Peter Oluwaniyi Tiamiyu’s Post

I believe many gospel artists have yet to fully explore the business side of music, often saying reasons like 'God's work,' 'our reward is in heaven,' or 'only God rewards.' While these beliefs are valid, it's essential for them to view their craft and talent beyond spirituality and recognize that they can maintain their relationship with God while embracing the business opportunities within the music industry. Additionally, there’s a misconception that being signed to a record label might compromise their beliefs or involve them in activities contrary to their faith. However, understanding the business scope can provide a balanced approach, allowing them to uphold their calling while benefiting from the industry's commercial structure. Lastly, a significant challenge is the lack of effective management that understands the business side of music. Many gospel musicians rely on managers who focus primarily on operational tasks, neglecting the crucial role of business development. I must commend you, sir, for sharing your perspective and shedding light on these opportunities, encouraging gospel artists to explore and maximize their potential in this space.

In a recent post, Onos Ariyo shared her excitement, saying, "I'm truly humbled to be the first gospel artiste to be signed to this label, a historic milestone in our industry." This got me reflecting on something I've been advocating for a while: Nigerian (and African) gospel artists need to look beyond the conventional and embrace global standards that align with the music standard. Some might argue that gospel music shouldn’t follow “worldly standards,” but let’s consider this—does partnering with an established label that can amplify your work and help spread your message diminish the essence of the ministry? I don’t think so. A few months ago, I addressed this topic when Tems won the BET Award for the Gospel/Inspirational category, where she was nominated alongside international gospel artists. Here's what I wrote then: "It's acceptable, in my opinion, for Christian singers to be signed by record labels. Tems' victory in the Christian/Inspirational category at the #BET Awards shouldn’t make any Christian artist feel otherwise. Kirk Franklin, for example, is signed to RCA Inspiration, under Sony Music. Franklin has received 20 Grammy Awards, 22 GMA Dove Awards, and even BET and Soul Train Music Awards. These achievements wouldn’t have been possible if he limited his focus to church invitations or self-management. Similarly, Tems, who recently won the #BET Awards, is also signed to RCA Records, under Sony Music." I believe this is a new dispensation for gospel artists—one where faith and professionalism can coexist, empowering gospel music to reach every corner of the globe. What are your thoughts on this shift in the gospel music space?

This is to all Gospel artists following me and those yet to follow, as a practicing Christian, I'll share some Bible passages on why you should charge and also give you some reasons why you should be convinced to charge for your performances. These are for Gospel artists, however, if God expressly told you not to charge, DON’T. 1 Timothy 5:18b 2 Thessalonians 3:10 1 Timothy 5:8 Ecclesiastes 9:10 Genesis 2:15 1. Value your craft: As a Gospel artist, you put in a lot of effort, time, and resources into honing your talent and creating music. Charging for your performances is a great way to acknowledge the value you bring to the table. 2. It helps you make a living: You deserve to earn a living from your passion, just like any other professional. And, there are several bible passages that support this. 3. It sets a professional tone: Charging for performances sets a professional tone that distinguishes you from hobbyist performers, and it shows that you take your craft seriously. 4. It's the industry standard: Charging for performances is the norm in the music industry, and as a Gospel artist, you should be treated equally. So, don't hesitate to charge for your performances. 5. It builds credibility: Charging for your performances demonstrates your confidence in your talent and worth, and it shows others that you're a serious artist. Remember, charging for performances doesn't contradict your gospel message. In fact, it acknowledges your worth as an artist and helps you spread your message to a wider audience. #YourFavoriteMusicMarketer #AfricasBestCatalogManager #OneDiscussionAtAtime #MyQuickPlug

Gospel Singer Moses Bliss Faces Backlash for Allegedly Charging N7 Million for a Performance Moses Bliss, a prominent gospel singer, is currently under fire online for reportedly charging N7 million for performances. Critics argue that such a steep fee contradicts the humility and service typically associated with gospel music. Many are voicing their discontent, suggesting that this high charge is at odds with the core values of the genre. However, some supporters defend Bliss, arguing that the fee reflects the value of his talent and the costs involved in delivering high-quality performances. They contend that charging for performances does not necessarily undermine the message of the music. This controversy has ignited a broader debate about the commercialization of gospel music and the delicate balance between ministry and business. While some believe that the essence of gospel music should be about spreading a message rather than making a profit, others feel that artists deserve to be compensated fairly for their efforts and contributions to the industry. The ongoing discussion highlights the tensions between maintaining the spiritual integrity of gospel music and navigating the practical realities of the music business. #NaijaPerspective #NigeriaOpinions #NaijaComments #NigeriaEditorial

An Appeal for Unity: Resolving the Dispute Between @mercychinwo and @eezeeconceptz for the Sake of Gospel Music I’ve been deeply disturbed by the ongoing issues between @mercychinwo and her former record label CEO, @eezeeconceptz. I’m not taking sides in this matter because there’s something bigger at stake—a young, emerging Gospel music industry with the potential to surpass even secular music. But conflicts like these threaten to destroy that potential. When we take offense, revival dies. The Gospel music industry is witnessing a powerful move of God, and it would be a tragedy to lose it by ignoring what’s happening here. Fights like this never produce a true winner. Even if one party appears victorious in court or with law enforcement, the loss to the industry and the Body of Christ is far greater than the immediate gains. Let me also make this clear: enough is enough! Your pastor is not a businessman! The music ministry, like the church, has two sides: the power side (spiritual) and the wisdom side (business). Pastors should focus on the spiritual, while we empower apostles in the marketplace to lead record label boards. Even in this situation, neither party seems to have involved someone with both corporate and Kingdom knowledge to mediate effectively. For the sake of the Body of Christ, I am willing to help mediate a mutually beneficial settlement with a corporate board of apostles to: 1. Develop corporate deals that compensate any party who may have suffered financial losses. 2. Oversee a fair sharing formula for all digital assets created during Minister Mercy’s time with Eezeeconceptz. This would allow both parties to communicate with the board rather than each other, fostering forgiveness while limiting direct interactions to avoid pettiness and ensure lasting peace. I appeal to both parties to focus on what binds us—our Lord Jesus Christ—and prioritise the growth of the Gospel music industry. We need strong record labels and music ministers who can reap the fruits of their labor. Otherwise, foreign entities will step in, and while they may offer bigger contracts, the real loss will be to our nation and the Body of Christ. Let us learn from other communities like the Jews and Indians, who resolve issues maturely without creating a mess. Please, let this end now. Dr. Stephen Akintayo

Gospel artists. Please, this music space is for you too. The same way a secular artist makes money is the same way you’ll make money ( Steams, publishing, live events, merchandising etc). Please, use the same tactics the secular artists are using, you even have an edge, the leading of the Holy Spirit. You love Moses Bliss? He’s got 1M+ listeners on Spotify Ebuka Songs? 700k+ Sunmisola? 800k+ Abbey Wosilat? 120k+ What do they do? What do they have in common? Go check them out to learn. You can’t do this without a fan base We operate by Bible here so check Proverbs 14:28 (NKJV) “In a multitude of people is a king's honor, But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince.” So you need multitude of people to be relevant, how do you get this? Strategically build your fan base and own your own event that people will always look forward to & please, make sure your songs are good Mediocrity won’t sell in this space. Again the Bible says “Do you see a man skillful & experienced in his work? He will stand [in honor] before kings; He will not stand before obscure men” Do we have any conference that’s tailored for gospel musicians? I know there is Luli concert and they usually have a discussion on music business to help gospel artists. Do we have more? #Selah

We are overjoyed to announce that Chester Cathedral has been awarded an exceptional grant of over £1.4 million from the Julia Rausing Trust to fully refurbish, rebuild and develop our Grand Organ. This generous funding will allow the instrument to be fully restored and rebuilt, where necessary, using modern organ building techniques and materials. The whole organ will be thoroughly cleaned and the console replaced, alongside AV support. After restoration in the organ builders’ workshop, each of the almost 5,000 pipes will be individually adjusted for sound and tuned within the Cathedral building. The Grand Organ is at the heart of the Cathedral, both physically and spiritually. Music at Chester is amongst some of the finest cathedral music in the country and draws people from all over the world in-person and to our daily streamed worship. Without our music, we would lose a vital part of our worship and mission. The organ was built in 1876, by the local firm Charles H Whiteley (at a cost of £1,800), and is their only major work. It was rebuilt in 1910 by Hill, and again in 1970 by Rushworth and Dreaper, with its considerable reputation lasting through these two rebuilds. However, whilst many cathedral organs have been refurbished and/or renovated more than once since 1970, the Chester organ has not as the significant project has been beyond the Cathedral finances. The instrument has been beginning to show significant signs of wear, and without urgent repairs, it could fail entirely at any time, and indeed, some parts have already failed. The organ is played almost daily, mostly to accompany worship, but also for concerts and education workshops. Visitors are welcomed to listen to the weekly Thursday lunchtime organ recital at Chester Cathedral, which is one of the longest running series of weekly organ recitals to be held in any Cathedral. It inspires visitors and worshippers alike. Canon Rosie Woodall, Canon for Worship and Spirituality at Chester Cathedral says: “The Cathedral is currently renewing its strategic planning for 2025-2030, and the Grand Organ project was firmly placed as a priority project. The extraordinary generosity of The Julia Rausing Trust has given us the security to finally plan its refurbishment – thus enabling music to remain at the heart of our worship for many more years to come.” The Julia Rausing Trust was launched by Hans Rausing in July 2024 in order to make memorial donations in honour of his late wife, Julia Rausing. 

I love when Spiritual leaders choose not to be discreet about other people's achievements when things of life are been discussed. It’s acceptable, in my opinion, for Christian singers to be signed by record labels; Tems’ victory in the Christian/Inspirational categories at the BETAwards shouldn’t make any Christian artists feel terrible. KIrk Franklin is under RCA Inspiration which the Parent company is Sony Music, Franklin has received 20 Grammy Awards, and 22 GMA Dove Awards. He has also received the BET Awards, he has won Soul Train Music Awards and Stellar Awards. All of these things wouldn’t have happened if his only priorities had been church invitations, self-management, or starting his own label independently of Major Label. Tems who recently won the #betawards is also under Same RCA Records which the parent company is Sony Music. This clearly indicates that having millions of fans or having excellent music are not as important as gaining international reputation, which can only occur under excellent global management. Here are some tips I have for Christian musicians: 1. Don’t see of record labels as something worldly; some producers who work on Christian Melody also compose music for mainstream artists. 2. Don’t just kick back and evaluate how you’re doing with church invites. Build a community of fans that will aid in the promotion of your music. 3. Keep in mind that everyone is in this world, and you should be aware that you must stay until the very end. It’s okay to be a member of the winning team; do not view awards as things that are not appreciated by Angels. 4. Appreciate music from different genres; not all genres are associated with devilry, and don’t view mainstream musicians as sinners. Source: @tvcnewsng #BETAwards #music #viral #explore #entertainment #entertainmentlaw

Starting from Scratch | Children’s Choirs and Funding So you’ve had a chat to your parish priest and your fellow music ministers and you’ve agreed that your parish needs a children’s choir. What do you do next? What are the first steps to founding a parish children’s choir? Developing a budget First, establish with your parish priest and pastoral council what level of support the parish is willing to provide: what funding will be provided, what personnel and what other support will be committed. Put together a plan outlining what will be expected of the choir, the director, manager, other volunteers, resources, rehearsal spaces, funding for regular celebrations and recognition, awards, Christmas party and so on. Develop a budget and be realistic about the figures. Once you have established the Choir’s financial base, you will be able to determine which roles will be remunerated and which roles will be filled by volunteers. Read more on the blog. https://buff.ly/3TEy0nr

Does Scripture Support Paying Church Musicians? 😲 👀 In this video, I tackle the heated debate on whether church musicians should be compensated for their time, talent, and commitment to worship services. I explore both sides—those who view playing piano, organ, or other instruments in church as a voluntary offering and those who argue that musicians deserve wages for their skill, hours of practice, and music ministry. Drawing on biblical references like 1 Peter 4:10 and 1 Timothy 5:18, I discuss how stewardship, worship leadership, and financial support impact the music ministry. Join me as I dive into this important discussion!