Nigerian Islamic singer AbdulKabir Alayande, popularly known as Ere Asalatu, has defended his decision to sing a Christian hymn during a church performance, saying his reference to Jesus was consistent with the Islamic recognition of Jesus Christ as Prophet Issa.
The singer addressed the controversy in an interview with actress Biola Adebayo on her podcast, published on Friday, following criticism from some Muslims after a video of his church performance circulated on social media.
The footage showed Asalatu singing the Christian hymn, “Jesus is the only true friend,” at a church, prompting mixed reactions online and questions from some Muslims about his decision to perform the song.
Explaining his position, the singer said Christians and Muslims were referring to the same Jesus, whom Islam recognises as Prophet Issa, the son of Maryam.
“This Jesus we are talking about is Prophet Issa in the Quran, the child of Mariam. Is he no longer your friend? He is your friend, he is my friend. Prophet Muhammed didn’t deny Jesus Christ. Is Jesus no longer your friend? Was he not sent to you?” Asalatu said.
He further argued that Islamic teachings do not require Muslims to oppose Jesus Christ, questioning the basis of some of the criticism directed at him.
“Islam didn’t tell us to go against Jesus. I don’t know where they found theirs,” he said.
Singer Responds to Critics
Although Asalatu said he had initially resolved not to grant interviews concerning the controversy, he eventually decided to address the questions surrounding his performance.
“Although I said I won’t grant any interview on this issue, but as it is… anyone who refuses to answer a question when asked is a stupid person,” he said.
According to the singer, some Islamic leaders had also reached out to him privately following the controversy and encouraged him to continue his work despite the criticism he was receiving online.
“I want to appreciate the true Islamic leaders who had called me and encouraged me to continue doing my work that the people dragging me on social media don’t know what they are doing,” he said.
Describing those who contacted him as knowledgeable religious figures, he added, “These are people who are true Islamic leaders who know the Quran in and out and are also intelligent.”
Asalatu also acknowledged the impact of the criticism, saying that while he rejected the hateful comments directed at him, he was able to learn from some of the feedback.
“Although your hatred has done nothing to us, but you also made impact. We were able to pick out of the hateful words to make corrections because no one is perfect,” he said.
‘I Will Continue to Preach Islam’
Despite performing at a Christian church and defending the hymn, Asalatu stressed that his actions should not be interpreted as a rejection of Islam.
The singer reaffirmed his commitment to the religion, describing it as a faith that promotes order, modesty and guidance in everyday life.
“Islam is a good religion and I will continue to preach Islam till my old age,” he said.
He added, “Islam is orderly. Islam preaches modesty in dressing. The religion explains how to live life.”
However, Asalatu criticised what he described as excessive zeal among some Muslims, arguing that certain individuals had become overly rigid in interpreting and enforcing religious practices.
“Some people are over zealous. That’s who they are,” he said.
The singer questioned why anyone should attempt to force another person into a particular religious practice or conception of salvation, especially when that person’s livelihood was not dependent on the individual doing the preaching.
“You didn’t force me to make it in life. You didn’t force me to come eat from your source of income. You didn’t force me to make money but you want to force me to make heaven. Does that even make sense? No, it doesn’t,” he said.
He further questioned whose definition of heaven people were attempting to impose on others, asking, “Which heaven? Your own or which one? Your own heaven or which one?”
Raises Concern Over Religious Threats
Asalatu also spoke about what he described as extreme reactions to religious disagreements, joking about the possibility of being killed over differing interpretations.
“You can’t go to heaven if you are not dead. Do you want to kill me?” he asked.
He claimed that one of those criticising his church performance had gone as far as saying that he deserved to be beheaded.
“One of those dragging me said I am supposed to be beheaded. I am even trying to get the person’s number so I can tell him to come to my house to cut off my head in the presence of my children,” he said.
The comment formed part of his broader call for tolerance, as the singer urged people of different religious beliefs to allow one another to practise their faith without unnecessary confrontation.
“Everybody should serve their God in their own way. Call your God however you can. Everything we do has a reward,” he said.
Challenges Arguments Over Music and Images
Beyond the controversy surrounding his church performance, Asalatu also addressed some of the religious arguments he said had been raised against him, including criticism of photography, video recording and music.
Questioning what he described as inconsistencies in some interpretations, he said, “One of them said whoever takes picture will go to hell. Meanwhile, video is an upgraded version of picture and you are there making video and everyone is posting you on social media, yet, you are not against them.”
The singer also challenged claims that music had no place in Islam, arguing that some Islamic teachings contain references to knowledge and lessons conveyed through songs.
“Some people said there is no music in Islam. We read in one of Muhammad’s Hadiths where he said there is knowledge in songs. If he wanted to condemn it, he won’t say there is knowledge in songs,” he said.
He also referred to Quranic teachings concerning musicians, arguing that the subject should be considered in a broader context.
“The same God who cursed the musician in the Quran. God said curse be unto all musicians. It is written in the Quran but if you read further, he said, except those who sing with the fear of God,” he said.
Defends His Music and Message
Defending the content of his songs, Asalatu asked critics to consider whether his music had actually promoted disbelief, insulted anyone or challenged the existence of God.
“Did I abuse your mother with my song? Did my song say there is no God?” he asked.
He also warned that overly harsh religious messaging could have unintended consequences, including pushing some people away from faith rather than bringing them closer to it.
“I know a Muslim who lost interest in Islam. He lost interest in all the religion,” he said.
According to the singer, the individual had allegedly been told that referring to God as “Eledumare” instead of “Allah” amounted to disbelief.
Rejecting the argument, Asalatu said, “Help me. The difference is just the language.”
Calls for Unity and Peace
Asalatu concluded his defence by stressing that Islam, in his view, should not be associated with conflict, hatred or violence. He urged Muslims to exercise restraint and avoid allowing social media arguments to shape their understanding of religious teachings.
“Islam is not a troublesome religion. Islam is not a religion that kills. Islam is a religion of unity. Islam is a religion of love and peace,” he said.
His comments come amid continued debate online over the boundaries of interfaith engagement, artistic expression and religious identity, with the singer maintaining that his appearance at the church should be understood within his interpretation of Islamic teachings rather than as a rejection of his faith.