Celebrity Nigerian UK-based pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, has stirred discussions after describing Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as a gospel artiste.
Speaking during an episode of the Off The Record podcast, Adegboyega explained that gospel simply means “good news,” and he believes Davido is spreading it through his music.
He further referenced Davido’s hit song “Stand Strong” as an example of uplifting content that fits the gospel narrative.
“Gospel means good news. Everyone there is a gospel artiste. Davido is a gospel artiste. Have you heard: ‘Because I stand strong?’” Adegboyega said.
The pastor was responding to criticism over his decision to feature secular musicians at his recent birthday celebration instead of gospel artistes.
He defended his choice, stating that the performers, including Zlatan, were his close friends who supported him unconditionally.
“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,” Adegboyega explained.
The pastor dismissed criticisms from gospel artistes questioning his style of ministry. He emphasized his preference for surrounding himself with supportive individuals rather than detractors.
He concluded, “If gospel artistes 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 were in my house. So should I now say, ‘Well, because you are not gospel artistes, let me go and look for some gospel artistes who are criticizing me and force them to sing?’
“My friends will always sing at my events, and the next one will be bigger because my circle of friends keeps growing.”