Kenyan musician Bahati has opened up about his decision to leave the gospel music scene, citing deep-rooted hypocrisy and lack of unity among fellow gospel artistes. He revealed that his exit had nothing to do with a personal loss of faith, but rather the toxic environment that made it difficult for him to thrive spiritually and artistically.
Bahati explained that when he began his music journey, his intention was never to abandon gospel. However, as he became more involved in the industry, he encountered what he described as widespread pretence and disconnection among artistes who publicly claimed to represent Christian values. According to him, the level of fakeness behind the scenes was so overwhelming that it felt incompatible with the blessings of God.
He pointed out that despite gospel music being grounded in faith, love, and unity, there is often division and rivalry. He particularly criticized the lack of collaboration among top gospel names, using the example of Guardian Angel and Mercy Masika, two prominent figures who, despite being in the same genre for years, have never worked together on a song. Bahati implied that such a disconnect reflects a lack of genuine love and fellowship, stating bluntly that some of these artistes simply “do not love each other.”
Bahati also shared a case involving Mr Vee, a gospel songwriter known for penning hit tracks for other artists, including Masika. He claimed that Mr Vee was neglected during difficult times, despite having contributed significantly to others’ success. This, Bahati said, highlighted a broader issue of selective compassion and abandonment within the industry.
He further questioned the authenticity of some gospel musicians’ faith, asking how one can claim to represent the gospel while simultaneously tearing others down. To him, this contradiction is a major reason why some artists have lost their creative spark, suggesting that without true faith and unity, even their music suffers.
While many people supported Bahati’s statements, others criticized him for stepping away from gospel music due to interpersonal issues. Some social media users pointed out the irony, recalling his earlier lyrics that encouraged perseverance despite challenges. Others argued that genuine service to God should not be dependent on the behavior of fellow believers, likening the situation to the disciples who remained faithful to Jesus despite Judas’s betrayal.
Amid the controversy, Bahati also shared his political ambitions. He confirmed his intention to vie for the Mathare parliamentary seat in 2027, expressing a desire to uplift the area and create better opportunities for its residents. He believes that with the right leadership, Mathare’s untapped potential can be transformed into tangible progress for the community.
