Mercy Chinwo Under Fire As Daddy Freeze Blasts Gospel Performances At Alexx Ekubo’s Service Of Songs

The Nigerian social media space has been thrown into another heated debate after media personality Daddy Freeze openly criticised the atmosphere at Alexx Ekubo’s service of songs, claiming that what should have been a sober moment of reflection was turned into something that felt more like a gospel concert.

The controversy, which has now sparked strong reactions across Facebook, YouTube and other online platforms, centres around the presence of popular gospel ministers, including Mercy Chinwo and Nathaniel Bassey, at the emotional gathering. While many Nigerians saw the performances as a spiritual tribute and a celebration of life, Daddy Freeze strongly disagreed, insisting that a funeral-related service should not lose its solemn purpose.

According to the viral discussion, the service of songs had been organised as part of the final farewell for Alexx Ekubo, with guests reportedly asked to wear white. The colour code itself became part of the online conversation after Daddy Freeze was criticised by some viewers for appearing in black instead of white. However, instead of backing down quietly, he responded by shifting the focus to what he considered the bigger issue: the tone and conduct of the event itself.

For Daddy Freeze, the problem was not only about fashion or colour. It was about respect, grief, and what Nigerians now consider appropriate during a moment of mourning.

 

Daddy Freeze Questions The Atmosphere At The Service

In his reaction, Daddy Freeze made it clear that he had expected the event to be calm, reflective and emotionally grounded. He said he wanted to hear from the family, the close friends, the widow, siblings and those who truly knew Alexx personally. To him, those voices were the most important at such a painful gathering.

He argued that funeral-related services should create room for silence, hymns, memories, prayers and tributes that allow people to reflect on the life of the departed. Instead, he felt that some moments became too energetic and too performative for the emotional weight of the occasion.

Daddy Freeze specifically questioned the idea of turning a service of songs into a space where gospel performances carried the energy of a live concert. He said music at such an event should be soft, solemn and capable of making mourners think deeply about life, loss and mortality.

His remarks immediately divided Nigerians. Some people agreed with him, saying that in many modern ceremonies, especially among celebrities, grief is sometimes overshadowed by performance, cameras and public display. Others strongly opposed his view, arguing that a service of songs is not the same as a burial and that gospel music is a normal part of Christian farewell ceremonies.

Mercy Chinwo Dragged Into The Debate

Mercy Chinwo’s name became one of the biggest talking points because of the emotional power and popularity she brings wherever she ministers. Known for her strong voice, energetic worship style and deeply spiritual songs, Mercy is one of Nigeria’s most loved gospel singers.

However, Daddy Freeze’s criticism has now placed her performance under a different kind of spotlight. The question many people are asking is simple: was her performance an uplifting tribute, or was it too intense for the occasion?

Supporters of Mercy Chinwo argue that gospel music is meant to comfort the grieving. They believe that in Christian tradition, worship at a service of songs is not entertainment but a way of honouring God and strengthening the family of the deceased. To them, Mercy’s presence was not disrespectful. It was a gift to the family and a spiritual moment for everyone in attendance.

On the other hand, critics who share Daddy Freeze’s view believe that the tone of such a gathering matters. They argue that even when gospel music is involved, there should be emotional restraint. A grieving room, they say, should not feel like a crusade, a concert or a church convention.

This disagreement has created a deep split online. For some Nigerians, the service was a celebration of a life well lived. For others, the energy crossed a line.

Nathaniel Bassey’s Trumpet Moment Also Sparks Reactions

Nathaniel Bassey, another respected gospel minister, was also mentioned in the debate. Daddy Freeze referred to the trumpet moment and questioned the overall message being delivered at the event. In his view, certain statements made by ministers at the service raised uncomfortable questions.

One of the points that appeared to bother him was the claim that some ministers had planned to visit Alexx before his passing, to pray and sing for him, but that the visit happened after he had already died. Daddy Freeze then questioned why people who often speak about miracles, healing and resurrection did not use that moment to demonstrate the power they preach about.

This part of his comment struck many Nigerians deeply. Some saw it as a valid criticism of religious performance culture. Others saw it as insensitive, especially during a moment of grief. To them, a service of songs is not the right place to challenge the faith of ministers or mock religious expressions.

Still, the statement has become one of the reasons the video gained attention. It touched on a larger conversation in Nigeria: the role of pastors, gospel artists and religious leaders in public mourning.

The Bigger Question: What Is A Service Of Songs?

At the centre of this argument is the meaning of a service of songs. In many Nigerian Christian communities, a service of songs is a pre-burial gathering where family, friends, church members and well-wishers come together to honour the deceased. It usually includes hymns, prayers, Bible readings, tributes, worship songs and short messages from religious leaders.

Unlike the final burial ceremony, a service of songs may sometimes carry a more celebratory tone, especially among Pentecostal Christians. The belief is that death is not the end for a believer, and therefore the gathering can include praise and worship, not only tears.

This is why many Nigerians disagreed with Daddy Freeze. They argued that he was judging the event as if it were a quiet funeral Mass or a traditional burial service, whereas the family may have wanted a Pentecostal-style celebration of life.

Some online users said the most important question should be: what did the family want?

If the widow, relatives and organisers invited gospel ministers and approved the order of service, then outsiders may have no right to dictate the tone of the ceremony. According to this argument, grief does not look the same for everyone. Some families mourn in silence, while others choose worship, praise and public celebration.

Daddy Freeze Defends His Position

Despite the backlash, Daddy Freeze appeared firm in his opinion. He insisted that mourners deserve an atmosphere that allows them to reflect, not an event that overwhelms them with noise or performance.

He also hit back at those who attacked him for wearing black to an event reportedly themed in white. Critics said he failed to follow the dress code and therefore had no moral ground to complain about the event. Some described him as rebellious and attention-seeking, saying he always wants to criticise religious events and Christian personalities.

But Daddy Freeze’s supporters argue that his dressing should not distract from the substance of his criticism. They believe he raised a serious point about how celebrity funerals and memorial events are handled in Nigeria today.

According to them, many public mourning ceremonies now look like social events, with cameras, big names, expensive outfits, live performances and dramatic online reactions. They say Daddy Freeze only said what many people quietly think but are afraid to say.

Nigerians Divided Over Grief, Worship And Respect

The debate has now grown beyond Mercy Chinwo, Nathaniel Bassey or Daddy Freeze. It has become a conversation about Nigerian culture itself.

In Nigeria, funerals and memorial services are not only private family moments. They are often social, religious and community events. Depending on the region, church tradition, financial status and family preference, a funeral-related ceremony can be quiet and intimate or loud and elaborate.

For celebrities, the pressure becomes even bigger. Fans expect emotional tributes. Colleagues want to honour the deceased publicly. Religious leaders may be invited to pray. Musicians may minister. Cameras capture everything. Then, social media turns every moment into public debate.

This is exactly what has happened in the Alexx Ekubo service discussion. One side sees the gospel performances as comfort. Another side sees them as excess. One side says Daddy Freeze is being honest. Another side says he is being disrespectful to the family’s choice.

Was It A Concert Or A Spiritual Tribute?

That is the question driving the entire controversy.

Those who support the gospel artists say calling the event a “concert” is unfair. They argue that Mercy Chinwo and Nathaniel Bassey are worship ministers, not secular entertainers. Their songs are designed to lift hearts, point people to faith and bring hope during painful moments.

They also note that Christian services often use music as a form of emotional release. In times of grief, some people cry quietly. Others sing loudly. Some kneel. Some dance. Some raise their hands. These expressions may look strange to outsiders, but they can be deeply meaningful to those who share the faith.

However, those who agree with Daddy Freeze say intention does not erase impact. Even if the singers meant well, they believe the final atmosphere matters. If mourners felt distracted, overwhelmed or disconnected from the memory of the deceased, then the event may have lost its emotional balance.

Why This Story Is Going Viral

This story is gaining attention because it combines three powerful elements that always spark Nigerian online debate: celebrity grief, religion and public criticism.

Mercy Chinwo is a beloved gospel figure. Daddy Freeze is known for challenging religious practices and speaking boldly against what he considers hypocrisy. Alexx Ekubo’s name brings emotional weight because fans are already sensitive about the tribute and farewell surrounding him.

When these elements meet, social media naturally explodes.

Many Nigerians are not just reacting to what happened at the service. They are reacting to their own experiences with funerals, churches, pastors, musicians and public mourning. Some have attended ceremonies where they felt the event became too loud. Others have attended services where gospel worship brought genuine comfort.

That personal connection is why the debate feels so intense.

The Family’s Wishes Remain The Most Important Factor

Despite all the noise online, one point remains important: the family’s wishes should be respected. If the organisers invited the gospel ministers and planned the order of the service, then it means the event likely reflected what they wanted for their loved one.

Outsiders can have opinions, but grief belongs first to the family. They are the ones living with the loss after the cameras are gone. They are the ones who must carry the emotional weight beyond the public drama.

Still, public figures and public ceremonies naturally attract public opinions. That is the reality of celebrity culture. Once a private moment becomes widely discussed online, everyone suddenly feels entitled to judge what was appropriate and what was not.

Conclusion: A Debate Bigger Than One Service

The controversy around Mercy Chinwo, Daddy Freeze and Alexx Ekubo’s service of songs is not just about one event. It is about the changing face of mourning in Nigeria. It raises difficult questions about where to draw the line between worship and performance, between celebration and spectacle, between public tribute and private grief.

Daddy Freeze believes the service should have been more sober, softer and more reflective. Many Nigerians believe the gospel performances were fitting, powerful and comforting. Both sides are speaking from different understandings of grief, faith and respect.

In the end, the debate proves one thing clearly: Nigerians care deeply about how the dead are honoured. Whether through hymns, silence, tears, prayers or songs of praise, the final farewell of a loved one remains one of the most emotional moments in any community.

And when that farewell involves famous names, powerful gospel voices and a controversial critic like Daddy Freeze, the conversation does not end at the venue. It continues online, in comment sections, on Facebook pages, in YouTube reactions and across the entire Nigerian digital space.

For now, the question remains open: did Mercy Chinwo and the gospel ministers bring spiritual comfort to Alexx Ekubo’s service of songs, or did the event cross the line into a concert-like atmosphere?

Nigerians are still arguing, and the answer depends on who you ask.