Nigerian singer Johnny Drille has reacted to criticism trailing the inclusion of gospel singer Gaise Baba on the same lineup with secular artistes like MI Abaga and himself at the forthcoming Shutdown Concert in Lagos.

The controversy erupted on social media shortly after the event’s flyer surfaced online, showing Gaise Baba among performers scheduled for the June 21 concert, which will take place at Livespot Entertarium, Lekki.

Critics argued that a gospel artiste like Gaise Baba should not be performing at a secular show, especially one involving hip-hop and alternative music acts.

A user, @DanielRegha, wrote, “Gaise Baba is not supposed to be performing here. This is clearly a secular concert. He’s a gospel singer. What happened to being set apart?”

Another user, @GetBreezed, added, “I keep saying it, God has left the entertainment industry.”

But not everyone agreed. Christian rapper Apostle Harrison, known as @Preacherrapper, challenged the outrage, saying, “If we are truly light, why are we so scared of the dark? As long as whatever he sings points people to God, we should rather be happy with the development.”

User @NOAH also weighed in, “He’s not going there just for the gospel; he’s going because he was invited. Why didn’t they invite Apostle Orokpo?”

Amid the backlash, Johnny Drille took to his X page on Saturday to address the critics.

“I’ve seen a small section of self-righteous ‘Christian’ folk judge and condemn people they know nothing about — including me,” he wrote.

“They’d rather push people away than draw them to God, assigning themselves the role of deciding who is and isn’t holy enough… When it’s all said and done, you won’t be manning heaven’s gates. Run your own race in peace, and leave me alone.”

The Shutdown Concert is part of activities lined up for World Music Day and will feature a mix of gospel and mainstream artistes.

As of press time, Gaise Baba is yet to respond publicly to the criticism.