Popular Plateau gospel artiste, Ezra Jinang, has come under serious criticism and vilification on social media after he dropped a new song extolling the virtues of Nigeria's First Lady, Remi Tinubu, calling her the 'Maman Talakawa', which translates to 'Mother of the Poor.'
Jinang, who is also a pastor, and a Special Assistant on Entertainment to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, dropped the song on Saturday ahead of the APC convention in Kaduna, but the plethora of dissenting voices made it clear that it did not sit well with a lot of his fans.
Though some believe there is nothing wrong with a gospel artiste singing the praises of politicians, others, however, see everything wrong with it.
Those against the praise singing wondered how the First Lady could be addressed as the 'Mother of the Poor' in the face of the untold hardship and poverty Nigerians are going through.
Others who also took exception to the reference see Jinang as a sellout who has long abandoned his gospel calling to become the mouthpiece of politicians.
A social critic, Sargwak Amos, was the first to fire the salvo with this:
"Ezra Jinang, I always knew your way is not pure. You and a chameleon, there is no difference.
"I always knew you are the antichrist pretending to be holy, but you are just a holy sinner.
"All the incidents happening in Plateau State, you have never for once, used your platform to advocate for the poor or speak about insecurity.
People are dying, villages are being attacked, families are crying, but you have never said anything.
"But you have time to sing nonsense like "Oluremi Tinubu Maman Talakawa" - praise singing to get favour. You are nothing but a liar who is using his influence to put something in his pocket, not to advocate for the people. You sing for politicians while your own people suffer.
"You are among the bad people we are talking about in Plateau State today. You have platform, you have voice, but you use it for stomach infrastructure, not for truth.
History will remember who stood for the people and who was singing for power when Plateau was bleeding.
Comrade Rillz Michael Mangai had this to say:
"Dear Barr. Ezra Jinang
I’m reaching out not as a critic, but as a longtime fan who has truly enjoyed your music over the years. I admire the impact you have as a gospel minister from Plateau State.
"If the song "Oluremi Tinubu (Maman Talakawa)" is indeed your creation, I hope you take a moment to consider the message it sends.
"Nigeria is facing tough times right now. Millions are starving, insecurity, and the soaring cost of living. In this context, calling a political figure the "Mother of the Poor" raises an important question: What real accomplishments back that title, and does it truly reflect the lives of everyday Nigerians?"
David Ishaya wrote:
"I’m not suggesting that gospel musicians should completely stay away from politics. You have every right to support any leader you choose. However, political loyalty should never overshadow the values of truth, justice, and compassion for those who are suffering.
"Big brother, I would love to hear your music challenge leaders to do more for the less fortunate rather than just celebrating their titles. If a leader deserves praise, let it be for tangible achievements; if they fall short, let’s have the courage to speak the truth.
"Praising the first lady might make them feel like they’re doing a great job, but in reality, this family has caused nothing but pain to the entire nation."
Benjamin Jatau had some pertinent questions for Jinang:
"I have a few questions I’d love to ask you, sir:
"1. What specific accomplishments of Oluremi Tinubu led to her being called the "Mother of the Poor," and how can everyday Nigerians verify those accomplishments?
"2. If a politician you personally support fails to keep their promises that impact the poor, would you use your musical platform to challenge them?
"3. How do you make sure that your involvement in political campaigns doesn’t compromise the independence of your gospel ministry?
"4. Aside from praising political leaders, what are you doing through your music to highlight the struggles of hungry families, unemployed youth, and communities facing insecurity?
"And just to be honest, my big brother, that song is really wack. We know you have incredible talent, but it feels like on this new journey, you might have left your true gift behind,"
Paul Kunzaar said: "Jagaban will be remembered for exposing fake gospel men who have abandoned preaching the word of God to praise and worship corrupt, Yahoo-Yahoo politicians who loot the collective wealth of Nigerians.
"From praising God to glorifying corrupt politicians, the hypocrisy is becoming too obvious. The pulpit should stand for truth, righteousness, and accountability—not serve as a platform for political praise-singing."
Walshak Silas ended this way:
"Ezra Jinang used to be my favorite gospel artist, but from today I'm no longer interested in his music because calling Tinubu's wife a mother of the poor is pure lies.
"It's so shameful that our indigenous gospel singer has found a new god in this government. Now he no longer leads souls to God but leads them to eternal hunger and poverty as long as his stomach is full. Very confused."
Fans berate popular Plateau gospel artiste over song calling Remi Tinubu 'mother of poor'