Some critics have come out in defense of Mzbel (Ekua Amoah), the Ghanaian singer who caused a public uproar after saying Jesus was a fictional figure.

Even as music fans and believers threatened to ditch her music, the singer is now getting support from some opinion-makers.

Speaking on a Christian television show, Belinda said: “”Trust me, I don’t believe in that anymore... I don’t want to offend anybody. I used to believe in ‘it’ but eerrmm, I did my own research and I think ‘it’ was made up but I might be wrong; but by my own research, it was made up. Because the same story 5,000 years ago happened in Egypt. ... Horus’ mother was a virgin. ... He did miracles, he had disciples at the age of 12,” she claimed.

“I used to believe in ‘it.’ I prayed in tongues. I can pray in tongues right now. I actually prayed in my room one time until the room was filled up in smoke ... but I will not believe in it anymore,” she added.

“We must respect the young woman’s right to choose what she likes to believe,” wrote Angelina K Morrison, an opinion columnist as others cried; “Jesus, pardon her!"