4 hours ago
1
Controversial UK-based Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega, founder of the defunct SPAC Nation church, has sparked conversations after referring to Afrobeats star David Adeleke, aka Davido, as a gospel musician.
On Sunday, during an interview on Off The Record podcast, the cleric, known for his flamboyant lifestyle, addressed criticism over his decision to feature secular musicians, including Davido and Zlatan, to perform at his recent birthday celebration rather than gospel artists.
“ if the gospel means good news. Everyone there is a gospel artist. Davido is a gospel artiste. Have you heard: ‘Because I Stand Strong, this is my devotion ?’” Mr Adegboyega said, referencing one of Davido’s hit songs titled Stand Strong ft Sunday Service Choir.
He explained, “What I had then was my friends—friends who were there through thick and thin. Davido said, ‘I just want to be there and perform for one hour.’ They’re my friends. Not one penny was exchanged with any of them. They love me, and I will give my friends platforms.
He dismissed criticisms from gospel artists, questioning the appropriateness of his actions, stating, “If gospel artists aren’t coming to us and instead join the bandwagon of critics asking, ‘Is that a church?’ what should I do? Drag them with a rope?”
It’s my friends; I don’t like people who don’t want us. It’s simple.
“It’s my friends that will be there. Everyone in that room is my friend. Zlatan is like a son to me; his kids are my kids, and his parents are in my house. So should I now say, ‘Well, because you are not gospel artists, let me go and look for some gospel artists criticising me and force them to sing?’
Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it.
Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you.
Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation.
Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories —no paywalls, just quality journalism.
Mr Adegboyega emphasised that his friends will always be featured at his events, adding, “My friends will always sing at my events, and the next one will be bigger because my friends list is getting bigger.”
Background
On November 11, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega hosted a grand celebration for his birthday. Videos from the event, which have recently gone viral, show several prominent Nigerian celebrities in attendance, including Davido, Zlatan, Kcee, Nkechi Blessing, Obi Cubana, Daddy Freeze, and E-Money.
One notable clip captures Davido performing his hit song Fem with Pastor Tobi standing beside him, while another highlights Kcee delivering a lively performance at the event.
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
At Premium Times, we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all.
Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates, in-depth investigations into pressing national issues, or entertaining trending stories, we value your readership.
It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.
Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basis to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news?
TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999
English (US) ·