Renowned gospel singer Tim Godfrey has spoken out in defense of gospel musicians who charge fees for their performances, saying that financial compensation and ministry can coexist without compromising spirituality.
In a recent social media post, Godfrey emphasized that fair payment is essential to sustaining a gospel artist’s work and livelihood. He argued that professionalism in ministry does not diminish its spiritual value.
“It got me so mad when people say, ‘Why are gospel artists charging? Why are they collecting money?’ What sense does it make that people work so hard, and you say they shouldn’t be paid fairly?” he said
Recalling his early years in ministry, Godfrey shared that he was often paid with tubers of yam or even a live chicken after performances, describing the experience as both humbling and frustrating.
I have collected tubers of yams as honorarium. I have collected a full, living, breathing chicken as payment. And that’s what I was expected to use to pay school fees or rent? That’s unfair,” he stated.
The **“Nara”** crooner added that attitudes toward gospel artists need to change, stressing that their music, time, and creative energy deserve the same respect accorded to professionals in other fields.
Godfrey’s comments have reignited conversation about how churches and event organizers treat gospel performers, with many fans agreeing that gospel artists should be valued not just for their message, but also for their craft.
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