Kenyan music fans were stunned recently when singer Bahati opened up about his early struggles in the gospel music scene. In a revealing podcast interview, Bahati described himself as Willy Paul’s handman, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes challenges he faced in the industry.
This rare moment of honesty has sparked fresh interest in the long-standing relationship between Bahati and Willy Paul, two of Kenya’s most talked-about artists.
How It All Began
Bahati didn’t hold back in the podcast. He talked about how, in the beginning, Willy Paul was the bigger name. According to Bahati, while he was still trying to make a name for himself, Willy Paul already had hit songs and a strong fan base.
“Back then, I was like Willy Paul’s handman,” Bahati admitted. This meant he often felt like an assistant or someone working in Willy Paul’s shadow.
Though the statement was made casually, it highlighted a deeper issue. The gospel music industry in Kenya wasn’t easy, especially for upcoming artists like Bahati at the time.
The Dark Side of Gospel Fame
Beyond personal rivalry, Bahati also revealed something more serious — dirty politics in the gospel industry. He explained that instead of supporting each other, artists were more focused on tearing each other down.
Bahati shared that there were gatekeepers who decided who would succeed and who wouldn’t. These people controlled media coverage, event invitations, and even online praise. According to Bahati, if you didn’t play by their rules, you were blacklisted.
This kind of pressure, he said, pushed both him and Willy Paul to eventually quit gospel music.
From Competition to Friendship
Interestingly, the Bahati and Willy Paul beef didn’t last forever. While they were once seen as rivals, things have changed recently. Willy Paul took the first step by publicly apologizing to Bahati and his wife, Diana Marua.
This unexpected apology surprised many fans. It showed maturity and the willingness to let go of the past. Soon after, the two artists announced that they would be working together on new music.
Their fans were thrilled.
New Beginnings for Bahati and Willy Paul
After years of drama and competition, Bahati and Willy Paul are now using their past to build a stronger future. Their journey from gospel to secular music has not been easy, but it has made them who they are today.
Bahati’s confession about being “a handman” is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of growth. He is no longer in anyone’s shadow. Instead, he’s owning his journey and using it to inspire others.
Their upcoming music collaborations are highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see what they create together.
What This Means for the Gospel Industry
Bahati’s story shines a light on the issues affecting the gospel music industry in Kenya. His experience shows that behind the beautiful songs and praise, there is a lot of struggle. Young artists often face rejection, pressure, and unfair treatment.
Hopefully, by speaking out, Bahati will inspire change in the industry. His honesty may give other artists the courage to share their own stories and call out the problems they face.
Fans React to the Confession
Social media has been buzzing since Bahati’s podcast aired. Many fans praised him for being real, while others expressed shock at what he went through.
“Bahati has come a long way. Being open about his past shows true growth,” one fan commented.
Another wrote, “I didn’t know gospel music had so much drama. Thanks for speaking up, Bahati.”
Clearly, his words have sparked important conversations.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Two Icons
The Bahati and Willy Paul story is more than just music. It’s a story of struggle, pride, growth, and forgiveness. From being a handman to becoming a headline act, Bahati has proven that staying true to yourself pays off.
As both artists continue to rebuild their friendship and careers, fans are hopeful. This could be the beginning of a powerful new era in Kenyan music — one where unity replaces beef, and truth replaces politics.
