This archive report was first published on 22 April 2020.
Decline of the Kenyan Contemporary Gospel Scene ¶
As of 2020, the Kenyan contemporary gospel scene was struggling to maintain its former glory. The scene, once the most vibrant and active aspect of Kenyan entertainment, had begun to decline.
One reason for this decline was the lack of mentorship. DJ Mo and Size 8, prominent gospel artists, attempted to pass on the baton to the next generation, but their efforts were not enough. Many gospel artists at the zenith of their careers viewed the new generation as unworthy competition, rather than brothers and sisters in Christ.
Another factor contributing to the decline was the affinity for the secular world. Many young gospel artists were at a crossroads, wanting to be cool but still wanting to pursue a ministry career. Without guidance, they veered into the secular world, as seen in the case of Willy Paul, who struggled with his faith but was berated by pastors rather than receiving support.
Scandals within the church also rocked the gospel scene, with pastors like Ng'ang'a embroiled in scandals. The hypocrisy of church leaders, who preached one set of rules for themselves but not for others, drove young people away from the church. The lack of embracing new ideas, such as fashion, song genres, and language, further alienated the youth from the church.
As a result, the gospel music dominance in Kenya began to wane. While there were factors outside of the church's control, the choices made by church leaders ultimately contributed to the decline of the gospel scene.
