In a candid interview on Every Other Time With Eric, Kenyan rapper Prezzo opened up about his complex relationship with religion, a topic that has shaped much of his personal and public life. His journey through Christianity and Islam, marked by disillusionment and a search for authenticity, has led him to a profound conclusion: while he believes in God, he no longer subscribes to organized religion.
Prezzo’s early experiences with religion began in a madrasa, a formative environment influenced by his father’s beliefs. Recalling his time there, Prezzo shared his discomfort with the harsh discipline and the lack of open dialogue. “The maalim used to be harsh with me, and I was scared to speak up,” he said, highlighting the challenges he faced during his early religious education. This early encounter left a lasting impact, planting seeds of skepticism about religious institutions.
Transitioning from Islam to Christianity, Prezzo was introduced to a different set of religious practices by his mother. However, he found the Christian environment equally disheartening. Observing the behavior of some churchgoers, he noticed a troubling focus on materialism rather than genuine faith. “I used to hear my mom’s friends talking about their new cars and showing off at church,” he reflected. This display of wealth and status, rather than spiritual devotion, led him to question the sincerity of their religious commitment.
Prezzo’s exploration of Islam was marked by a significant event: his conversion and the adoption of a new name, Jaheim. Initially, he was excited about the new identity, inspired by a US singer with the same name. However, the name’s connotation took a disturbing turn when he learned its meaning. “My girlfriend revealed that Jaheim actually means ‘hellfire,'” he recounted with disappointment. This revelation not only unsettled him but also highlighted the lack of proper guidance he received during his conversion.
The rapper’s experience with the name Jaheim underscores the complexities and cultural sensitivities involved in religious conversions. Prezzo’s candid sharing of his discomfort with the reactions he received upon adopting the name illustrates the broader challenges faced by individuals navigating religious identities. “When people met me and heard my name, Jaheim, their facial expressions changed,” he noted, suggesting that the name’s implications were not fully understood or accepted by those around him.
Prezzo also touched on the rarity of Muslims converting to Christianity, emphasizing the uniqueness of his experience. In his view, the challenge lies not only in the personal journey but also in the broader religious and cultural context. “It’s rare to hear about a Muslim converting to Christianity because in Islam, converting someone to Islam is seen as a blessing. But it’s uncommon for the reverse to happen,” he explained, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in such transitions.
Ultimately, Prezzo’s journey reflects a broader struggle with organized religion and its place in his life. His decision to step away from structured religious practices and focus on a personal relationship with God is a testament to his quest for authenticity. “I realized it’s just me and my God. I was born alone, and I will die alone. I’m not going to follow the crowd,” he said, emphasizing his desire for a personal and genuine spiritual experience over adherence to formal religious structures.
Prezzo’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal nature of faith and the ways in which individuals navigate their spiritual journeys amidst societal and cultural expectations. His experience underscores the need for empathy and understanding in conversations about religion, acknowledging the diverse paths that people take in their search for meaning and connection.
