By Adeboye Ado

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Gospel artiste, Imade Oluwatobiloba, founder of Imade Gospel Music Ministry, has cautioned her colleagues in the music industry against turning gospel ministration into a tool for entertainment, saying the sacred assignment must not be compromised.

In an interview with Friday Extravaganza, Imade stated that gospel music is a spiritual calling rooted in ministering to souls, not an avenue for performance or showmanship.

“I’m not an entertainer, I’m a minister.” I don’t charge for ministration. I simply go where God sends me to deliver His message. Unfortunately, entertainment disguised as ministration has become the order of the day in the industry,” she said.

According to the gospel singer, her call into full-time ministry came in 2019 through divine confirmation, after years of commitment as a church choir member.

“Before then, I was dedicated to the choir, but God gave me a clear direction to step fully into gospel ministration,” she recalled.

Since the release of her debut single, Ogo Mi Ni Ireti Idile Mi, Imade said she has received overwhelming testimonies from people whose lives were touched by the song.

“Many reached out to share how the song ministered to them. Their testimonies affirmed to me that the Holy Spirit is truly working through the music,” she said, attributing all success to God.

While acknowledging the positive impact of her music, Imade pointed out the financial challenges that come with producing gospel songs, including studio time, equipment, and album production.

“These are not cheap, yet they are crucial to fulfilling the gospel mandate. But I remain focused on the purpose, not the price,” she stated.

She also encouraged upcoming gospel singers to embrace patience and maintain spiritual attentiveness, warning them against seeking fame or material gain.

“Wait on the Lord who called you. Don’t be carnal, listen to God before every ministration to know His message. Gospel music is not for fame or riches, it is for purpose,” she advised.

Imade maintained that gospel ministration must not be diluted by worldly trends, urging fellow ministers to remain true to their calling.

“God has set you apart. Don’t conform to entertainment-driven practices. Gospel ministration is a sacred assignment, not a performance,” she warned.

She called for a return to genuine spirituality in gospel music, where the focus remains on ministering life, hope and truth to the people.