Nigerian singer Shola Allyson has addressed long-standing criticism over her decision not to mention the name of Jesus in her music, insisting that her calling as an artiste does not require it.
The conversation resurfaced after she was heavily criticised on social media in March 2025 for not making direct references to Jesus in her songs, despite being widely regarded as a gospel artiste.
Reacting at the time, Allyson stated on X that she would not be pressured into “joining darkness disguised as light,” adding that no amount of online dragging would alter her convictions.
Speaking on Saturday during an interview on Oyinmomo TV, the revered vocalist finally explained the reason behind her stance.
“I’m not a religious singer,” she said. “I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I am a singer.”
When the interviewer pointed out that many people accuse her of avoiding the mention of Jesus in her songs, she firmly replied:
“Jesus did not instruct us to mention His name in songs, nor did He ask us to do PR for Him.”
Her statement has since sparked fresh conversations about artistic freedom, spirituality, and the expectations placed on musicians perceived to be gospel artistes.
Comments