This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
Kenya's gospel music scene has been undergoing a significant transformation in recent years, with many artists embracing secular elements in their music.
One notable example is the collaboration between gospel musician Papa Dennis and rapper Petra on their new song 'Party', which has sparked controversy due to its lack of gospel feel.
When questioned about the song's content, Papa Dennis defended their decision, citing the Bible's account of Jesus turning water into wine at a party.
However, this trend of blending gospel and secular music has raised concerns about the industry's direction and the potential impact on its values.
As one observer noted, 'Even in the bible, Jesus partied. He turned water into wine.' But this argument has been met with skepticism by many, who feel that the line between faith and secular music is being blurred.
The shift towards more secular music has been attributed to the influence of artists like Willy Paul, who have successfully navigated both genres.
But as the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether this trend will ultimately benefit or harm the gospel music scene in Kenya.
