Popular Nigerian singer Chike has revealed the surprising and personal reason behind his decision to stop attending church services, clarifying that it was not a rejection of his faith.
The Moment That Changed Everything
During a recent appearance on VJ Adams' podcast, the "Running" crooner explained that his departure from regular church attendance was triggered by a single, unexpected encounter. Chike recounted walking into a service one day and immediately recognizing the woman leading the praise and worship session.
"The chick that was leading the praise and worship, we had history," Chike stated. He described being overwhelmed by flashbacks of their past, which created a stark clash with the atmosphere of worship he was trying to engage in.
A Personal Faith Beyond the Building
Chike emphasized that his decision was deeply personal and not a move away from God. He managed to attend for only one week after the incident before deciding he could not return. The singer stressed that his relationship with God is independent of a physical church building.
He shared a poignant memory of a low point early in his career, where he found solace in a simple, heartfelt prayer while kneeling in a small apartment at Primewater Gardens. This, he implied, exemplified his genuine spiritual connection.
Church Structure vs. Personal Lifestyle
Beyond the awkward encounter, Chike admitted that the structured environment of organized church does not align with his current lifestyle. He expressed that he has personal habits, preferences, and a degree of freedom that he feels would not be accommodated within typical church culture.
"Church is not for me. There are things I like that I wouldn’t be able to do," he explained. For Chike, spirituality is more about character and how one treats others than about strict religious routine. "You just need to do right by people. Not necessarily live a textbook Christian life," he concluded.
Mixed Reactions from Fans Online
The singer's confession sparked a range of reactions from social media users after the podcast aired.
One user, @femifolorunsho_, criticized the reasoning as a "frivolous excuse," arguing that if the woman had moved on and confessed her past, she was free to serve. Another user, @TheManAfricano, humorously claimed a similar experience.
Others, like @nini23341, defended Chike's perspective, noting that faith should not erase one's humanity or become a cage, and that people often conflate religion with rigid expectations.
In related news, Chike recently took to social media to express gratitude to fellow superstar Davido for the opportunity to collaborate on the 2024 single "Funds," which also features OdumoduBlvck. He shared his disbelief at getting to work with such a prominent figure in the industry.
