Nigerian singer and songwriter Johnny Drille has opened up about the criticism he faces from some Christians for performing in churches.
Speaking on the CreativiTEA podcast, the Mavin Records artist explained that his music has evolved beyond traditional gospel boundaries, even though his faith remains firm.
Johnny shared that while his songs may not fall under the typical “gospel” label, they carry messages of positivity, love, and truth—values that align with his beliefs.
“I love God, and I’m very active in church,” he said. “But I’ve never really felt my music was strictly for the church. Sometimes I get invited to perform in churches, which I appreciate, but it’s interesting because I’ve also faced backlash for it. The thing is, my music spreads positivity and addresses real issues the church often avoids.”
He went on to highlight that love—a recurring theme in his songs—is something the church doesn’t talk about enough.
“The church tends to shy away from conversations about love,” he continued. “At Christian weddings, you hear Davido or Wizkid songs. So why not create our own beautiful love songs that still reflect faith and purity?”
Johnny Drille’s remarks shed light on the gap between contemporary music and the church, challenging listeners to embrace wholesome, faith-inspired art in all its forms.

