Media personality and veteran broadcaster Daddy Freeze has revealed why he left the service of songs held in honour of the late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo before the event concluded.
Speaking during an Instagram Live session over the weekend, Daddy Freeze said he was uncomfortable with the direction the ceremony took after gospel singer Mercy Chinwo began ministering, claiming the atmosphere became more like a concert than a solemn memorial gathering.
The service of songs, which took place in Lagos last Wednesday, attracted a large number of mourners, celebrities, pastors, gospel musicians and members of the entertainment industry who gathered to pay their final respects to the late actor.
Among those in attendance were prominent Nollywood figures, religious leaders, media personalities and several gospel artistes.
'It Turned Into a Concert'
Explaining his decision to leave the event, Daddy Freeze questioned the choice of music performed during the ceremony, arguing that funerals should maintain a more reflective and subdued atmosphere.
"Mercy Chinwo climbed the pulpit and turned the place to a concert. At that point I got up and left. Does Mercy Chinwo not have soft music?" he said.
The broadcaster maintained that memorial services should feature music that encourages reflection and mourning rather than energetic performances.
"Do you understand what a funeral is? The kind of music that should be played at a funeral is soft music. They should have just played hymns for like two hours, then I would have sat down there and enjoyed it. So at the time she was performing, I just got up and left."
His comments have since sparked conversations on social media, with opinions divided over what constitutes appropriate music for funeral ceremonies and services of songs.
Gospel Stars Lead Tributes
The service of songs featured performances and ministrations from several leading gospel artistes, reflecting the strong religious tone of the event.
Those who participated included Mercy Chinwo, Peterson Okopi, Moses Bliss, Ebuka Songs and the Laud Urban Choir.
Many attendees viewed the musical performances as tributes celebrating the life and legacy of the late actor, while others agreed with Daddy Freeze's position that funeral events should maintain a more solemn tone.
Debate Over Funeral Traditions
Daddy Freeze's remarks have reignited discussions about evolving funeral practices in Nigeria, where services of songs often blend mourning with celebration, particularly when the deceased is a public figure or person of faith.
In recent years, many Christian memorial services have incorporated lively praise sessions, thanksgiving songs and performances aimed at celebrating the life of the deceased rather than focusing solely on grief.
However, others believe funeral ceremonies should remain largely reflective, with hymns and softer worship music taking centre stage.
While opinions continue to differ, Daddy Freeze's comments have once again placed him at the centre of a public conversation, highlighting the varying expectations people hold regarding how loved ones should be remembered and honoured.