Kenyan singer Bahati has opened up about his decision to leave gospel music, attributing his departure to what he described as “deep-rooted hate and pretence” within the gospel industry.
Speaking candidly on the Mic Cheque podcast, the Mama and Adhiambo hitmaker explained that despite his initial passion for gospel music, the negativity behind the scenes became unbearable.
“It’s too much na mimi sio mtumishi wa Mungu, mimi ni mtoto wa Mungu. To be honest, I never planned to leave the gospel. However, the hate was too much and pretence hadi unaona God hawezi bariki ii kazi, wacha ikae,” Bahati said.
He emphasized that doing God’s work while surrounded by falsehoods and jealousy goes against everything he believes in.
“Nikaona tuwache uwongo na kutumia jina ya Yesu bure. Yaani unaona ii inaenda tu chini because ata hao ladies wenye ni spiritual hawapendani. Lakini kwa TV Sunday mambo ni different,” he added.
Bahati’s remarks have sparked fresh debate around the state of gospel music in Kenya, with many praising him for speaking out about the industry’s hidden struggles.