Entertainment
Timi Dakolo Accuses Apostle Femi Lazarus Of Charging $150 For Ministry School
The public dispute between renowned singer Timi Dakolo and Pastor Femi Lazarus has intensified, with Dakolo now accusing the Light Nation Church founder of profiting from ministry teachings.
The controversy first erupted when the two clashed over whether gospel artistes should charge fees for performing at church events.
Pastor Lazarus, in a widely circulated video, argued that gospel musicians should not demand payment for ministering, insisting that they should trust God for provision rather than seeking financial gain.
READ ALSO: Sometimes I Suck At My Parental Duties – Timi Dakolo
According to him, gospel artistes are not mere entertainers but ministers of the gospel.
Dakolo, however, pushed back against this view, accusing pastors of pressuring gospel singers to offer their services for free.
He defended their right to earn a living, pointing out the financial responsibilities they face.
He also suggested that instead of expecting professional gospel musicians to perform without payment, pastors should focus on developing their church choirs.
Clarifying his stance, Dakolo stated that his response was made out of respect and love. He emphasized that, while he grew up in the church, he does not identify as a gospel artist.
However, he then shifted the discussion by accusing Pastor Lazarus of charging students for enrollment in his ministry school, which provides Christian teachings.
According to Dakolo, the school’s enrollment fee is approximately $150 per student, with about 1,000 students reportedly registered. He backed up his claims by sharing a screenshot that allegedly details the fee structure.
He criticized the pastor for monetizing what he described as a “freely given gift and revelation.”
“All this was said in love and with respect, sir. I am not a gospel artist but a Christian raised in church. Let’s not shift the goal post,” Dakolo stated.
“By your definition, if anyone charges to minister, they are not gospel artists; they are performers. And by that definition, if any preacher charges to teach and minister, they are merchants of hope and motivational speakers too.”
Questioning the structure of the ministry school, he added:
“Sir, you are charging as low as $150 per person for your school of ministry, teaching and preaching Jesus, probably having as much as 1,000 students. Let’s do the maths. You even have premium and standard for God’s house? Are you not selling the gift and revelation freely given to you? Again, let’s not keep shifting the goal post.”
Africa’s biggest reality television show returns today as Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 11 officially premieres, with millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond eagerly waiting to meet a fresh set of housemates competing for the biggest prize in the show’s history.
The new season, themed “Everything Is For The Taking,” promises another 10 weeks of non-stop entertainment, drama, unexpected twists, strategic alliances and fierce competition as contestants battle for glory inside Biggie’s house.
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In what has become the most lucrative reward since the reality show began, organisers have unveiled a record ₦160 million grand prize, comprising ₦100 million in cash and a brand-new SUV, raising the stakes higher than ever before.
As with previous editions, the identities of this season’s contestants have been kept secret ahead of the opening night, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the moment the new housemates walk through Biggie’s famous doors.
Popular media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returns as the host of the hit reality show. Beyond anchoring the live eviction and launch shows, Ebuka’s launch-night fashion has become one of the programme’s biggest attractions over the years, with viewers once again looking forward to his signature stylish appearance.
Time and How to Watch
The BBNaija Season 11 premiere begins at 7:00 p.m. (WAT) today.
Fans can watch the live launch on:
Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151)
Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 and GOtv Channel 7)
Viewers who prefer streaming can also follow the premiere live through the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps on compatible smartphones, tablets and smart TVs.
Following the launch show, fans will have unrestricted access to every moment inside Biggie’s house through the 24-hour live broadcast on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 49, allowing viewers to keep up with the contestants throughout the season.
With a record-breaking grand prize, a brand-new lineup of housemates and another unpredictable journey ahead, BBNaija Season 11 is widely expected to deliver one of the most competitive and entertaining editions of the reality show.
Popular Nigerian content creator and self-styled relationship and finance influencer, Emmanuel Obruste, popularly known as GehGeh, has responded to criticism after videos of him attending what appeared to be a traditional wedding ceremony sparked widespread reactions online.
The controversy began after GehGeh shared videos from the event on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday.
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In the clips, he was seen dressed in a matching burgundy traditional outfit with a lady, while an invitation card identified the couple as Mary and Prosper, leading many social media users to speculate that the influencer had secretly tied the knot.
The videos quickly went viral, with several Nigerians accusing GehGeh of hypocrisy, claiming his appearance at the ceremony contradicted the relationship advice he is known for giving on social media.
Addressing the backlash, GehGeh dismissed the claims, insisting that he has never advised anyone against marriage. He also clarified that he was only representing his brother, who lives abroad.
“So I no fit represent my brother wey dey abroad?” he wrote in one of his posts.
Responding directly to critics, GehGeh challenged anyone to produce evidence that he had ever discouraged marriage.
“I never for once told y’all not to get married. Did I? If yes, show me a video of me telling you not to marry.”
He further argued that many Nigerians misunderstand how social media works, saying: “Nigerians really don’t understand how social media works. If you know how to use it properly, you will never lack.”
Despite his clarification, the incident has continued to generate mixed reactions across social media, with some users accepting his explanation while others remain sceptical.
Global music icon Shakira has revealed why Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy was her top choice for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, Dai Dai, saying she wanted a powerful masculine voice to complement the song’s Afrobeat-inspired sound.
Speaking during an interview on the Capital Evening Show with Jimmy Hill, which aired on July 8, the Colombian singer explained that the energy of the World Cup and the musical direction of the track made Burna Boy the perfect collaborator.
SEE ALSO: Burna Boy Breaks Record as Africa’s Top-Grossing Concert Artist
According to Shakira, she knew the song needed a strong male vocal to balance its vibrant sound.
“Once I had the song, I felt that I really needed a male vocal, a male voice in the song. The World Cup carries a big male energy, and I wanted someone who could bring that very masculine voice in this Afrobeat setting,” she said.
She described Dai Dai as a fusion of Afrobeats, Caribbean rhythms and elements of R&B, noting that Afrobeats remains the song’s dominant influence.
Shakira also disclosed that she had admired Burna Boy’s artistry for years and had always hoped to collaborate with him.
“I always loved Burna. I always wanted to do something with him,” she said.
The Grammy-winning singer revealed that although Burna Boy initially delayed sending his verse for nearly 20 days, she remained hopeful that the collaboration would come together.
“It took a while. I was waiting for 20 days for him to send something, and I thought maybe he wasn’t going to do it,” she recalled.
However, she said the wait was worth it after the Nigerian star eventually delivered what she described as the “perfect” contribution.
“But then he sent his magic, and it was absolutely perfect. His voice works so well on this song. I couldn’t imagine anybody else on it.”
Shakira further admitted she was determined to have Burna Boy featured on the track.
“I was so obsessed about having Burna on this track. I’m so glad that I got him,” she added.
Dai Dai served as the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was first performed by Shakira and Burna Boy during the tournament’s opening ceremony on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The pair later reunited for the historic first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, alongside Uganda’s renowned dance group, Ghetto Kids.
The collaboration marked Shakira’s latest contribution to FIFA World Cup music since the global success of Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) in 2010, while Burna Boy’s appearance further cemented Afrobeats’ growing influence on the international stage.
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