Popular Nigerian singer and songwriter, Seyi Shay, has sparked a debate online after revealing the reason she stopped attending her former church.
The music star made the disclosure via her Instagram story, stating that a disagreement with a church leader over the type of worship songs performed during services prompted her exit. According to Shay, the leader had suggested that the church discontinue the use of contemporary gospel songs in favour of traditional hymns and scripture-based music.
Reacting to the proposal, Shay expressed her disapproval, questioning why churches would choose to sing hymns that, in her view, have historical ties to slavery.
“I left that church, period,” she wrote. “I don’t understand how people can feel blessed singing songs written by slave owners—songs that were passed down through generations while our ancestors were being tortured.”
She further urged fellow Christians to be more conscious of the origins of the songs they use during worship, stressing the importance of research and awareness. “Ignorance is not godly,” she added.
Her remarks have generated mixed reactions across social media, with some praising her boldness and others defending the spiritual depth of traditional Christian hymns.
Seyi Shay, known for blending Afrobeat with spiritual themes in her music, has often spoken about her evolving relationship with religion and faith. Her latest comments add to growing conversations around the intersection of culture, colonial history, and worship in African churches.
