Kenyan musician Kevin Bahati has sparked widespread reactions following his return to the music scene. After nearly a year of silence, Bahati released a secular track titled Seti, featuring a music video that included a woman twerking close to him. The content stunned fans, given Bahati’s history as a gospel artist.
The backlash was intense. Even his wife, Diana Marua, publicly distanced herself from the song, citing concerns that it could affect her corporate brand. Many fans expressed disappointment, urging Bahati to return to his gospel roots.
In response to the criticism, Bahati hinted at a new gospel project. He shared a short snippet of an unreleased track, blending Kiswahili and Kamba lyrics, which praised God as the Alpha and Omega. Bahati revealed that the release faced obstacles. He claimed a Tanzanian collaborator was blocking the song, arguing that some lyrics could cause trouble. Bahati said he did not understand the concern, adding that he creates gospel music out of devotion, not for controversy.
Fans responded positively to the snippet. Many expressed nostalgia for Bahati’s earlier gospel music, urging him to return fully to the genre. Comments on social media included calls for him to “rudi nyumbani” and reminders that he was “born to serve the Lord.”
The controversy extended beyond music content. In the Seti video teaser, Bahati wore a maroon satin sleeveless top and trousers, paired with maroon heels. His outfit, especially the heels, drew significant attention online, with netizens reacting with surprise and amusement.
Bahati’s recent actions highlight the challenges artists face when transitioning between genres, especially when they have an established identity in gospel music. His fans remain eager to see whether he will fully embrace gospel music again or continue experimenting with secular tracks.
