Popular cleric, Femi Lazarus has revealed the extravagant terms of engagement set by a well-known gospel musician in Nigeria.

Lazarus made the disclosure during a sermon that has since gone viral on social media. While he concealed parts of the document to avoid revealing the artist’s identity, he read out details that showed the musician demanded no less than $10,000 for a performance.

According to the document, the artist required first-class flight tickets and an executive suite for accommodation.

“I want the media to project an invoice—I don’t know what to call it—of a music minister in Nigeria," Lazarus said. "Let me read what is here: The minister will be accompanied by a minimum of 40 people, and they will all return the day after the event.

“For travel arrangements, flights must be booked for both outbound and return journeys. The artist will fly first class—this is compulsory—while the team will fly economy.

"Hotel reservations must be covered by the church. The minister will stay in an executive suite, while two executive rooms will be provided for four male team members.

"Meals must be provided for the minister and designated personnel, with a preference for Nigerian cuisine, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

"The honorarium? Listen—$10,000. Payment terms: A non-refundable 50% deposit must be made before the event can be scheduled, and the balance must be paid two days before the event.”

Lazarus criticized the use of the term “honorarium,” suggesting that the artist should simply call it a fee.

"When they pay you this kind of money, you have to act—to justify the amount paid. You roll on the floor, you scream, you shout. But those who truly know God understand that He is not there," he said.

He further claimed that many such gospel artists avoid charging top pastors high fees because they rely on them for endorsement.



NBA