Controversial British pastor Tobi Adegboyega has responded to the criticism surrounding his decision to feature secular artists at his 2023 birthday party, rather than gospel musicians.
In a recent appearance on the Off the Record podcast, the founder of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church addressed the backlash and emphasized the significance of loyalty and friendship over public opinion.
“Gospel means good news. Everyone at that party is a gospel artist. Davido is a gospel artist. Have you heard his song, ‘Because I Stand Strong?'” he remarked.
Pastor Adegboyega elaborated that the performers at his celebration were friends who had always been there for him. “Davido himself told me, ‘I know you’re busy, but I just want to come and perform for an hour.’ They are my friends. I didn’t pay any of them; they love and support me, and I will always give my friends a platform,” he explained.
He continued, “If gospel artists are not my friends and instead join in the criticism by asking, ‘Is this a church?’ what am I supposed to do? Should I drag them into it by force?”
Adegboyega also addressed critiques from some gospel artists and their followers who questioned the appropriateness of his event in relation to church values.
“My friends are the ones who will be at my events, regardless of whether they are gospel artists. Everyone in that room was a friend of mine. For instance, Zlatan is like family to me; his children are like my own, and I consider his parents part of my household. So should I ignore my friends or track down gospel artists who criticize me to have them perform instead?”
“My friends will always be the ones performing at my events, and the next one will be even bigger as my circle of friends continues to expand,” he affirmed.
Story by Obaapa Janee
