Popular gospel singer and pastor Nathaniel Bassey has reportedly suffered a massive financial loss estimated at ₦1.4 billion for his refusal to monetise his viral Hallelujah Challenge sessions on YouTube.
The claim, which originated from a social media user known as @iswellthecapitalist, has sparked widespread online debate, drawing attention to the enormous financial opportunities the gospel artist could have earned through YouTube’s monetisation features. The user’s revelation has since gone viral, with many Nigerians and international followers expressing mixed feelings about Nathaniel’s choice to keep the event ad-free.
According to the viral post, Nathaniel Bassey’s deliberate decision to focus on ministry rather than money has cost him a staggering fortune. The user explained that if monetised, each night of the Hallelujah Challenge could easily generate millions of naira in YouTube ad revenue, given the global reach and viewership of the event.
Hallelujah Challenge: A Global Midnight Prayer Movement
The Hallelujah Challenge, a spiritual initiative founded by Nathaniel Bassey, is a nightly praise and worship session that runs during specific periods of the year, often lasting between 21 to 24 days per edition. The event, held virtually via Instagram and YouTube, has grown into a global Christian revival moment, uniting believers across continents in collective worship at midnight.
The October 2025 edition has continued to witness tremendous participation, with millions of live viewers from Nigeria, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world. Reports indicate that each live stream records over two million participants per night, solidifying its reputation as one of the largest digital worship gatherings globally.
Viral Claim: Nathaniel Could Earn Millions Per Session
In his viral breakdown, @iswellthecapitalist claimed that Nathaniel Bassey could make an average of ₦5 million per night from YouTube’s ad revenue if he enabled monetisation. Considering that each edition runs for about three weeks and that two editions are typically held yearly, the total estimated income forgone could reach a jaw-dropping ₦1.4 billion annually.
He further emphasised that his intention in sharing the analysis was not to criticise the gospel musician but to appreciate his level of sacrifice and dedication to serving God without seeking financial reward. “Did you know Pastor Nathaniel Bassey intentionally refuses to monetise it? I did the MATH, and the numbers are SHOCKING!” he wrote in his viral post.
According to him, Nathaniel’s action demonstrates a rare level of commitment to his faith and calling, especially in an era where most digital creators prioritise profit over purpose.
Nathaniel Bassey’s Consistent Position on Monetisation
Over the years, Nathaniel Bassey has been open about his stance on monetisation, maintaining that the Hallelujah Challenge was never created for financial gain. He has repeatedly stated that his primary mission is to create a space for worshippers to experience the presence of God without any distractions — including advertisements or financial solicitations.
He believes that mixing ads with worship could interfere with the spiritual flow and purity of the sessions. For this reason, he has deliberately refused to enable YouTube monetisation or accept corporate sponsorship for the Hallelujah Challenge.
How YouTube Monetisation Works
YouTube allows creators to earn money from ads once they meet certain eligibility criteria — including at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours within 12 months, or 10 million Shorts views within 90 days. The platform then places advertisements before, during, or after videos, paying creators based on viewer engagement and watch time.
With over two million viewers joining each Hallelujah Challenge session, experts believe the YouTube channel easily meets — and even surpasses — the criteria for monetisation. Analysts suggest that if Nathaniel Bassey chose to monetise his content, his earnings could rival those of top international gospel influencers and creators.
However, his refusal has become a symbol of integrity and devotion for many of his fans, who view his actions as prioritising faith and worship over material rewards.
Mixed Public Reactions
The revelation has triggered mixed reactions online. Some social media users applauded Nathaniel Bassey for placing spiritual impact above profit, describing him as a true servant of God who understands the essence of ministry. Others, however, argued that monetising the event could help him fund outreach programs, expand his ministry’s influence, or support charitable causes while still maintaining spiritual integrity.
[/p]Despite the ongoing debate, Nathaniel Bassey has remained silent on the viral claim, choosing instead to focus on leading the October 2025 edition of the Hallelujah Challenge, which continues to attract massive participation across various social media platforms.
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