Veteran gospel music artiste, Esther Igbekele has stated that she doesn’t have a problem with singing and performing at bars, nightclub, or any other secular functions.
She made this known when asked her opinion on if it is proper for her and her peers to sing and/or perform at social gatherings that are not church-related.
According to her, while her goal is to touch as many lives as possible, serving God doesn’t disapprove one from working.
“If one is serving God and one is not working, one would end up being a pauper. There are a lot of pastors that are medical doctors. Would they treat only Christians or upright people? So, why should ours (gospel artistes) be different?” she queried.
Continuing, Igbekele added: “Interestingly, I have a lot of Muslim clients and fans. They invite me for their events because they enjoy my songs and want to be happy. Some would buy my albums and through that, many of them have been converted (to Christianity). It’s not my style to sing at bars but I would unapologetically do it if I want to. It is the type of song I sing there that would differentiate me. My goal is to touch lives there. The people that criticise us are not responsible for our financial obligations. How would one meet the needs of one’s band members? In the past, I have been paid N50,000 for a performance. How was I supposed to share that among the 16 people working for me?”
