Nigerian gospel singer Moses Bliss has issued a public apology following backlash from graphic designers over a design challenge he introduced online.
The controversy erupted after creatives criticised the initiative as speculative work, arguing that it required designers to produce professional content without guaranteed payment.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, Moses Bliss addressed the concerns, clarifying that his intention was not to undermine the value of designers but to discover and collaborate with new talent.
“I hope this provides clarity. From the thousands of submissions we received, we will select someone to work with us moving forward. Additionally, we will be offering rewards to 5 to 10 exceptional designers,” he wrote while sharing the video.
He apologised directly to the design community, acknowledging that the challenge may have come across as disrespectful.
According to him, the initiative was designed to create opportunities, not to exploit creatives or devalue their work.
Despite his explanation, the challenge had already sparked widespread criticism online. Many designers described it as unpaid labour, a practice generally frowned upon within the creative industry.
Some critics also questioned the structure of the challenge, noting that multiple designers were asked to submit work with only the possibility of future reward, which they argued was unfair.
Others suggested the campaign looked more like a strategy to generate buzz and publicity rather than a genuine opportunity for collaboration.
In response, Moses Bliss reiterated that creatives are valued and appreciated, assuring that outstanding submissions would be recognised and rewarded.
The situation has since reignited broader conversations about fair compensation, ethical collaboration, and respect for creative professionals within Nigeria’s growing digital and entertainment industries.
