The founder of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church, popularly known as SPAC Nation, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, has referred to popular musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as a gospel artiste.
Speaking on the Off The Record podcast which started trending on Monday, Adegboyega explained that the term “gospel” simply means “good news,” and he believes Davido embodies this through his music.
The flamboyant pastor made the remarks while addressing criticism over his decision to invite secular musicians to perform at his recent birthday celebration rather than gospel artistes.
Adegboyega also spoke about his close relationship with Nigerian artist Zlatan, whom he described as his “son.”
He said, “Gospel means good news. Everyone there is a gospel artiste. Davido is a gospel artiste. Have you heard: ‘Because I stand strong?
Defending his choice of performers, he stated, “What I had then was my friends—friends who are there through thick and thin. Davido told me: ‘I just want to be there and perform for one hour.’ They’re my friends. I didn’t pay any of them. They love me, and I will give my friends platforms.
“If gospel artists aren’t my friends and are instead joining the bandwagon to criticize me by asking, ‘Is that a church?’ What should I do? Drag them with a rope?
“It’s my friends that will be there. Everyone in that room was 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 who are criticizing me and force them to sing?’
Adegboyega emphasized that his friends will always take centre stage at his events, saying, “My friends will always sing at my events, and the next one will be bigger because my circle of friends keeps growing.”
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.