Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter Sola Allyson, has responded to criticism regarding the absence of direct references to Jesus in her latest album.
An X user with the username @Folahanayo1 had called her out on Friday following revelations by gospel icon, Panam Percy Paul, that he rejected a whopping £24m record deal in 1995 to reduce Jesus in his song.
The X user sparked the debate by questioning the omission, stating, “Sola Allyson cannot relate. A whole album and not a single mention of Jesus.”
In response, Allyson strongly defended her artistic and spiritual choices, calling out what she perceived as unkindness and manipulation in such criticisms.
“Why are you people this callous and unkind?” she questioned.
She went on to express frustration over the pressure imposed on her by religious expectations, emphasizing that true spiritual connection is not about outward displays.
“Can you see why true souls have found themselves distant from you? Or is it that you are desperately looking for an addition of light-souls in your dark space and must bully them into joining you?”
Allyson further dismissed the notion that faith should be performative, arguing that she is on her own spiritual journey and refuses to conform to external expectations.
“Why must I be like your fathers and mothers before you see what I am? Did I ask to be a part of you? Am I not walking my own journey and getting ahead in it?”
In a strong rebuke, she criticized the behaviour of those who police others’ faith expressions, branding them as insincere and judgmental.
“This act says dark and callous! This is bullying! The Jesus I know would NEVER do this!”
She asserted her independence from religious manipulation, stating, “I don’t want to be a part of dark souls who outwardly present ‘Jesus’ but act otherwise. Leave me to be and face your fellow vain, shallow, and liar souls!”
Allyson’s response has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting her stance on personal faith expression, while others argue for more explicit references to Christian beliefs in gospel music.
After being tagged to the post, in a video, Allyson shared her thoughts, addressing the words and sentiments directed at her.
The songwriter sent a strong message to those she described as manipulating others into their version of faith, urging them to stop imposing their beliefs on her.
In an emotional video shared on her Instagram page on Saturday, the soulful singer revealed that she was struggling emotionally, holding on only to her faith and career.
“I just finished crying. Today, I am not strong. Right now, the only thing keeping me afloat is my faith in God and the work I have built with my own hands,” she said.
Expressing her frustration, she called out those who constantly criticize her choices and attempt to force her into their religious mold.
“Is it until I break? Until you hear I am gone, and then you start posting ‘RIP’ as if you ever truly cared? Every human has their limits. I have stood alone all my life. I have walked this path without validation from anyone. Even those closest to me never believed in me—until recently.”
Shola Allyson emphasized that she is content with her journey and will not be pressured into conforming to any expectations.
“I am not begging to belong anywhere. I know who I am, I know where I am going, and I know the light I carry. If what I do unsettles you, walk away. Do not add to another person’s burden with careless words—you may never know the weight they already carry.”
The singer reaffirmed her commitment to using her experiences to inspire others.
“I will continue to shine the light I have seen and share the comfort I have received. My purpose is clear, and no one can take that away from me. Just leave me alone.
VIDEO: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHv86TkObWO/?igsh=M3FqYnd4MXBmY3dw
