Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, founder of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), has described popular musician Davido as a gospel artiste. Speaking on the Off The Record podcast, which began trending Monday, Adegboyega explained that “gospel” means “good news,” and Davido embodies this through his music, citing the track Stand Strong as an example.

The pastor made these comments in response to criticism over his decision to invite secular musicians, including Davido, to perform at his recent birthday celebration instead of traditional gospel artistes.

“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 stated.

He also criticized gospel artists who judged his choices instead of building relationships, saying, “If gospel artists 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?”

Highlighting his close bond with Nigerian musician Zlatan, whom he described as “like a son,” Adegboyega emphasized his commitment to celebrating with his friends. “Zlatan is like a son to me; his kids are my kids, and his parents are in my house,” he said, adding that his friends will continue to take center stage 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 concluded.