According to renowned gospel singer and songwriter Dr. Panam Percy Paul, he declined a lucrative record deal for £24 million in 1995 because it called for him to use the word “Jesus” less frequently in his songs.

In an interview with Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Paul said that the terms of the three-year deal, which at the time was valued at about N7 billion, would have jeopardized his religious beliefs.

Instead of specifically referencing Jesus, the record label allegedly advised him to use other names like “Righteous One” or “Greatest Lover.”

“Can you lessen the number of times you use the name Jesus in your songs?” was the catchphrase. Paul told the story. “You really don’t need to mention the name,” one of them even told me.

You can refer to him by several names. “You can keep the money while I keep the name,” I told them, astonished.

The seasoned gospel performer also bemoaned the growing commercialization of gospel music, saying that marketers and record firms now control the creative process of musicians.

He bemoaned, “The extreme nowadays is that the music ministry has now turned into a music industry.” “Ministers are now told by the industry what can be done, how to sing, and when to sing.”

Discussions concerning the impact of economic interests on gospel music and the difficulties musicians confront in upholding their faith-based message have been spurred by Paul’s revelation.