Nigerian music sensation, Oluwaseyi Joshua, popularly known as Seyi Shay, has opened up about her decision to part ways with her former place of worship, expressing dissatisfaction with the church’s stance on gospel music.
Taking to her Instagram stories, the singer shared her disappointment with a former church leader who discouraged the singing of contemporary gospel music in favor of traditional hymns, claiming they were more scriptural and appropriate for worship.
Seyi Shay, however, challenged this notion, questioning the spiritual benefit of songs with historical ties to slavery.
She wrote, “I don’t know how or why you would feel blessed and happy by singing some of the songs that slave owners wrote and forced them to sing and pass down through generations while beating and torturing your ancestors… makes no sense. Do your research! Ignorance is NOT Godly !!!”
In a follow-up post, she offered some clarification, noting that while not every old hymn has such a dark origin, many do.
She encouraged believers to consider crafting their own praise and worship songs inspired by scripture.
“Not ALL hymns were written by slave owners 000! But a lot of them were. In some cases you’re better off making up your own praise and worship songs/hymns (based on scripture if you prefer),” she added.
Her remarks have sparked conversations about the relevance and origin of worship songs in modern-day Christianity.
