Seyi Shay Sparks Religious Debate After Revealing Why She Left Her Former Church
Nigerian singer and songwriter Seyi Shay has ignited an online conversation about modern gospel music, colonial history, and the evolution of worship practices after sharing why she left her former church. In a candid Instagram story, the award-winning artist revealed that her decision was triggered by a church leader’s opposition to contemporary gospel music during praise and worship sessions.
The church leader, according to Seyi Shay, insisted that only hymns and songs based strictly on scripture should be sung during services. “One leader like that at my former church said something like, ‘We need to stop singing all these new age gospel songs in praise and worship and go back to singing hymns and only songs that are direct scripture.’ Guess what, I stopped going to that church. PERIODT,” she wrote.
Her comments have since gone viral, sparking a wide range of reactions online and in religious circles. Some applauded her for speaking out on what they see as the rigid traditions of some churches, while others questioned her stance, emphasizing the spiritual importance of hymns and scriptural music.
Not backing down, Seyi Shay elaborated on her position, pointing out the historical context of many traditional hymns. “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!!!” she added.
The singer emphasized that not all hymns fall under this category, but she encouraged believers to be more intentional with their worship choices. In a follow-up post, she clarified: “Not ALL hymns were written by slave owners ooo! 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).”
Her bold statements have added fuel to the ongoing debate about tradition versus modernity in the Nigerian Christian community. For many, her stance highlights a growing movement among younger Christians who are seeking more inclusive, culturally relevant, and historically conscious expressions of faith.
Seyi Shay’s remarks come at a time when conversations about decolonizing religious practices and embracing Afrocentric spirituality are becoming more prominent. Whether one agrees with her or not, there’s no doubt she has reignited a crucial discussion that challenges the status quo and calls for reflection on how faith is expressed in today’s world.
