Bahati Opens Up About Quitting Gospel Music: 'People Act Holier-than-Thou'

31, Jul 2023 / 2 min read/ By Livenow Africa

Kenyan musician Kevin Kioko, popularly known as Bahati, recently opened up about the reasons behind his departure from the gospel music industry and his subsequent embrace of secular music. In a candid conversation on his wife Diana Marua's YouTube channel, the artiste shared the factors that influenced his decision to shift his focus from gospel to love songs and other secular themes.

Bahati expressed his frustration with the judgmental and hypocritical attitudes prevalent within the gospel community. He revealed that the self-righteous demeanor of some individuals and their tendency to pass judgment on others were the driving forces behind his departure from gospel music.

"I hate people who behave like they are holier than thou. That is one of the things that made me leave the gospel industry. I have even lashed out at some artistes for judging others. You feel like a small 'god'," Bahati candidly shared.

The negative vibrations within the gospel industry made Bahati uncomfortable, leading him to distance himself from it and explore other avenues of expression in secular music.

Furthermore, Bahati opened up about his past struggles with self-righteousness and devotion to Christianity, which inadvertently caused him to neglect his late brother Charles. Charles, who battled alcoholism, needed support during his difficult times, but Bahati's judgmental attitude caused a rift between them.

"I thought because I was a Christian who fasted and sang in church, I was perfect. I even cut him off. I did not want to be associated with him. We go wrong because we over-judge people. By the time I wanted to make up, it was too late," Bahati confessed, reflecting on his regretful actions.

Tragically, Charles eventually passed away at Mbagathi Hospital after a battle with diabetes.

Bahati's journey in gospel music was impactful, marked by several hit singles that resonated with audiences. His debut single "Siku ya Kwanza" catapulted him into the limelight, capturing the attention of music enthusiasts. Subsequent hits such as "Mama" and "Barua" showcased his ability to convey deep emotions through his music.

He continued to connect with listeners through songs like "Machozi" and "Mama Yeyoo," which served as touching tributes to mothers, while tracks like "Nikumbushe" and "Kwa Moyo Wangu" carried uplifting messages of love and gratitude.

Bahati's music often blended meaningful lyrics with catchy melodies, as seen in tracks like "Ndogo Ndogo" and "Wanani," further solidifying his impact on the gospel music scene and endearing him to a wide audience of music enthusiasts.

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