo Settle Dispute Over Gospel Singers’ Performance Fees

Pastor Femi Lazarus And Timi Dakolo Settle Their Dispute

March 25, 2025 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

Pastor Femi Lazarus and Timi Dakolo Settle Dispute Over Gospel Singers’ Performance Fees

Pastor Femi Lazarus has put an end to his public disagreement with singer Timi Dakolo, marking a surprising turn in the heated debate over whether gospel singers should charge for church performances.

The controversy began when Pastor Lazarus, founder of Light Nation Church, took to social media to criticise gospel artists for demanding payment before ministering in churches. His remarks sparked a widespread online discussion, drawing mixed reactions from both religious and secular audiences.

In response, Timi Dakolo, a well-known R&B and gospel singer, defended the right of musicians to charge for their services, arguing that singing is not just a calling but also a profession. He further pointed out that Pastor Lazarus himself charges $150 for enrolment in his ministry school, questioning why gospel artists should be expected to perform for free while pastors earn from their ministries.

The debate quickly escalated, with social media users weighing in on both sides. However, in a dramatic shift, Pastor Femi Lazarus extended an olive branch on Monday, acknowledging Timi Dakolo’s stance and recognizing the need for better structures within the church to support both hosts and performers.

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In a heartfelt social media post, Lazarus praised Dakolo as a music legend and admitted that the concerns raised were valid. Accompanying his message was a photo of the two men together, symbolising reconciliation.

“My brother @timidakolo is a music legend. Give him his flowers. What a man! He genuinely carries the burdens of musicians. His concerns are real. I love you. Better structures will be built. Pain is real. From pulpit to the pew, the pain is real, but we will be fine. This generation will not have a carryover of pain. Hosts will do better. Guests will do better. We will have a better nation together,” Pastor Lazarus wrote.