Kenyan gospel music became lucrative in the beginning of the 2010’s decade. The advent of those churches that ‘are in it for the money’ helped propel this revolution. Some musicians realized that there was tonnes of money to be made in this industry.

There was, thus, a symbiotic relationship between these churches and the musicians. Artists needed the church’s platform to break out, while churches needed artists to entertain tithe-paying congregation.

As at now, we have companies set by deejays-turned-event organisers, with the sole purpose of reaping from this ungodly business. Safaricom’s multi-million sponsorship of Groove Awards is illustrative of this point. It’s good to sing about praised, but don’t you think, as a musician, you have responsibility to offer real spiritual guidance those who follow you?

The musicians I’m about to mention are but some of the many who have lowered the standard of what should entail a proper gospel song. In terms of talent though, they’re surely amazing.

Jimmy Gait

He is notorious for infuriating the public, and he knows it. Problem is, he doesn’t care about what you think. After all, that’s what showbiz is all about. Controversy sells. My contest against this mindset only comes because he is misleading thousands in the process.

Bahati

He’s the ‘good boy’ on the list. Still, his desire for mainstream attention ruins everything. To me, it seems he craves those headline-grabbing articles on gossip blogs like MPasho and Ghafla.

Size 8

When asked whether “Tiga Wana”, which she did with Willy Paul was actually gospel, her answer was that such music got young kids away from clubs. Convincing or just a typical justification? Personally, I prefer the “Shamba Boy” Size 8; she was more honest

Willy Paul

He gets all the attention, because he seeks it. I remember an occasion where he decided to interfere with programming of the event he was scheduled to perform in by driving his car – – which was conspicuously labelled WILLY PAUL — around the event venue. But that’s the Willy Paul we have come to know. Very talented, but on the wrong side. From copying secular music, to actually incorporating theatrics to his videos, its evident that Willy Poze belongs to the secular world.

Kymo and Stigah

The duo made a name for themselves with the “Thitima” mega-hit. It’s a good song, comically speaking. But unfortunately, its relevance in a gospel setting is more than questionable.