Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega referred to Afrobeat star David Adeleke, known as Davido, as a gospel artist.
Adegboyega, the leader of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation) in the UK, made a statement on the Off The Record podcast.
According to Adegboyega, the term “gospel” simply means “good news,” and he believes Davido embodies this through his music.
Referring to the singer’s hit song Stand Strong, the pastor said, “Have you heard: ‘Because I stand strong’? That’s good news. Davido is a gospel artiste.”
The remarks came in response to criticism over his decision to invite secular musicians, including Davido and Nigerian artist Zlatan, to perform at his recent birthday celebration instead of gospel singers.
Adegboyega defended his choice, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and personal connections over religious labels.
“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 also spoke warmly about his relationship with Zlatan, calling the artist “like a son” and stating that his connection with the musician’s family is deeply personal.
“Zlatan is like a son to me; his kids are my kids, and his parents were in my house,” he said.
Adegboyega dismissed critics, particularly from the gospel community, who questioned the nature of his events and his associations.
“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?” he quipped.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to his circle of friends, vowing to make future events even grander.
“My friends will always sing at my events, and the next one will be bigger because my circle of friends keeps growing,” he said.