“Davido Is A Gospel Musician, Zlatan Ibile My Son” – Pastor Tobi Adegboyega [Video]

Nigerian pastor based in the United Kingdom, Tobi Adegboyega has sparked controversy by calling Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, better known as Davido, a gospel artist.

In a recent appearance on the ‘Off The Record’ podcast, Adegboyega also referred to Nigerian artist Zlatan Ibile as his “son.”

He explained that the term “gospel” means “good news,” and he believes that Davido’s music, particularly his hit song “Stand Strong,” spreads a positive message fitting the gospel definition.

“Gospel means good news. Everyone there is a gospel artiste. Davido is a gospel artiste. Have you heard: ‘Because I stand strong?” Pastor Tobi Adegboyega said.

The pastor’s comments came in response to criticism about his choice of performers at his recent birthday celebration.

Instead of inviting traditional gospel artists, he featured secular musicians, including Zlatan Ibile, who he described as close friends.

Adegboyega defended his decision, explaining that these artists, including Davido, supported him personally without any financial compensation.

He said, “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.”

Adegboyega also addressed criticism from gospel artists who questioned his ministry style.

The pastor emphasized that he prefers to surround himself with supportive people rather than those who criticize him.

He said, “If gospel artistes 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?

“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 were in my house.

“So should I now say, ‘Well, because you are not gospel artistes, let me go and look for some gospel artistes who are criticizing me and force them to sing?’

He concluded by reaffirming that his friends, including Davido and Zlatan, will continue to perform at his events.

“My friends will always sing at my events, and the next one will be bigger because my circle of friends keeps growing,” Adegboyega added.

Watch the video below:

KanyiDaily recalls that Pastor Tobi Adegboyega denied allegations that he is facing deportation from the UK dismissing the claims as baseless.