Renowned gospel minister Dr. Panam Paul has revealed that he once turned down a £24 million (₦7 billion in 1995) offer to modify his music by reducing direct references to Jesus.
At the peak of his career, industry executives approached him with a lucrative deal, urging him to replace the name of Jesus with more neutral terms like “The Greatest Lover” or “The Righteous One.” However, Dr. Paul stood his ground, firmly responding:
“You can keep your money; I’ll keep the name.”
The Commercialization of Gospel Music
Dr. Paul expressed deep concern over how financial interests are reshaping the gospel music industry. He recounted how marketers in Alaba once encouraged gospel artists to incorporate speaking in tongues into their songs—not for spiritual edification, but because it boosted sales.
He warned that external influences are increasingly dictating what gospel ministers sing, urging artists to remain faithful to their calling rather than chasing commercial success.
A Call for Authenticity in Gospel Music
Dr. Paul’s story serves as a powerful reminder for gospel artists to prioritize faith over fame and remain steadfast in their mission, despite industry pressures.
📹 Watch his testimony here (start from 0:07 timestamp):
