UK-based Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega has stirred public discourse by declaring Afrobeats superstar Davido a gospel musician while defending his decision to feature secular artists at his recent birthday celebration.
The founder of the defunct SPAC Nation church made these remarks during an appearance on Off The Record podcast on Sunday. He specifically referenced Davido’s song “Stand Strong” featuring Sunday Service Choir to support his assertion.
“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?'” Adegboyega said.
The controversial cleric explained that his choice of performers was based on genuine friendship rather than commercial arrangements.
“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 stated.
Responding to criticism from gospel artists, Adegboyega questioned their stance: “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?”
The pastor emphasized his commitment to featuring his friends at his events, highlighting his close relationship with performer Zlatan.
“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?'” he explained.
The November 11 birthday celebration drew significant attention for its star-studded guest list, including prominent Nigerian celebrities such as Davido, Zlatan, Kcee, Nkechi Blessing, Obi Cubana, Daddy Freeze, and E-Money. Video footage from the event showed Davido performing his hit song “Fem” alongside Pastor Tobi, while Kcee also delivered a performance.
