Nigerian singer and songwriter Chike has opened up about the unusual and deeply uncomfortable experience that pushed him away from regular church attendance.
The “Roju” crooner made the revelation during an interview on Off The Top, hosted by media personality VJ Adams, where he spoke frankly about faith, past decisions, and the role spirituality still plays in his life.
Looking back on events from years ago, Chike explained that he suddenly found himself in an awkward situation at a church he had started attending.
According to him, the shock came when he saw the woman leading praise and worship, someone he had a personal history with.
In his words:
“The chick that was leading the praise and worship… we had history. And I couldn’t… I’m like… I was having flashbacks. And she was kabashing, and I’m like… who’s that.”
The moment was so distracting and uncomfortable that Chike said he stopped attending after just a week.
But he made it clear that his decision had nothing to do with abandoning his faith.
Chike emphasized that despite stepping away from church, his belief in God remains firm.
He recalled a difficult period early in his career when he lived in Primewater Gardens with his then-girlfriend and prayed deeply for help.
“I just said a prayer. I just said, God, I don’t have anybody. I don’t have anything. Just help me.”
He also shared a moment of confusion shortly after releasing his debut album; a moment caused by unknowingly consuming a strong edible.
“Three, four days into the release of my album, I didn’t even know where I was… you know, but that was it.”
For Chike, these experiences highlight that God has always been part of his journey, even outside a physical church building.
Explaining further, the singer said the structured lifestyle that church often demands doesn’t align with who he is.
“So I don’t… Church is not for me. There are things that I like, that I would not be able to do.”
Instead, he believes the true measure of faith lies in character and human relationships.
“You just need to do right by the people. Not necessarily leave a certain… look, since I’m Christian, not continually live a Christian life…”
Chike’s honest confession sparked a wave of mixed reactions online.
@lagosconvo wrote, “Reminds me of a lady who used to lead praise and worship in one of the big churches in Lagos. Wrote about it as a fictional story somewhere.” @mellycrochets joked, “That doesn’t stop her kabashing.”
@femifolorunsho_ defended the worship leader, “Small minds… You said ‘history,’ and that’s what it is. She’s moving on; her past can’t hold her down. If she has confessed her sins, then she’s free to serve God in all capacities…” @nini23341 offered a broader perspective, “People often mix religion with their own expectations. They think that if you’re religious, you must live a certain way. But faith doesn’t erase anyone’s humanity… So why should being religious mean someone can’t enjoy life?”
Chike’s revelation has stirred conversation not just about church attendance, but about the personal struggles many people face while trying to balance faith with real-world experiences and memories they would rather not relive.
While some argue he should rise above the awkward encounter, others say his honesty reflects the reality of modern spirituality, that faith doesn’t always need a formal structure to be meaningful.