This archive report was first published on 30 November 2019.
November 30, 2019
Kenya's gospel music scene has been marred by scandals this year, with several artistes caught cheating and others exposed for infecting their side chicks with STIs.
However, it's not just the scandals that have raised eyebrows. Popular city pastor Godfrey Migwi has taken a shot at the gospel industry, criticizing artistes like Bahati and Ringtone for not being true gospel artistes.
According to Migwi, a true gospel artiste is one whose music touches many and can change them. He believes that anyone whose music doesn't have a spiritual message is just after money.
Speaking in an interview with Mpasho.co.ke, Migwi said, "Most have joined the gospel industry for money."
He also took aim at artistes who collaborate with secular musicians, saying, "If you identify yourself as a gospel artiste, let it be pure gospel. Don't mix with secular artistes. Stop using the name of God in your nonsensical music."
Migwi praised a few gospel ministers who he considers to be true and doing a good job, including Esther Wahome, Gloria Muliro, Mary Atieno, Reuben Kigame, Eunice Njeri, Vicky Gitonga, Jemiamh Thiong'o, and Emmy Kosgei.
He commended these artistes for not releasing music just to remain relevant in the industry, saying, "When they feel that their grace has gone down, they don't release music left, right and centre just to remain relevant in the industry."
Advising the current gospel players, Migwi said, "Gospel ministers shouldn't be competing against each other and chasing clout. Also, they should cease from doing collabos with secular artistes as Bahati did with King Kaka and Rayvanny."
