Nigerian Gospel singer Sola Allyson has emphasised that her friendship and creative bond with actor Lateef Adedimeji remain strong despite their differing religious backgrounds.
The singer made the remarks in a footage of her recent concert in Lagos shared by Adedimeji on Instagram on Thursday.
In a video that went viral, Lateef was captured singing about God’s goodness and how he was shown mercy. Sola came in with the popular Christian song ‘Olorun To Lagbara’ before the actor rendered quranic recitations in another clip of the video.
Addressing the audience, Allyson highlighted that their shared creativity transcends faith.
“Lateef is a creative, I am a creative, religion can’t separate us, Lateef is a child of God, I am a child of God. We see our father differently, Lateef is my brother, so you can do with that whatever you like,” she said.
“So Lateef is going to sing to us and sing here today and if I know the song he is singing, I am going to sing with him. And the song is going to be sweet and you will be blessed,” she added.
Adedimeji also expressed his admiration for Allyson’s music and the spiritual impact it carries, noting that religious differences do not diminish its meaning.
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“Listening to BBO and Aunty Sola’s songs doesn’t make me less of a Muslim; your songs speak to me just like a Muslim song will speak to me. God is a formless entity,” he stated.
The duo’s performance was met with resounding applause from concertgoers, who appreciated the unity and energy they brought to the stage.
However, while many loved the ministration, many also criticized Shola Allyson.
One commentator Femi Adedipe said: “So disappointed with Shola Allyson for blasphemy on God’s name. No one is asking you to stick with Christ but if you must, do it truthfully and unbiasedly. Saying we all serve one God when we but know it’s a lie, shows she is driven by money and not of God.”
Kayode Adewumi said: “Imagine Apostle Joshua Selman behind the pulpit during a word session and Yeye Osun is invited to chant incantations to worship ‘God’. Makes you cringe, right?
“That’s the same vibe that the Quranic recitation of Shola Allyson & Lateef Adedimeji gives.”
Another commentator said: “To me, Shola Allyson has never been a gospel music minister. Her songs have always revolved around love, inspiration, and encouragement. Though she occasionally does God-centered songs (which is normal with people who do her type of music). Yinka Ayefele is another in this category.”
In reaction to the criticisms, Motolani Alake said: “You people are attacking Shola Allyson because she worshipped with Lateef Adedimeji, who worshipped in Arabic. The problem here is that you lot exalt religion > spirituality, and that brings separatism and elitism into the conversation.”