Music critic slams Gospel singers pursuing wealth, fame

A Nigerian music critic and gospel music promotor has criticized many gospel singers in the country, accusing them of singing for wealth, not God.

Rev. Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel said that many gospel and Christian singers entered the music scene claiming that they are singing for the Lord, when actually they have ulterior motives such as the desire to earn money or gain fame.

Funmilade-Joel, who is also known as Baba Sekunderin, said that these so-called gospel singers are not inspired by the Holy Spirit, which makes them "mere" entertainers and lead believers into sin rather than repentance. He called them "pretenders, subverting other people's destinies".

Though he acknowledged the need for money, he said "that one should not allow [it], fame and worldly things [to] derail one's focus, mission and vision."

"If you stick to God and run away from sins and unrighteousness, money will come naturally, through divine prosperity," the reverend said.

Funmilade-Joel added that if gospel singers do not possess the Holy Spirit, they would not have the spiritual burden to "win souls for Christ", as well as the power to work wonders and miracles.

According to the prophet, gospel music is all about God and His Kingdom. He encouraged listeners to boldly enter into God's presense of grace, while lamenting that Christian songs had become diluted and 'nuisance - music' when some gospel singers just inject the name of Jesus into a song and claim the song to be gospel music.

Aside from singing praises, music artists should live out Biblcal teachings and be an example of Jesus Christ to the world.