Nigerian singer Shola Allyson has clarified the long-debated reason behind her decision not to mention the name of Jesus in her music, stating that her artistic choices are rooted in personal conviction rather than public expectation.
Allyson offered the explanation during an interview on Oyinmomo TV, where she stressed that she has never identified as a gospel artist. “I’m not a religious singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer,” she said.
The discussion resurfaced months after the artist came under criticism in March 2025, when social media users questioned why she avoids direct references to Jesus despite her reputation among some listeners as a gospel-leaning performer.
Responding to those criticisms at the time, Allyson posted on X, rejecting attempts to pressure her into conforming to what she described as “darkness that appears like light,” a mindset she said appeals to “indolent souls.”
During the latest interview, she reiterated that her music is not driven by religious demands or the expectations of critics. When asked about claims that she intentionally avoids mentioning Jesus, Allyson responded that there is no scriptural requirement for artists to repeatedly cite His name.
“Jesus did not instruct us to mention His name in songs, nor did He ask us to do PR for Him,” she stated.