Kenyan musician Kevin Bahati, a former gospel music star, has recently opened up about his departure from the gospel music industry, blaming the toxicity and hypocrisy he experienced behind the scenes. Bahati, who was once one of the most prominent figures in the Kenyan gospel scene, explained that it wasn’t a loss of faith that led him to leave, but rather the lack of unity and the fake spirituality he witnessed among his peers.
During an interview on the Mic Cheque Podcast, Bahati expressed his frustrations, claiming that the gospel industry was filled with pretentiousness and divisive behavior. According to him, the negativity was so overwhelming that it began to feel like even God wouldn’t bless the environment.
The Hypocrisy in the Gospel Music Industry
Bahati didn’t hold back in calling out the hypocrisy within the gospel music scene. He questioned how gospel artistes, who are supposed to spread love and unity, could be so divided. “Let’s stop lying and using the name of Jesus in vain. Even the women who present themselves as spiritual do not love each other,” Bahati remarked, adding that rivalry and jealousy were rampant in the industry.
One example Bahati pointed to was the lack of collaboration between two of the biggest names in Kenyan gospel music: Guardian Angel and Mercy Masika. Despite their popularity and success in the industry, the two artistes have never worked together, which Bahati took as evidence of the underlying tensions. “Ask yourself why Guardian Angel has never sung with Mercy Masika till today. Let’s be honest, they do not love each other,” Bahati said, clearly frustrated with the disconnection among top gospel musicians.
The Case of Mr Vee: Abandoned During Hard Times
Bahati didn’t stop there. He also brought up the case of Mr Vee, the talented songwriter behind some of Mercy Masika’s biggest hits. According to Bahati, despite Mr Vee’s crucial role in Masika’s success, he was allegedly abandoned during difficult times. “You might be wondering why some of these women are not releasing hit songs anymore. Mungu alienda (God left),” Bahati suggested, implying that the lack of genuine support and compassion within the gospel community was leading to a decline in the quality of music.
Bahati’s accusations point to what he sees as selective kindness in the industry, where artistes only show support when it’s convenient, rather than being there for one another during hard times.
What Gospel Is This?
The core of Bahati’s criticism revolved around the authenticity of gospel artistes’ faith. He questioned how anyone could claim to be walking in the path of Christ while simultaneously tearing down others in the industry. “What gospel is this that someone is in while destroying others?” Bahati asked, highlighting the disconnect between the supposed mission of gospel music and the behaviors exhibited by some of its leading figures.
Social Media Reactions: Mixed Opinions from Fans
As expected, Bahati’s comments sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans weighing in on both sides. Some agreed with Bahati, emphasizing the need for gospel artistes to focus on serving God rather than indulging in petty rivalries. One fan commented, “You do Gospel to serve God if that is not your purpose then you are in the wrong place.”
Others, however, saw Bahati’s departure from the gospel music scene as hypocritical, pointing out that he had once recorded gospel music but left for secular music. “It’s so ironic how he sang the song ‘izi vitu ndogo ndogo zisifanye nisikuimbie Baba’ (these small things shouldn’t stop me from singing to you, Father), yet he stopped doing gospel music because of those same small things,” one user commented.
Some critics questioned Bahati’s decision to leave gospel music entirely, arguing that his personal struggles in the industry shouldn’t have led him to abandon his faith. “The disciples did not stop following Jesus because Judas betrayed Jesus. It’s not about others but You and Jesus,” another fan pointed out, suggesting that Bahati should have focused on his own relationship with God rather than leaving the industry altogether.
Bahati’s Political Aspirations
In addition to his remarks about the gospel music industry, Bahati also confirmed his plans to vie for the Mathare MP seat in the 2027 general elections. He expressed his desire to give back to the Mathare community, citing the lack of opportunities for the youth as a major motivation for his political ambitions. Bahati stated that empowering the youth of Mathare was one of his key objectives as he prepares for the upcoming elections.
Bahati’s decision to speak out about the gospel music industry’s shortcomings has opened up a conversation about the lack of unity and the toxic behavior within the scene. Whether or not his departure will lead to any real change remains to be seen, but his comments have certainly shed light on the challenges faced by gospel musicians in Kenya. As Bahati continues to navigate his career in secular music and politics, his words will undoubtedly resonate with those who have experienced similar struggles in the industry.
As the conversation continues, many are left wondering: Will gospel artistes heed Bahati’s call for unity, or will the rivalries and hypocrisy persist in the years to come? Only time will tell.
