Urban Kenyan gospel music might just be dead

Following Willy Paul and Bahati’s decisions to ditch gospel music in favor of love songs, the former, at least the mainstream/urban side, might just be dead.

Also read: Kenyans are tired of the endless scandals in the gospel industry

You might disagree with me but the two artists really propelled the industry, most up and coming gospel musicians wanted to be like them.

So I feel that their exit might have have a negative impact on the industry and to be honest, this is topic that is open to debate.

I know what you’re thinking, that there are other gospel musicians who are as talented as Willy Paul and Bahati, perhaps even more. The likes of Moji Shortbabaa, Guardian Angel, Pitson, Benachi etc.

Also read: Bahati has mastered the art of seeking attention

But the truth is that none of them has a huge following as these two. They used their music and scandals at times to publicize themselves. I don’t know how or why they do it but it works for them.

In the late 2000s to the early 2010s when gospel music was big in Kenya, it was largely because of these two. The fact that they didn’t like each other made things even more interesting.

But now, both of them have exited the gospel industry to do love songs. Willy Paul was the first to jump ship and it didn’t take long before Bahati followed suit.

Who knows, urban Kenyan gospel might just find a new male singer who propels and I can’t wait to see who will take up the mantle from two. Enough said.