Veteran Nigerian gospel singer and evangelist, Funmi Aragbaye, has criticised what she described as the growing emphasis on entertainment and commercial success in gospel music, urging upcoming artistes to return to the genre’s spiritual purpose.
Aragbaye warned that the increasing focus on entertainment at the expense of preaching could be contributing to declining interest in gospel music.
She spoke on Saturday, October 31, after receiving an honorary doctorate in Mission and Evangelism at the 2026 Nigeria commencement ceremony of Anointed University Worldwide in Lagos.
The veteran singer also received the Integrity Fellow Humanitarian Ambassador Award and was inducted into the institution’s Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.
Speaking after the ceremony, Aragbaye expressed gratitude for the recognition, disclosing that she had received more than 100 awards throughout her music career.
She, however, maintained that the latest honours were not a departure from her longstanding commitment to gospel music and evangelism.
“I thank God for everything. What is happening now isn’t new to me. I have gotten over 100 awards all over the world, and they are still coming. It shows that one is still relevant,” she said.
The gospel singer subsequently expressed concern over what she considered a departure from the traditional spiritual responsibilities of gospel musicians.
According to her, many contemporary gospel artistes appear more interested in entertaining audiences and making money than communicating Christian teachings through their songs.
“People are losing interest because we have more entertainment than really preaching the word. Maybe that’s why people are really losing interest,” she said.
Aragbaye advised emerging gospel musicians against approaching the genre primarily as a commercial venture, insisting that gospel music should maintain a clear distinction from secular entertainment.
“My advice to upcoming artistes is that they need to rethink. They should not see gospel music as a business venture where you go to entertain and just get the money. Gospel music is supposed to be gospel music, and there ought to be a difference between gospel music and secular music,” she added.
She also encouraged musicians to produce songs that promote prayer, strengthen Christian faith and communicate the teachings of Jesus Christ.
On integrity, Aragbaye described the virtue as a combination of moral uprightness, honesty, straightforwardness and hard work.
She urged artistes to identify their individual strengths, remain committed to their calling and resist the temptation to imitate successful musicians.
“Integrity means moral uprightness, being a straightforward person and hardworking. If you are divinely called, stay on your calling. Don’t copy people. Be creative. Write songs that will edify God, songs that will pray and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ,” she said.
The singer also expressed concern over declining moral standards in Nigerian society, attributing the situation partly to leadership failures and inadequate accountability in public institutions.
Beyond her music career, Aragbaye has experience in public service. She worked in several government ministries in Ondo State before transferring to the Oyo State Civil Service, where she retired after serving in a senior administrative position.
She has also maintained an interest in humanitarian activities through the Funmi Aragbaye Foundation, which supports widows and less privileged members of society.
The singer disclosed that she was working on a church project she said she had received divine direction to establish in the early 1980s.
According to her, the project has commenced, although she did not provide further details about its location or completion timeline.
Aragbaye has remained active in gospel music for more than four decades, building a catalogue of songs centred on faith, prayer and social issues.
Her career has attracted recognition from music and religious organisations, including the Music Legend Award presented through a partnership involving the Lagos State Government and the Ariya Eko Independent Music Festival.
Despite her latest recognition, Aragbaye maintained that her priority remained the work of her ministry rather than the titles attached to her name.
