Kenyan singer Bahati has come under fire from social media users after posting a screenshot of an old, unanswered message sent to his management by the late Gengetone artist Shalkido.
In the post, the Adhiambo hitmaker shared a message in which Shalkido had reached out to his team seeking a musical collaboration.
“Vipiiii bro. Hope you’re doing well? Just said I reach to you, I’m really humbled kuomba collabo kwa D ama Bossy Bahati,” the message from Shalkido read.
Bahati accompanied the screenshot with a tribute.
“You had just talked to my management on our collabo na mkapanga tuingie studio this coming week. Rest well young king, tutaonana baadaye,” Bahati wrote.
However, the post didn’t sit well with many Kenyans online, who accused the singer of chasing clout and hypocrisy for ignoring Shalkido’s message while he was alive.
#RIPSHALKIDO ??? You had Just Talked to My Management on our Collabo na Mkapanga Tuingie Studio this Coming Week??? Rest Well Young King Tutaonana Baadae??? pic.twitter.com/lc61d2CcOE
— bahatikenya (@BahatiKenya) October 6, 2025
One user commented, “Guy sent you a message five weeks ago, you ignored him but suddenly screenshot it after he’s dead.”
Another added, “You never assisted this guy when he was alive akiomba collabo, now that he’s gone ndio unataka kuclout chase nayo?”
Others urged celebrities to support struggling artists while they are still alive, rather than offering sympathy posts after tragedy.
“Majority of us including me won’t accept your messages of condolences, but let’s learn to normalise to help those who are still with us when needs be. One day it will land in your house and you will know the real pain we go through begging for your assistance,” one said.
Bahati’s message comes as the entertainment industry continues to mourn Shalkido, born Kelvin Mburu Kinyanjui, who died following a tragic road accident.
The Wamlambez hitmaker had performed at a Thika club on the night of Saturday, October 5, alongside comedian Oga Obinna.
According to Obinna, Shalkido opted to ride his motorbike back to Nairobi after the show, a journey that ended in tragedy.
Reports indicate the artist was involved in a serious crash between Githurai and Carwash near Roysambu and was rushed to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) in critical condition.
Doctors confirmed he had suffered severe head injuries and a broken thigh.
Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries.
Oga Obinna, who was among the last to be with Shalkido, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram.
“Gengetone artist Shalkido has passed away following a tragic motorbike accident. The sad news comes just hours after he was declared brain dead. May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote.
Shalkido will be remembered as a talented performer and one of the pioneers who helped shape Kenya’s Gengetone sound.