Inside world of Kevin Bahati

Gospel artist Kevin Bahati stirred the social media post this past week after his recent performance at Kasarani. We had a chat with him to get the exclusive...

Before we get to more about you... why all the drama during JP launch recently in Kasarani?

I have apologized to those who felt that I had overstepped my mandate during the performance. My mother has always been an important figure in my life, hence my song ‘Mama’.

The wives of President and Vice President embody mother figures. It was an emotional thing for me. I hope people understand that.

And State House? Were they as upset as some Kenyans on Twitter?

No, they were very impressed. The First Lady told me she was touched by my performance and the song’s message to mothers.

So why did you apologize?

Because I'm not a proud person. I wanted to be humble so people would understand that I was doing it for my mother and all the mothers.

Not everyone agrees that you sing Gospel music...

A Gospel artiste is called so because of what they stand for. As for me, I will do anything for God’s glory.

You are the first Gospel artiste to have performed on Coke studio – isn’t that a secular stage?

I am actually the first gospel artiste, in the world, to perform at Coke Studio. My understanding is that Coke studio works with numbers. They had not found a (Gospel) artiste who had the numbers they wanted. So, I was there because of the public’s support.

It was God’s favour. While I was there, I was concentrated on representing the bigger Church. The Church has been watching Coke Studio before but they didn’t have an artiste who could represent their beliefs. Fans should wait for it – they won’t regret it.

And your sense of fashion and style: your hair to be specific?

I have simple short locks. This is part of my identity. A unique style for me. But what matters the most for God is one’s heart. There are people who prefer clean shaves and formal fashion but they are not Born Again.

You adopted a son. Are you still his father?

Yes.

Will he use your surname?

That’s right. His ID will read Morgan Bahati. But I will still suggest that he retains the name he inherited from his biological parents, so that he is called Morgan Otieno Bahati.

I think it will be important for him to know his history and where he came from. I would not want him to lose that. And I also hope that someday he gets to connect with the family he came from.

Why did you decide to adopt when you are quite young yourself?

It is not exactly adopting. I look at it as giving someone a chance in life. I was assisted to achieve my dreams. The person who helped me didn’t need to help me: he owed me nothing. Everybody needs that extended hand.

So, you are not his father?

Being a father is not determined by blood. To be a father is to have the audacity to give back. I am his father. He calls me ‘dad’.

He will need a mother too don't you think?

At the right time, when I am the right age, there will be a mother for him. When I feel like I have matured enough to have a wife, it will happen. I  wouldn’t want to marry now only for it to end in divorce.

Of all the girls who have shown interest in you, you are yet to meet the right woman?

It is not that I haven’t met one. It is a question of time. If you are not ready for marriage and you settle down it will be a disaster.

There was a time you were tracing your roots: were you successful?

I was looking for my grandpa. As for my mother, I lost her when I was still a child in nursery school.

You can still recall that?

It is still clear in my mind. We lived in Huruma at the time. She passed in the house. I remember the actual funeral – even though I did not know what exactly was happening. I thought that it was merely a ceremony and people were just dancing.

And your father?

I understand he moved to a different part of the city and remarried. I was taken to a children’s home.

What did you miss the most at the children's home?

Life was not easy at the children’s home. You can’t get things like a parent’s touch in there.

What are you most grateful for now?

I am not sleeping hungry.

What don’t your fans know about you?

That before I commit to do something, God has to OK it. I have to feel conviction that it is the right move.

Would you have been a secular artiste if you never stumbled upon gospel?

I would never be a secular artiste. Actually, singing is not my talent: Gospel is my talent.