UK-based Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, has described his friend and musician, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as a gospel artiste.
Adegboyega, who faces deportation for alleged fraud in the United Kingdom, made this claim during a recent episode of the Off The Record podcast.
When asked why he invited secular musicians to perform at his recent birthday celebration instead of gospel artistes, Adegboyega explained that his choice was based on the content of the music.
He pointed to Davido's hit song 'Stand Strong' as an example of uplifting content that fits the gospel narrative.
“Gospel means good news. Everyone there is a gospel artist. Davido is a gospel artiste. Have you heard, 'Because I'm strong?'” Adegboyega said.
The pastor further defended his decision, stating that the artists, including Zlatan, were his close friends who had supported him through thick and thin.
READ ALSO: I will be 10 times bigger if I live in Nigeria – Pastor Tobi Adegboyega
“What I had then were my friends, friends who are there through thick and thin. Davido told me: 'I just want to be there and perform for an hour.' They are my friends. I didn't pay any of them. “They love me and I will give platforms to my friends.”
In the face of criticism from gospel artists questioning his style of ministry, Adegboyega dismissed their comments, emphasizing his preference to surround himself with those who support him unconditionally.
“If gospel artists are not my friends and instead join the bandwagon to criticize me asking, 'Is that a church?' What do I have to do? Drag them with a rope? he questioned.
He continued: “It's my friends who will be there. Everyone in that room was my friend. Zlatan is like a son to me; Their children are my children and their parents were in my house. So should I now say, 'Well, since you are not gospel artists, let me go find some gospel artists who are criticizing me and force them to sing'?
“My friends will always sing at my events and the next one will be bigger because my circle of friends continues to grow.”
Watch the video below:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DD5ypmUok-e/?igsh=MWdmdTdjMzB6aTZncw==
READ ALSO THE BEST STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE