As Kenyan singer Kevin Kioko, popularly known as Bahati, prepares to commemorate a decade in the entertainment industry, it’s worth noting not all his moves have left his fans in awe.
Bahati first burst onto the music scene with his hit track Siku ya Kwanza in 2013. The song catapulted him to fame and recognition, a milestone he’s now gearing up to celebrate.
However, throughout his career, his choices, public persona, and personal life have occasionally stirred controversy and garnered criticism from a segment of his loyal supporters.
A few days ago, the singer reached out to his fans, soliciting their honest opinion about his musical journey and what they believe he should change.
“’Nawaskiza! Feel Free to Advise… I’m almost Marking 10 Years in the Game! What Do You Love about Bahati and What Do You Hate about Bahati??? Let’s Chat… Let’s be Honest!,” singer Bahati posted on his Twitter page.
While Bahati has achieved significant success, he has also faced challenges that have left some of his fans less than satisfied.
Below are five specific instances where Bahati’s actions or decisions have disappointed or angered his supporters:
Secular music transition
Bahati, who initially made a name for himself as a gospel artist, transitioned to secular music.
This transition upset some of his gospel music fans who associated with him for his religious content.
They felt he was abandoning his Christian music roots for a more mainstream and potentially less wholesome music style.
Controversial collaborations
Bahati once collaborated with artists like Boondocks Gang, who are known for their explicit and controversial lyrics.
This collaboration was seen as a departure from his earlier gospel-oriented music, leading some fans to question his choice of collaborators.
The Itakuwa Sawa hitmaker worked with Gengetone group Boondocks Gang on a song titled Taniua.
The collaboration elicited a lot of debate among fans and music critics.
Public feuds
Bahati has engaged in public feuds on social media with fellow artists and celebrities.
For example, he had a public spat with fellow gospel artist Willy Paul, where they exchanged insults and accusations on various platforms.
Some supporters felt that such public conflicts were not in line with their expectations of him as an artist.
Personal life drama
Bahati’s personal life has been the subject of media attention, particularly his marriage to influencer Diana Marua, amid reported issues within their relationship.
Some supporters found the public airing of their personal problems to be distasteful and felt it tarnished his image.
Inconsistent brand image
Over the years, Bahati’s brand image has evolved from a more religious and humble persona to a flashier and more diverse entertainer.
This shift in identity has caused some fans to feel disconnected from his music and public persona, especially if they initially supported him for different reasons. BY NAIROBI NEWS