Popular Nigerian gospel musician Nathaniel Bassey has addressed the longstanding debate about gospel ministers charging fees for performances in churches, stating that he does not demand payment for ministering in God’s house.
Speaking in a recent interview, the award-winning worship leader clarified that his ministry is primarily a calling rather than a commercial endeavor. He emphasized that his primary focus is on spreading the gospel and leading people into God’s presence rather than making financial gains.
“I have never charged to minister in any church, and I never will. The work of God is not something one should monetize,” he said.
However, Bassey acknowledged that while he does not charge, hosting churches often take care of logistics, such as transportation, accommodation, and other necessary arrangements. He added that the financial aspect of gospel music is often misunderstood, as some ministers do have full-time teams and require resources to produce quality gospel music and organize concerts.
His stance has reignited the conversation about whether gospel musicians should charge for their services, with some supporting his decision and others arguing that artists deserve compensation for their time and effort.