Kenyan artiste Bahati has revealed why he left the gospel music industry to pursue a career in secular music.
Speaking on the Mic Cheque podcast, the Mama singer said that deep-rooted hate and pretence among gospel artistes pushed him to make the switch.
“It’s too much na mimi sio mtumishi wa Mungu, mimi ni mtoto wa Mungu. To be honest, I never planned to leave the gospel. However, the hate was too much and pretence hadi unaona God hawezi bariki ii kazi, wacha ikae,” the “Adhiambo” hitmaker said.
Bahati added that doing God’s work with lies and hate is unacceptable before God. He claimed that despite public appearances, many gospel artistes do not genuinely like each other.
“Nikaona tuwache uwongo na kutumia jina ya Yesu bure. Yaani unaona ii inaenda tu chini because ata hao ladies wenye ni spiritual hawapendani. Lakini kwa TV Sunday mambo ni different,” said the “Sweet Love” singer.
Bahati highlighted the lack of collaboration among top gospel artistes, citing Guardian Angel and Mercy Masika as an example.
“One example is my favorite gospel artiste ni Guardian Angel. Mbona hajawahi imba na Mercy Masika hadi wa leo?” he questioned.
He also spoke about veteran songwriter and gospel artiste Mr. Vee, mentioning his financial struggles despite his talent and contribution to the industry.
“Mr. Vee anafungiwa nyumba, no offense to you Mr. Vee. Ameandika hizo ngoma zote alafu mtu hamshikii simu. We are bringing each other down in the gospel industry instead of helping each other grow,” Bahati said.
The Mi Amor singer said that secular artistes like Khaligraph Jones would have called out those refusing to pay for songs, unlike gospel artistes who often endure quietly.
“Ingekuwa Khaligraph Jones angekuwa ameshawacall out but Mr. Vee juu ako ‘gospel’ anavumilia, anafungiwa nyumba na hakuna mtu anashika simu zake,” Bahati noted.
Mr. Vee, whose real name is Venanzio Githae, is a celebrated gospel artiste and songwriter who has worked with acts like Daddy Owen, Mercy Masika, and Janet Atieno.
Bahati further claimed that fans questioning the lack of recent gospel hits are witnessing the consequences of hypocrisy in the industry.
“Then fans wanauliza mbona hao ladies hawatoi hit song. Ni juu Mungu alienda bana. Acha Mungu asaidie Ssaru juu hawa watu wote ni watoto wa Mungu,” the “Diana” hitmaker said.