Veteran Nigerian gospel singer, Panam Percy Paul, has revealed that he turned down a lucrative N7 billion record deal in 1995 because it required him to reduce the mention of Jesus’ name in his songs.
In a recently resurfaced interview with Pastor Emmanuel Iren from August 2024, the 68-year-old gospel icon recalled the moment he prioritized his faith over financial gain at the peak of his career.
“I was offered £24 million for a three-year contract, which was about N7 billion in 1995,” Paul said. “The catch was, ‘Can you reduce the number of times you call the name Jesus in your songs?’ They even suggested I use alternatives like ‘Righteous One’ or ‘Greatest Lover.’ I was shocked, so I told them—you can keep the money, while I keep the name.”
The gospel legend also raised concerns about the increasing commercialization of gospel music, arguing that the industry now prioritizes profit over spiritual ministry.
“Music ministry has become the music industry, where labels and marketers dictate how and when gospel artists should sing,” he lamented, citing how marketers in Alaba pushed for the inclusion of speaking in tongues in songs to boost sales.
Known for his fusion of praise, worship, country music, and African highlife, Panam Percy Paul’s unwavering faith has defined his 40-year career, earning him widespread acclaim and numerous accolades.
