The founder of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church, SPAC Nation, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, has stirred conversation by labeling popular musician Davido, whose full name is David Adeleke, a gospel artist.
Speaking on the Off The Record podcast, which gained attention on Monday, Adegboyega explained that the term “gospel” translates to “good news,” and he believes that Davido’s music embodies this essence.
The outspoken pastor made these comments while defending his decision to invite secular musicians, rather than gospel artists, to perform at his recent birthday celebration.
He also shared insights into his close bond with Nigerian musician Zlatan, whom he considers a “son.”
In his own words, “Gospel means good news. Everyone there is a gospel artiste. Davido is a gospel artiste. Have you heard: ‘Because I stand strong?’”
Adegboyega further justified his choice of performers, stating, “What I had then was my friends—friends who are there through thick and thin. Davido told me: ‘I just want to be there and perform for one hour.’ They’re my friends. I didn’t pay any of them. They love me, and I will give my friends platforms.”
He also took aim at gospel artists who criticized him instead of building genuine relationships, asking, “If gospel artists aren’t my friends and are instead joining the bandwagon to criticize me by asking, ‘Is that a church?’ What should I do? Drag them with a rope?”
Continuing, he emphasized, “It’s my friends that will be there. Everyone in that room was my friend. Zlatan is like a son to me; his kids are my kids, and his parents are in my house. So should I now say, ‘Well, because you are not gospel artists, let me go and look for some gospel artists who are criticizing me and force them to sing?’”
Speaking further, Adegboyega reaffirmed that his friends would always be at the forefront of his events, adding, “My friends will always sing at my events, and the next one will be bigger because my circle of friends keeps growing.”
