Tim Godfrey Decries Poor Treatment of Gospel Artistes, Recalls Receiving Yam and Chicken as Payment

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Tim Godfrey, has spoken out against the poor treatment of gospel artistes in the country, recounting how he was once paid with two bars of yam and a live chicken for a performance.

In a video that went viral on Thursday, Godfrey expressed frustration over what he described as the lack of value and respect shown to gospel musicians by event organisers and audiences in Nigeria.

“Coming to Nigeria became difficult because of how artists are treated so badly,” he lamented. “All those stories of ‘why are they charging’ or ‘why are they collecting money’ made me so angry. I have collected two bars of yam as honorarium. I have collected a full, alive, walking, breathing chicken as payment. Is that what I’m supposed to use to pay rent or school fees? That is so unfair.”

His remarks have since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians agreeing that gospel artistes deserve fair compensation and recognition for their contributions to the music industry.

Tim Godfrey, who began his music career in the early 2000s, rose to prominence after forming Tim Godfrey and the Xtreme Crew in 2004. Their hit single Na You Be God established him as one of Nigeria’s leading contemporary gospel musicians.

Over the years, Godfrey has released several successful gospel tracks and collaborated with international stars, including Travis Greene on the acclaimed worship anthem Nara. He continues to expand his musical influence globally, blending gospel with Afrobeats and modern sounds in his recent projects.