Rev. Fr. Chinenye Oluoma, a Catholic priest from the Abuja Archdiocese, has raised concerns about the rising cost of religious worship, specifically highlighting the fees charged by popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo for performances in churches. In a video that has gained traction on social media, Father Oluoma criticized gospel musicians who demand substantial payments for appearances in places of worship.
Using Mercy Chinwo as an example, the priest stated that the singer now charges a fee of N10 million to perform in churches. He expressed his dismay at the expensive nature of religious worship, emphasizing the shift towards commercialization.
Father Oluoma questioned the practice of paying such exorbitant amounts to gospel artists for brief performances during church events. He raised concerns about the dependency on particular songs and artists, suggesting that the focus on entertainment has overshadowed the essence of worship.
The priest also commented on the cultural shift, noting that the artists who composed the timeless songs used in worship were often unknown, while contemporary artists dominate the scene. He lamented the tendency to mimic worldly practices and stressed the need to maintain the sanctity and authenticity of worship.
The video has sparked discussions about the commercialization of religious events and the role of gospel artists in church settings.
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