- Bidemi Olaoba's music ministration stirs controversy over its unconventional style
- His music ministration and dancing style in the viral video triggered concerns with social media users expressing different opinions about the "hand-crushing" dance which symbolises smoking weed
- Social media users debated his role as a gospel singer or an entertainer, with some arguing that simply mentioning Jesus in songs doesn't qualify as a gospel ministration
A recent video of Bidemi Olaoba ministering at a church service has reignited discussions on social media, with many questioning his unconventional style. While some appreciate his energetic praise sessions, others argue that his approach deviates from traditional Christian worship.
In the viral clip, Olaoba incorporated a trending hype chant and a dance that some netizens claim symbolises smoking. This sparked concerns about whether such elements align with gospel music standards.
Netizens debate Bidemi Olaoba’s worship style
The video quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), where users weighed in on the debate.
@Lekan_Olayinka1 compared the clip to another controversial music video, "Ayeebo Ayeba." expressing concern over the dance move:
“This video is almost not different from the “ayeebo Ayeba” video. Plus I just learnt the “hand crushing” dance symbolizes smoking weed. We struggle with keeping the things of God as pure as the Bible presents it. I pray God helps us.”
Similarly, @Nigerian_Angel reflected on how gospel music has evolved, lamenting the shift from deeply spiritual worship to what he described as club-like praise:
“Remember when gospel singers will sing, and you start tuning tears. From there you transform to the spirit realm. Unlike what we have now, mini- club in form of gospel praise.”
@Dozieben2 also voiced concerns about the increasing secular influence in church performances:
“When we finish talking about how worldly the music we sing in church is becoming, we'd open the conversation on how we started inviting comedians, to ministers abi na to perform in church. One step at a time.”
Is Bidemi Olaoba a gospel minister or an entertainer?
Some users argued that Olaoba is more of an entertainer than a gospel minister, emphasising that mentioning Jesus in songs doesn’t automatically make one a minister.
@favorite_farmer stated:
“We have entertainers and gospel ministers ooo. Let's know what we are doing ooo. Cos he sings christian songs or puts a sprinkle of Jesus here and there doesn't make it a gospel song or a ministration. If you had called him an entertainer, he'll pass. I'm not judging here either.”
@babalolareal echoed this sentiment,
“Entertainer ni bobo yen. Absolutely nothing gospel. What is he crushing by the way. That’s weed or Enemy.
This song will forever give me nostalgic feeling. It’s the last music that was sang at my grandmothers burial. I could remember the solemnization that graced the atmosphere.”
@Mazi_dika questioned whether Olaoba's performance was truly an act of worship:
“This is no longer praise rendered to God but pure entertainment and cruise, where is the praise in using all this trends. Aside prayer praise is a very important tool God uses to perform miracles which is evident in the scriptures. The church needs to rise and condemn it.”
Others, like @saintcharles_e warned of deeper issues affecting gospel music and the Christian faith:
“Untill you listen to @ApostleArome messages on This system called babylon, The nature of Babylon, The goal of Babylon. If this generation continue this way, the body of Christ in Africa won't hold up to the next 30years but you can argue it as your human desire chooses to. Peace.”
This debate follows a recent controversy involving social media influencer Solomon Buchi, who criticised a viral video of a singer leading worship with "Ayeebo Ayeba."
Reactions trail Bidemi Olaoba's performance
Bidemi Olaoba’s performance has triggered reactions, with many netizens criticising his unorthodox approach to music ministration.
Here are some reactions below;
@__biola_carter1 commented: “Doing weed crusher gesture. Saying NO BE GASUS BE DIS? In a church? It is well.”
@_KevinAnthony commented: “That’s our biggest struggle—we keep trying to refine the faith and its practices, making them fit into the world’s standards, instead of letting the faith stand out as the standard the world needs to conform to.”
@ayomipomayokun commented: “It’s so sad, he has change.
I remember his first ministration at MMP 75 in 2017 at the RCCG redemption city. The Bible say that he mentioned frequently was what make him stand out. I got his card immediately, my bro & I invited him to our Pastor’s 60 birthday in Ibadan same year.”
@RuralEvangelist commented: “This kind of music can potentially dilute the focus on spiritual worship by bringing in themes and rhythms that are not aligned with Christian values, distracting worshippers from the intended message of reverence and devotion.
This is not the ways of our fathers in Faith.
Sad!”
@VofaGodlyMan commented: “I was discussing with some friends on Saturday about this issue of christianizing songs and I remember pointing out that it got worse the moment we had people like Bidemi, Limoblaze and Prinx Emmanuel in the Gospel music industry.
Really, a lot has happened.🤦”
@deratoby commented: “I think that his kind of songs is for Christian entertainment and its fine
Though, can someone explain to me why "no be Gadnus be this?" is problematic
Because I feel the context of the question isn't bad
Genuinely asking.”
@SamsonNdubuisi2 commented: “Worship, service, Music and all done in the house are meant to be sacred and reverence to God.”
@EmetoSamuel62 commented: “I’ll always continue to say it, lots of these guys have no idea what salvation is and yet church continues to give them platform to showcase all these nonsense. “No be Gadus be this” inside church. This is just highlife performance and have no iota of Gospel in it.”
@chang_dasage commented: “They don't like the truth. But the fact is everything about this olaoba guy reeks lewdness and obscenity. "The bible says" that is his slogan is an absolute scam. They're entertainers, not ministers.”
@Gospelwriter01 commented: “No wonder am too selective of Gospel music and musicians. Gospel musics are expected to communicate life and the hope of Christ into your spirit man, which in turn reflects your physical body.
This one looks like an entertainment, bidemi needs to stop manipulating his calling.”
@Dave_shegs commented: “I actually like his songs but you're very right. We shouldn't be bringing things from the world into the church. You mustn't bring every trending thing in the world and add Jesus to it.”
“You are a bully,” Mercy Chinwo slams former record boss, Eezee Tee
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Gospel minister Mercy Chinwo personally addressed the contractual dispute with ex-record label boss Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu
She accused Onyedikachukwu of bullying, emotional abuse, and defamation.
The Excess Love hitmaker claimed Onyedikachukwu seized her royalties for two years and spread false information about her and her family sparking reactions online.