- Woli Arole expressed concern about the difficulty in distinguishing between performers and genuine music ministers within the Christian community
- He stated that gospel music ministrations are now based on connections and not spiritually inclined
- Arole's comments sparked a heated debate on social media, with some users agreeing with his views and others criticising him for airing his concerns publicly
A recent Instagram post by Nigerian comedian, skit-maker, and minister, Woli Arole, has ignited a heated debate on social media.
On Tuesday, March 4, Arole expressed his concerns about the current state of the gospel ministry, stating that it has become challenging to distinguish between genuine ministers and performers.
Arole claimed that many gospel singers are now invited to minister based on their connections and relationships rather than being led by the spirit.
He posted:
“The level of hypocrisy, worldliness and cabalism in the gospel music ministry in Nigeria is alarming. Oh YES!!!. Invitations is by who know who, not as the spirit leads. Music Ministers too we can't differentiate if you're a PERFORMER or a MINISTER. It is well!!!”
His comments have sparked a flurry of reactions from netizens, with some agreeing with his views and others criticising him for airing his concerns publicly
One social media user @lafua.oghenekaro pointed out that discussing the issue publicly would only provide fodder for unbelievers to criticise the ministry, stating, “This is good but gives the unbeliever topic of discussion for the day…”
The celebrity who was recently ordained into ministry responded, stating that the problem was already apparent to unbelievers.
“@lafua.oghenekaro something the unbelievers are seeing and they know already.” Arole wrote
Further stating his opinion, the fan acknowledged Arole's point but felt that, given his influential platform, it would have been more effective to address the issue privately, stating;
“@officialarole yea i get you prophet..like i fee its better with your office and influence, deal with these issues from behind the scene.”
Several other netizens joined the conversation, echoing Arole's concerns about the vague lines between performers and genuine music ministers within the Christian community.
Reactions trail Woli Arole's post
Here are some reactions below;
@nikeonaara said: “IT'S VIVID AND OBVIOUS..... CLOUT CHASING AND PEOPLE PLEASING., WE NEED TO TRULY BACK OUT OF ALL OF THESE!!!!.”
@peculiaromolola said: “No be today now Woli, It is well......Na them go still come comment here Awon Judas dede, Hypocrisy too much.”
@opaluwachenemi said: “If you can pay, you will invite any of them.”
@gbengaajibola said: “Reduce the volume of your🎤.. we need a re-hauling.”
@iamgoke2020 said: “Soon y'all will know the truth that there's no difference between a gospel artiste and a circular artist. The only difference there is that the gospel artist includes the name of Jesus in his/her lyrics. Nevertheless, gospel artistes are just inspirational singer nothing more.”
@tsignaturebespoke said; “I have said before, when we want God to move in a meeting, we know who to invite and if it's just to excite the people, we also know who to invite. The reason this is happening in the church is because we created room for it. We started doing things that will pull crowd and not necessarily bless people. We must expel this cancer from the body.”
@lambanomusic said: “it's alarming.. Hello woli I would have wanted to call out one of the music ministers that is so dear to your heart but i won't drop it here, on this same invitation matter, but it's well.”
@akinwandeeluwapelum said: “After Watching @testimony_jaga interview. I rest my case. I have been ministering for years and have albums and soul lifting songs on Audio Mack and the likes. Guess what, after sending messages to these gospel Ministers, No comments, response for years now, We have resulted to God, When the time comes, God Himself will give us a platform, SHALOM.”
@blissfamily said: “There's different between God using you and you using God.”
@kennyjackson said: “We have more performers than ministers…”
@cynthiadenis91 said: “Very much on point sira aa aa aa a. MY EXACT THOUGHTS, So much beef, pride So much beef sir chaiiiii.”
@babajide_smart said: “It's so sad that the church is not putting the spirit into test any more... We focus on the PR, on the crowd rather than the soul they will lead to Christ.. God is a spirit.. Be not deceived.”
@faforetaiwo said: “My fear is most who are talking against it are still the ones who doing the same thing they tend to stand against. You tell us on social media so and so is not godly, and when we see your next program, na them we go see inside your flyer Oga you are confusing us 000. Anyways, let Jesus be the focus and at the center of it all, God bless you man of God @officialarole for talking about it as a means of correction in love.”
“Pay gospel artistes”: Netizens defend Moses Bliss for allegedly charging N7 million per performance
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigerians defended gospel singer Moses Bliss, who came under fire on social media for allegedly charging N7 million as a performance fee.
While some dragged the gospel singer for not ministering for a lower price, others defended him, claiming he has bills to pay like secular artistes.