Legendary gospel singer and songwriter Dr Panam Percy Paul says he turned down a lucrative £24 million record deal in 1995 because it required him to reduce the number of times he mentioned “Jesus” in his songs.
Speaking in an interview with Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Paul disclosed that the three-year contract, worth approximately N7 billion at the time, came with conditions that would have compromised his faith.
The record label reportedly suggested he use alternative names such as “Righteous One” or “Greatest Lover” instead of explicitly mentioning Jesus.
“The catch was, ‘Can you reduce the number of times you call the name Jesus in your songs?’“One of them even said to me, ‘You actually don’t need to mention the name Jesus.
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You can call Him other names.’ I was shocked, so I told them, ‘You can keep the money while I keep the name.’”
Panam Percy Paul also criticized the increasing commercialization of gospel music, stating that record labels and marketers now dictate how artists create their music.
“Today, the extreme is that the music ministry has now become a music industry. The industry now dictates to the ministers what to do, how to sing, and when to sing.”
Paul’s revelation has sparked discussions on the influence of commercial interests on gospel music and the challenges faced by artists in maintaining their faith-based message
Gospel singer Bidemi Olaoba has shared plans and aspirations for the future, stating that he has plans to settle down and get married within the next year.
In a recent conversation with Leke Adeboye, Olaoba expressed his trust in God to settle down and start a new chapter in his life.
Olaoba said his preferred honeymoon destination will be Japan.
Olaoba also opened up about his unwavering dedication to prioritising his spiritual growth and self-nourishment.
He emphasised the importance of seeking guidance and rejuvenation from God’s word, particularly on days when he is scheduled to minister to the congregation.
