In a bold and passionate declaration, Nigerian gospel powerhouse Dunsin Oyekan is raising the alarm over what he calls an “ongoing assault” on the creative rights of artists in the digital era.
The worship minister, known for his soul-stirring songs like Open Up and Imole De, has voiced deep frustration over the rampant unauthorized use and redistribution of his music across platforms like YouTube and Spotify.
Speaking to his followers and industry peers, Oyekan lamented the unchecked appropriation of his work, emphasizing that many digital users and even some influencers repackage gospel content without proper licensing or credit — a practice he describes as “modern-day theft hiding behind screens and streams.”
“It’s not just about me,” Oyekan said, “it’s about every artist putting their heart before God and the world, only to have that offering hijacked and monetized by others. We need stronger protection.”
His outcry mirrors the rising chorus of global creators demanding tighter regulations and real-time enforcement of digital copyright laws. Although frameworks like the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) exist, Oyekan argues that their execution often leaves loopholes too wide for bad actors to exploit.
With digital platforms booming and content consumption at an all-time high, gospel music — once confined to Sunday pews — now reaches global audiences within seconds. But that exposure comes at a cost: improper monetization, metadata manipulation, and loss of ownership rights.
Oyekan is now urging platforms, policymakers, and fellow artists to join forces in what he calls a “digital deliverance” movement — one that ensures sacred songs remain protected and artists are fairly compensated. “It’s time we take our sound back,” he added.
As gospel music continues to soar, voices like Oyekan’s serve as a prophetic warning — not just about preserving melody, but about defending the message and ministry behind every note.
