Nigerian gospel singer, Tim Godfrey
Nigerian gospel singer Timothy Chukwudi Godfrey, known professionally as Tim Godfrey, has expressed disappointment over how gospel artistes are being treated, especially when it comes to receiving payment for performances.
In a video that surfaced on October 10, 2025, Godfrey lamented that after many years in the ministry, it has become difficult to return to performing in Nigeria due to the lack of value placed on gospel artistes.
Tim Godfrey criticised common questions raised when Gospel musicians demand money, stating that they were being judged for asking for fair compensation.
“I want to say it: all of those comments of ‘Why are they charging? Why are they collecting money? Why are they doing this?’ It got me so, so mad. I said, ‘Why are people wicked?’” he questioned.
Speaking emotionally about past experiences, he revealed that he had received foodstuffs and even livestock as honorariums on occasion, payments that hardly match the work put in.
“What sense does it make that people work so hard and you are saying they should take… I have collected tubers of yam as an honorarium! I have collected a living, walking, breathing chicken as an honorarium!
“And that is what I’m going to use to pay school fees, house rent, buy property, buy… No! That is so unfair. That is absolutely unfair,” he said.
He said these attitudes are demeaning to artistes who have invested in their craft.
His comments join the longstanding debate over whether gospel artistes should be compensated for their performances.
While some stakeholders, including some renowned pastors, have spoken against paying their musicians, many gospel musicians have called for a fairer compensation for their efforts.
Watch the video below:
I once collected tubers of yam and a live chicken as honorarium. Is that what I’m supposed to use to fend for my family? — Tim Godfrey addresses critics of gospel artistes charging fees. pic.twitter.com/UVSIsb8PmY
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) October 10, 2025
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