Islamic singer AbdulKabir Alayande, popularly known as Ere Asalatu, has explained his decision to sing a Christian hymn during a church performance, saying Jesus Christ is recognised as Prophet Issa in Islam.
The singer spoke during an interview with actress Biola Adebayo on her podcast, published on Friday, following criticism from some Muslims over the performance.
Asalatu sparked reactions on social media after a video showing him singing the Christian hymn, “Jesus is the only true friend,” at a church surfaced online.
Explaining his decision, the singer said the Jesus mentioned in the song is the same figure recognised as Prophet Issa in the Quran.
“This Jesus we are talking about is Prophet Issa in the Quran, the child of Mariam. Is he no longer your friend? He is your friend, he is my friend. Prophet Muhammed didn’t deny Jesus Christ,” he said.
Asalatu also argued that Islam does not teach Muslims to oppose Jesus.
“Islam didn’t tell us to go against Jesus. I don’t know where they found theirs,” he said.
The singer said he had initially resolved not to grant interviews about the controversy but eventually decided to address the issue.
He also disclosed that some Islamic leaders had contacted him privately and encouraged him to continue his work despite the backlash.
According to him, the religious leaders understood the Quran and advised him not to be discouraged by the criticism on social media.
Asalatu also thanked both his supporters and critics, saying the backlash had helped him identify areas where he could improve.
He, however, reaffirmed his commitment to Islam, saying he would continue preaching the religion.
“Islam is a good religion and I will continue to preach Islam till my old age,” he said.
The singer described Islam as an orderly religion that teaches modesty and provides guidance on how adherents should live.
He criticised what he described as overzealousness among some Muslims, arguing that some people had become too rigid in their interpretation of religious teachings.
Asalatu also questioned attempts by some people to force others into particular religious practices.
“You didn’t force me to make it in life. You didn’t force me to come eat from your source of income. You didn’t force me to make money but you want to force me to make heaven. Does that even make sense? No, it doesn’t,” he said.
He further called for religious tolerance, saying individuals should be allowed to practise their faith without unnecessary confrontation.
“Everybody should serve their God in their own way. Call your God however you can. Everything we do has a reward,” he said.
The singer also recounted receiving severe criticism over his church performance, including an alleged threat that he should be beheaded.
He said he would prefer to confront such threats directly rather than allow social media exchanges to escalate.
Asalatu also addressed debates surrounding music, photography and video recording in Islam, questioning what he described as inconsistencies in some people’s interpretations of religious teachings.
He argued that songs could contain knowledge and lessons and maintained that the content of his own music did not promote disbelief or insult anyone.
The singer further criticised religious messages that he said could discourage people from practising Islam, arguing that differences in language should not automatically be interpreted as differences in faith.
He maintained that Islam is a religion of unity, love and peace, and urged Muslims not to allow social media controversies to distort their understanding of the religion.