By Jehoshaphat Kanyoro Njaro
Kenyan musician Bahati, renowned for his journey from gospel to secular music, recently took to Instagram to express his frustrations with the gospel industry in Kenya.
In a series of impassioned stories, Bahati lamented the state of the gospel music scene, emphasizing that jealousy and hypocrisy among artists have hindered its growth.
Bahati argued that Kenya, once a hub for influential gospel music, has seen a decline in producing major gospel brands as compared to the past due to internal conflicts.
He stated, “The reason why God has moved to industries like Nigeria and Rwanda… is not because Kenyans don’t sing well… the truth is the brands that God has risen in the church are jealous and envious of each other”
He highlighted how when he was launching his new show #TheBahatisEmpire, his secular peers, like Khaligraph Jones and Nadia Mukami, showed more support for his venture than his gospel colleagues and friends.
This perceived lack of support from the gospel community was a significant factor in his shift to secular music.
He went on to state that he is not holier than others but first the hypocrisy needs to stop, and people should repent. That is if people still want God to take them to the next level.
Bahati further emphasized the need for repentance within the industry, citing biblical passages such as Numbers 23:8 ” What God has blessed no man can curse ” and 2 Chronicles 7:14-16 to underline his message.
“Otherwise, naomba God aendelee kuinua Urbantone kabisa mkijifanya Deputy Jesus na nyinyi ni hypocrites, Amen” Stated Bahati, on his Instagram story.