Rap Goddess sparks debate with ‘I Don’t Go to Church’

Rising artiste, Maureen James, aka Rap Goddess, has stirred debate with her new single titled, ‘I Don’t Go to Church’, offering a raw and unfiltered meditation on faith, spirituality, and personal awakening.

A statement shared with Saturday Beats noted that moving beyond the traditional confines of organised religion, the track advances the idea that “the heart is the temple,” emphasising a direct, deeply personal relationship with the divine over institutional ritual.

It added, “Through sharp lyricism and a commanding flow, she challenges the status quo, advocating authenticity and spiritual truth in an era she describes as one of awakening rather than performance. While driven by a compelling beat, its resonance runs far deeper, positioning the song as a call for spiritual decolonisation. The song confronts mental slavery and religious dogma, urging listeners to awaken from inherited systems and rediscover identity, ancestry, and inner power.

Speaking about the track, Rap Goddess said, “This isn’t about disrespecting God, it’s about reclaiming truth. True freedom begins in the mind. We’ve been taught to look outside ourselves for a saviour, but the power has always been within — in our blood and in our story.” dress by theatre scholar, Prof Mojisola Bimbo-Manuel, who urged practitioners to embrace higher standards and stronger structures if Nollywood must attract serious global and local investment.

She stressed that actors and filmmakers must recognise the weight of their influence, noting that many children trust entertainers more than they trust their own parents.

Also harping on the importance of setting standards, Bimbo-Manuel said, “There are so many people around you who shouldn’t be part of the system. Standards must be reset. People are willing to put good money into filmmaking, but you can only access that investment by delivering good products.”

The academic also noted the lack of clear benchmarks for entry into Nollywood, contrasting it with academia where qualifications such as a PhD and strict promotion requirements guide career progression. She added that young filmmakers have the power to change the industry if they insist on structure, professionalism and a constitution that can be enforced.

Touching on personal conduct, she emphasised that actresses do not need to “dress sexually to be respected,” while stressing the importance of maintaining a positive public image, especially because many entertainers are parents whose children may face stigma due to negative publicity.

A financial expert, Akorede Idowu, also took the stage, advising practitioners to prioritise their financial stability. He reminded them that fame is fleeting and that the “law of diminishing returns” applies to every career.

He further urged the entertainers present to diversify their income through avenues such as real estate, thrift schemes and multiple small businesses, while staying informed about tax regulations that apply to their sector.

Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Bukola Agbaminoja, applauded the industry for its global visibility. She revealed that several international stars were currently filming in Lagos because of Nollywood’s cultural value and growing reputation. She also noted that the Lagos State Government had disbursed grants running into hundreds of millions to support filmmakers.

Also speaking at the event, actress Bisola Aiyeola shared her experience in the industry, noting that in her 16 years of practising the craft, she had never been sexually harassed.

Meanwhile, the convener of the event, Toriola urged her colleagues to hold themselves to high ethical and professional standards.

“Character is different from integrity. People may judge me by the roles I play, but no one can say I collected money and didn’t deliver. Integrity must guide everything we do,” she said.

Other personalities at the event include Yewande Adekoya, Dolapo Oni, Bimbo Aiyeola, Regina Chukwu, Adediwura BlarkGold, Madam Saje, Omowunmi Ajiboye, Gbenga Adeyinka, and Opeyemi Ajayi (Managing Director of Cinemax).