Nigerian rapper and singer Jesse Jagz recently urged his fellow citizens to reevaluate traditional and foreign religious practices, arguing that rituals involving offerings of alcohol and meat have left traditional gods “drunk, obese, and diabetic.” His comments, made during an appearance on the Big Talk podcast, questioned the effectiveness of religious rituals in addressing societal needs.
Jagz drew attention to practices in African traditional religion, noting that the ritualistic offerings of gin and meat have symbolically impaired the gods, making them “helpless” to their worshipers. He used this example to criticize what he perceives as misplaced faith in both indigenous and imported religions.
“When you go to a shrine and see the priest pouring gin on the gods, remember that during the slavery era, a bottle of gin was worth 40 slaves,” Jagz commented. “Our gods are drunk on alcohol and meat. They’re obese, diabetic, and unable to help us. Prayers alone won’t build roads or provide educational resources.”
Jagz further criticized the reliance on prayer without action, arguing that expecting miracles without corresponding effort hinders tangible progress. “We have forgotten humanity,” he added, stressing the need for practical solutions over purely spiritual appeals.
The rapper’s remarks have sparked discussions among Nigerians about the role of faith in daily life, as he emphasized that both traditional and foreign religious practices must evolve to address modern needs.
