"Christians are the biggest obstacle I've faced in this business" – Spyro says.
If you thought the music world was all glitz, beats, and rivalries, think again. Nigerian singer‑songwriter Oludipe “Spyro” David just dropped a bombshell that’s shaking up conversations about faith, fame, and freedom of expression. But here's where it gets controversial…
From Church Choir to Chart‑Topper
Spyro, now 35, started belting out hymns as a teenager in his local church choir. After years of grinding, he finally broke through in 2022 with the hit single "Billing," four years after officially launching his career in 2017. The track catapulted him into the limelight, earning him the nickname “Who’s Your Guy” and a string of follow‑up songs like "Only Fine Girl" and "No Gree For Anybody (NGFA).
The Interview That Went Viral
A clip from Spyro’s candid chat with Nigerian TV host and filmmaker Frank Edoho—posted on YouTube (https://youtu.be/1F8YDMtjdP0?si=oq6p7wljcY2e4bsD)—has been making rounds on social media. In the footage, the artist doesn’t mince words: “The biggest problem I have ever had in this industry so far is the Christians, not even the Muslims.”
He explains that he entered the music scene expecting a sense of brotherhood, only to encounter criticism for wearing earrings, adopting certain fashion trends, and—most importantly—publicly speaking about Jesus. “The Bible says, ‘Go ye into the world,’ not ‘stay inside the church,’” he argues, emphasizing that evangelism should happen beyond the pews.
Twisted Words and Threats
Spyro says his statements were often chopped, paraphrased, and taken out of context to paint him as a villain. He notes a pattern: once you mention Jesus, the backlash spikes.
“I’ve noticed that everyone who has stood up to say Jesus, there’s always a problem… If you say you’re Buddhist, nobody fights you, but the moment you start talking about Christ, the doors slam shut.”
He even recounts receiving threats from some Christians who vowed to “cancel” his career. Yet Spyro remains defiant: “God brought me here, and He’ll sustain me. The Bible promises prosperity and grace—so I’m staying put, no matter the intimidation.”
Luxury Cars as Pulpits?
In a surprising twist, Spyro proposes a new kind of evangelism: preaching the gospel through symbols of success. “Christ is better preached in a G‑Wagon, in a Lamborghini,” he says, coining the term “lifestyle evangelism.”
He clarifies that he’s not suggesting poverty is a barrier to sharing faith, but rather that visible success can open doors for conversations about Jesus that might otherwise never happen. “I’ve been able to bring a lot of people to Christ because I step out of a luxury car and say, ‘Jesus is Lord.’ It’s a powerful testimony.”
Gospel vs. Secular – No Need to Choose
Spyro insists he can seamlessly blend gospel and secular music. He believes that limiting himself to strictly religious tracks would miss countless souls who never step into a church. “I’m an Afro‑pop R&B artist and a Christian—those are two different hats. My platform lets me discuss faith without being confined to a pulpit.”
He adds that the audience, not the artist, often draws the line between sacred and profane, creating unnecessary tension.
A Historical Aside: Joseph of Arimathea
During the interview, Spyro drops a theological nugget about Joseph of Arimathea, the man who asked Pontius Pilate for Jesus’ body. He argues that political influence—not divine miracle—allowed the burial that fulfilled Scripture. “If His legs had been broken, the prophecy would have failed. It took a regular politician to secure the body, showing that influence matters even today.”
He extends this point to modern Christians, urging them to enter every industry—banking, entertainment, even the drug trade—to wield influence for good. “If we don’t bring the gospel into these sectors, others will fill the void, and we’ll keep watching the damage from the sidelines.”
What Do You Think?
Spyro’s bold claim that Christians themselves are the biggest hurdle for a believer in the music business is bound to spark debate. Do you agree that religious communities sometimes stifle open evangelism? Or do you think his “luxury evangelism” approach misses the mark? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s get the conversation rolling!
