Kenyan hitmaker Bruz Newton Kamau has sparked widespread conversation online after sharing an emotional video recounting what he described as church hurt, an experience that left him feeling judged and wounded in spaces meant to offer healing.
In the video, Bruz Newton opened up about his decision to reconnect with God in 2025, saying the move was deeply personal and driven by a desire to heal and rebuild his spiritual foundation.
According to the singer, he intentionally sought out his former pastor, met with him over a meal, and carefully planned his return to church as a fresh start.
He further revealed that in January, he committed himself to an intense, month-long fast, hoping to begin his faith journey anew and correct what he felt were past mistakes.
@bruznewton Thankful for a God who meets us wherever we are . #BruzNewton #BazokizoConcepts ♬ Zigwembe - Bruz Newton
“2025 niliamua kurudi back to God. Nikatafuta pastor wangu ile church naendaga, tukakaa chini, had a good meal, tukaplan vile nitarudi church na nikaokoka tena. Tukasema tuanze journey. Here comes January, nikaanza fasting, nilifanya fasting ya mwezi mzima nikijua saa hii nitafanya everything right,” he said.
However, instead of finding refuge, Bruz says he was met with judgment, both online and within church spaces.
He recalled how even comments on social media questioned the sincerity of his return to faith.
“Nakumbuka hata kwa comments watu walikuwa wanaandika, ‘tuko hapa kuangalia kama unatuseti ama umeamua kweli kurudi church,’” he said.
According to the singer, the pain was compounded by the realisation that the same individuals who had hurt him before were still present in church, watching and judging him.
“Unashindwa church ni akina nani, because the same people who hurt you bado wanakuangalia na ile macho ya ‘aka kanapitia mpaka anakaa,’” he added.
Bruz Newton went on to argue that those who cause the most harm in faith spaces are often the ones who outwardly appear the most religious, those who dress the part, sit close to the pastor, arrive early, and project moral superiority.
“It’s those people who look like they have seen God, wale hukaa karibu na pastor ili waonekane wako church sana. Pia kuna mapastor wana-look the part, but the amount of people wamehurt na bado wako pale mbele wakiambia wengine ‘mimi ndo najua njia’ ni wengi sana,” he said.
Despite his frustration, Bruz was careful to clarify that his message was not an attack on the church itself, but a plea against misrepresenting God through judgment, exclusion, and hostility.
He reflected that growing up, church was once the safest place he knew, a space where he could cry freely, pray honestly, and speak to God without fear.
“Church was my escape. You could go to a corner, cry, and tell God exactly how you feel,” he said.
Bruz concluded with a powerful reflection, stating that if God can no longer be found in church spaces because of judgment, then people like him will seek God elsewhere, in nature, in silence, and in raw honesty.
“Hatu-need anyone kusimama kati yetu na God. Wacha tulie kwa nature, wacha tumtafute place ako juu sidhani ako ile place ako,” he said.
His message has resonated with many Kenyans online, particularly those who say they have been pushed away from faith spaces by judgment rather than guidance.
Bruz Newton Kamau is a dancer, musician, and choreographer, best known for his work with the Bazokizo dance routine and his hit song “Zigwembe.”
He has maintained a low profile after both hits, occassionally triggering debate on social media over his wellbeing.