Nigerian actor Patrick Doyle has advised mainstream gospel artists not to feel upset about Tems winning the Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at the 2024 BET Awards. Tems, a 29-year-old singer, received the award for her song ‘Me and U’ at the ceremony held in Downtown Los Angeles on July 1.

Tems competed against established gospel artists like Shirley Caesar, Kirk Franklin, and CeCe Winans, among others, to clinch the award with her song ‘Me & U’.

Some social media users and mainstream gospel artists questioned the decision to award Tems, prompting Doyle to share his thoughts. He empathized with gospel artists who feel overlooked but suggested they stop seeking approval from the entertainment industry, which he believes is influenced negatively.

Doyle remarked in a social media post,

“I understand the disappointment of mainstream gospel artists who feel overshadowed by Tems, a secular musician, winning the BET award for best gospel song. However, it’s time for committed Christians to stop looking for validation from institutions like the entertainment industry, which, in my view, is under negative influence,”