Nigerian gospel singer Tim Godfrey has lamented the poor treatment of gospel artistes in Nigeria, revealing he once received bars of yam and a live chicken as payment for his performances.
In a viral video on Thursday, Godfrey expressed frustration over the unfair treatment of gospel singers, saying returning to Nigeria became difficult because event organisers and audiences often undervalue their efforts.
He said, “Coming to Nigeria became difficult because of how artists are being treated so badly. All of those stories of ‘why are they charging,’ ‘why are they collecting money,’ ‘why are they doing this,’ it got me so mad. I have collected two bars of yam as honorarium. I have collected a full, alive, living, walking, breathing chicken as honorarium. And that is what I’m going to use to pay school fees, pay house rent, buy property… No! That is so unfair.”
His remarks sparked online reactions, with many Nigerians agreeing that gospel artistes deserve better financial treatment and respect for their work.
Born in Kaduna State, Godfrey began his career in the early 2000s and formed Tim Godfrey and the Xtreme Crew in 2004. Their hit song Na You Be God brought him into the limelight, making him one of Nigeria’s top contemporary gospel acts.
He has since released several chart-topping songs and collaborated with international gospel stars, including Travis Greene on the global hit Nara. Godfrey continues to promote gospel music worldwide, blending traditional sounds with modern Afrobeats influences.
