US-based Nigerian gospel singer, Lara George, has criticized churches that fail to fairly compensate local gospel artists for their performances while paying large sums to foreign artists.
In a social media post, George condemned the disparity, questioning why Nigerian gospel musicians often perform for little or no payment, whereas international artists are offered substantial fees. She urged her followers to reflect on the issue, asking if their perception of foreign gospel artists would change if they knew some charged as much as $100,000 for church performances.
George also raised concerns about the wealth of some pastors, questioning whether their lavish lifestyles were funded by personal earnings from books and CDs or through tithes and offerings from congregants.
“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?” she wrote on Facebook.
She further criticized pastors who hesitate to pay local gospel artists but readily offer significant sums to foreign performers. “Would your view of the ‘pulpit person’ change?” she asked.
George also challenged the financial transparency of church leaders, questioning whether their ministries could survive without tithes and offerings.
“A Gospel artiste is indeed a professional. A professional artiste. Is there such a thing as a professional pastor?” she wrote, adding, “Dear ‘pastor’, what’s your source of livelihood exactly? If we stop the tithes and offerings, will that ministry also retire? I can’t stand either bullies or hypocrisy!”
Her remarks have sparked discussions on social media, with many weighing in on the treatment of gospel artists and financial practices within churches.