Nigerian takes on Kenyan gospel artistes

Nigerian gospel artiste Jimmy Johnson (pictured), popularly referred to as Jimmy D Psalmist, is in the country for a series of events hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

The ‘Mighty Man of War’ singer called on Kenyan gospel musicians to do more to popularise their music.

“I have traveled to many African countries where they do not play Kenyan gospel music,” said Jimmy D.

“I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but Kenyan gospel artists should wake up, a little bit more,” he said. He said Kenyan artistesshould look beyond fame and celebrity life and focus more on inspiring Christians.

“I think Kenyan artists should dig deeper. There are songs from other regions we are singing in Nigeria now, none from Kenya,” he said.

He said Kenyans were his best followers on the social media after the United States.

The musician recounted his humble beginnings before rising to fame.

“I always knew what I wanted to do from a tender age when I got addicted to gospel music, I dreamt of it all the time. I listened a lot to American artists like Cece Winans and Donnie Mcclurkin,” said Jimmy.

His breakthrough came in 2016, when he released ‘Mighty Man of War,’ which became an instant hit. Before that, Jimmy did menial jobs including selling airtime to survive.

“I ate roasted yam, onion sauce and oil almost every day,” he said.

He recorded his first music 2012.