Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega, known for his flamboyant lifestyle in the UK, has stirred conversation by referring to popular musician David Adeleke, better known as Davido, as a gospel artiste. Adegboyega’s remarks came during an appearance on the Off The Record podcast, where he responded to questions about his recent birthday celebrations and his choice to invite secular musicians rather than gospel artists.
The controversial pastor explained that, for him, the term “gospel” transcends religious boundaries, stating that it simply means “good news.” He argued that the message propagated by Davido aligns with this definition. “Gospel means good news. Everyone there is a gospel artiste. Davido is a gospel artiste. Have you heard: ‘Because I stand strong?’” Adegboyega asked, referencing one of Davido’s hit songs.
Adegboyega went on to clarify that the presence of secular musicians at his birthday bash was not a deliberate snub of gospel artists but rather a reflection of his deep personal relationships. “What I had then was my friends—friends who are there through thick and thin,” he said. According to the pastor, Davido specifically offered to perform at the event, telling him, “I just want to be there and perform for one hour.”
The pastor emphasized that he did not pay any of the musicians for their performances, underscoring that the musicians were there out of genuine friendship. “They’re my friends. I didn’t pay any of them. They love me, and I will give my friends platforms,” Adegboyega explained.
Adegboyega’s comments come amid some criticism from individuals in the religious community who questioned his choice of secular musicians over gospel performers. In response to this, the pastor took aim at those who criticized him, including some gospel artists, saying, “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?”
The Nigerian pastor made it clear that, despite any criticisms, it was his personal friendships that took precedence. “It’s my friends that will be there,” he said. “Everyone in that room was my friend.”
Adegboyega also touched on his relationship with Nigerian artist Zlatan, describing him as a close family member. “Zlatan is like a son to me; his kids are my kids, and his parents were in my house,” the pastor shared. This statement highlights the close-knit bond Adegboyega has with the popular artist.
The pastor’s defense of his event’s guest list was unequivocal. He rejected the idea of seeking out gospel artists who might be critical of him just to appease them. “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?’” he questioned rhetorically.
Instead, Adegboyega affirmed that his priority would always be to feature those he considers friends at his events. “My friends will always sing at my events, and the next one will be bigger because my circle of friends keeps growing,” he said, adding that he values his personal connections above all else.
The pastor’s decision to invite secular musicians, including Davido and Zlatan, to his birthday celebration has sparked debates within both the religious and entertainment communities. Some have supported his stance on the power of friendship and the broader definition of “gospel,” while others have criticized him for seemingly blurring the lines between sacred and secular music.
