How I rejected £24M record deal to remove Jesus from my music — Gospel singer Panam Percy Paul

Dr. Panam Percy Paul Reveals He Rejected £24M Record Deal to Keep Jesus in His Songs Renowned gospel singer and songwriter, Dr. Panam Percy Paul, has revealed that he turned down a lucrative £24 million record deal in 1995 because it required him to limit the mention of “Jesus” in his songs.

Speaking in an interview with Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Paul disclosed that the three-year contract—worth approximately N7 billion at the time—came with conditions that would have compromised his faith. The record label reportedly suggested he use alternative references like “Righteous One” or “Greatest Lover” instead of explicitly naming Jesus.

“The catch was, ‘Can you reduce the number of times you call the name Jesus in your songs?’” Paul recalled. “One of them even said, ‘You don’t actually need to mention Jesus.

ALSO READ: Edo Killing: Emir Sanusi II Urges Calm Amid Kano Reprisal Threats

You can call Him other names.’ I was shocked, so I told them, ‘You can keep the money while I keep the name.’” The veteran gospel artist also criticized the growing commercialization of gospel music, arguing that record labels and marketers now dictate how artists create their songs.

“Today, the extreme is that the music ministry has now become a music industry,” he lamented. “The industry now dictates to the ministers what to do, how to sing, and when to sing.”

Paul’s revelation has reignited discussions about the influence of commercial interests on gospel music and the challenges faced by artists in staying true to their faith-based message.