“So I Should Feed My Family with Yams and a Chicken?” — Tim Godfrey Fires Back at Critics of Gospel Artistes Charging Fees

Gospel music minister Tim Godfrey has sparked intense debate across social media after openly addressing the long-standing criticism against gospel artistes who charge for their performances. In a bold and emotional revelation, the award-winning singer recounted an experience that has since gone viral — being offered tubers of yam and a live chicken as payment for a ministry performance. His statement has reignited discussions about the balance between ministry and professionalism in gospel music, leaving Nigerians divided between those who believe ministry should remain selfless and those who argue that gospel musicians deserve fair compensation for their craft and labor.

During a recent interview, Tim Godfrey, known for hit songs like Nara, Toya, and Okaka, lamented how many people still hold the misconception that gospel artistes should sing purely out of spiritual duty without any financial reward. He said, “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?” His tone reflected both frustration and disbelief as he explained how the public often overlooks the enormous investment that goes into making music, organizing events, paying instrumentalists, and managing a team.

The singer emphasized that gospel music, while rooted in faith and service to God, also demands professionalism, excellence, and sustainability — all of which cost money. “We spend millions producing songs, shooting videos, traveling, rehearsing, and promoting music that blesses people,” he explained. “Yet people think we should live on faith alone, as if faith will pay school fees or house rent. It’s unrealistic and unfair.” His words have since triggered massive reactions online, with many people rallying behind him for voicing a truth often left unspoken in Christian circles.

Across X (formerly Twitter), fans and fellow gospel musicians expressed both sympathy and agreement with Tim’s position. Some shared their own experiences of being underpaid or unappreciated by churches despite pouring time and energy into ministry. Others noted that while secular artistes are celebrated and rewarded for their talents, gospel singers are frequently expected to work for free under the banner of “doing God’s work.” One user wrote, “It’s the hypocrisy for me. If you invite a gospel artiste to bless your congregation, knowing full well the value they bring, why then offer them yam and chicken like it’s the 1960s? This is 2025 — the gospel deserves excellence and excellence costs money.”

However, not everyone saw it the same way. Some traditionalists and churchgoers countered that gospel music is a form of ministry and should not be monetized. They argued that the moment money becomes a major factor, the message could lose its sincerity and spiritual essence. “The anointing is not for sale,” one critic posted, adding that “if a gospel artiste truly ministers for God, they should trust God to provide, not demand a performance fee.”

But Tim Godfrey appeared unfazed by the backlash. He reiterated that being a gospel musician does not mean living in poverty or neglecting one’s family responsibilities. “Even pastors and priests receive stipends. So why should gospel artistes be different?” he questioned. “It’s time we stop equating spirituality with suffering. God doesn’t reward laziness — He blesses excellence and diligence.”

Indeed, the debate surrounding gospel artistes and money has been ongoing for years, with opinions deeply divided. For many in the industry, the issue is not about greed but about fairness. Producing gospel music in Nigeria is far from cheap — from studio time to sound engineers, video directors, logistics, and promotional costs, it all adds up. Yet many churches expect gospel artistes to perform for free or for “love offerings” that barely cover transportation.

Several fans also reminded critics that gospel musicians have bills, staff, and families just like anyone else. “When your favorite gospel artiste releases a powerful song, you stream it, dance to it, and share it. But do you know how much it cost to produce that song?” one Facebook comment read. “Yam and chicken won’t pay for studio sessions. It’s time people value the labor behind the ministry.”

Tim Godfrey’s comments have also reignited broader discussions about the intersection of faith and commerce in the creative industry. While some insist that ministry and business should never mix, others argue that excellence in ministry requires both spiritual and financial structure. Without proper compensation, many talented gospel musicians burn out early, unable to sustain their passion due to financial strain.

Prominent figures in the gospel community have also weighed in. Some senior pastors and music directors have come forward to support the idea of fair remuneration. “When the Bible says a worker is worthy of his wages, it doesn’t exclude gospel artistes,” one pastor said. “If the church can pay for sound systems, decorations, and guest speakers, then it should also honor musicians who bring down God’s presence.”

For Tim Godfrey, the conversation goes beyond personal frustration — it’s about changing the narrative and inspiring a shift in how society values gospel music. He acknowledged that while ministry should not be driven solely by money, proper structure ensures sustainability and allows gospel artistes to continue spreading the message of Christ without undue hardship. “When gospel music is valued, it reaches more people, changes more lives, and glorifies God better,” he said. “But when we constantly struggle to survive, how can we give our best?”

Many fans see Tim’s outburst as both brave and necessary. In an industry often dominated by silence and pretense, his willingness to speak truthfully has sparked important reflection within the Christian community. Some church leaders have already hinted at revisiting how they handle honorariums and guest artiste payments, acknowledging that respect and fairness should go hand in hand with faith.

Still, the controversy remains. For some, gospel music will always be a sacred calling that transcends material concerns. For others, it’s a divine gift that deserves the same recognition and reward given to other professional fields. In the end, what Tim Godfrey has done is force the conversation into the open — reminding everyone that behind every powerful worship song is a person who must also eat, live, and care for their loved ones.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the days of paying gospel artistes with tubers of yam and live chickens may soon be behind us. In a world where excellence costs money and ministry requires structure, Tim Godfrey’s bold statement has become more than just a viral quote — it’s a wake-up call to value those who dedicate their lives to inspiring others through gospel music. And as he put it so pointedly, “If I give my best to bless you, the least you can do is honor that effort with respect — not yams and a chicken.”