Popular Islamic singer, AbdulKabir Alayande, widely known as Ere Asalatu, has broken his silence regarding his controversial performance at a church, clarifying that singing a Christian hymn does not contradict his Islamic faith.

The musician recently sparked a massive social media debate after videos surfaced online showing him leading a congregation in the Christian hymn, “Jesus is the only true friend.” Responding to heavy criticism from sections of the Muslim community, Alayande explained that Islam fully recognizes and honors Jesus Christ.

Speaking during a recent interview on actress Biola Adebayo’s podcast, Talk to B, the singer stressed that the Jesus mentioned in the hymn is the same historical and spiritual figure revered as Prophet Issa in the Holy Quran.

“This Jesus we are talking about is Prophet Issa in the Quran, the child of Mariam,” Alayande stated. “Is he no longer your friend? He is your friend, he is my friend. Prophet Muhammad didn’t deny Jesus Christ. Was he not sent to you? Islam didn’t tell us to go against Jesus. I don’t know where they found their own version of Islam.”

The controversy took a dark turn online when a critic allegedly suggested that the artist deserved to be executed for his actions. Alayande dismissed the extreme rhetoric with irony, stating that he is actively trying to contact the individual to invite them to his home to carry out the threat in front of his children. He added humorously, "You can’t go to heaven if you are not dead. Do you want to kill me?"

Addressing his detractors, the Islamic singer criticized what he described as religious overzealousness and rigid dogmatism, noting that some interpretations drive people away from faith rather than drawing them closer. He cited an example of a man who abandoned Islam after being told that using the Yoruba word for God, "Eledumare," instead of "Allah" made him an infidel.

"You didn’t force me to make it in life or eat from your source of income," Alayande argued, questioning the motives of his critics. "You didn`t force me to make money, but you want to force me to make heaven. Does that even make sense? Which heaven? Your own or which one?"

He also tackled arguments claiming music and photography are fundamentally forbidden in Islam. Alayande pointed to Hadiths indicating that "there is knowledge in songs" and noted that Quranic verses criticizing musicians explicitly exempt those who sing with the fear of God. He defended his discography, asking if any of his records have ever promoted disbelief or insulted anyone.

Despite the intense digital backlash, Alayande revealed that high-profile Islamic scholars and leaders who possess deep, intelligent understandings of the Quran have contacted him privately to express solidarity and encourage him to disregard social media trolls.

Reaffirming his lifelong commitment to propagation, the musician concluded by calling for cross-faith harmony and stating that the backlash has only helped him reflect and grow.

"Islam is a good religion, and I will continue to preach it until my old age. Islam is not a troublesome religion. It is not a religion that kills; it is a religion of unity, love, and peace," he said.