How Kenya’s Gospel Music Has Evolved Over The Years (1990 -To date)

Gospel music is sang in different languages and styles in Kenya. From Choirs singing from the hymn books, to classic and contemporary gospel music, or pop and rap gospel. Gospel music has evolved over the years to suit with the time and generation.

The show ‘sing and shine,’ back in the 1990’s had a huge impact in the way Kenyan Gospel music and Industry at large was projected. Back then, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), was the only TV station. People started asking for cassettes of the musicians who were in the program. Those who didn’t have televisions wanted the music. It’s then that gospel artists started making cassettes to market themselves to people and started making money off it.

In the 1990’s Famous Tanzanian Gospel artist Munish, Mary Atieno from Kenya were famous with their songs. Also, choirs were popular in the 1990’s. They would sing songs from the hymns books. Other stations like KTN had been licensed in Kenya, so they were looking for acts in Gospel. Esther Wahome, also featured in the sing and shine show when she was still a teenager, before releasing her first song ‘Furahia’ in 2000. Praise and worship was being acknowledged in the gospel industry in Kenya and one person who stood out was Reuben Kigame.

In the early 2000’s Congolese Gospel group Makoma took Kenya by storm. Their style of high energy Gospel music was nostalgic and people sang to their songs without even understanding. The pop culture rapping became common. Rap Gospel music also gained popularity during early 2000. Gospel singer Rufftone, started rapping which was unheard of in a gospel song in Kenya.

It was also in the 2000’s when newspapers had a section for musicians. It was a pullout section and they would interview and write about the musician. In 2004, the Groove Awards was started in Kenya. It recognises all participants in the gospel industry. So far many gospel awards have followed over the years.

The late 2000’s saw Kenyans appreciate Gospel Music in their native languages. In 2009, Gospel Singer Emmy Kosgei released her song titled ” Taunet Nelel” meaning a New Beginning. And indeed, there was a crop of gospel artists singing in their mother tongue.

In the next decade from 2010-to date, a crop of new artists has emerged, joining those who were ahead of them. Gospel industry and Ministration adopted Live Concerts. Many artists will Launch an Album or their songs by inviting people to their shows. Also we have seen partnership of various gospel artists with different media houses doing live shows.

Whether it is a studio record or live record, Gospel artists will incorporate new dancing styles and modern beats to reach out to the young generation.

It is no longer just singing but also passing and pushing your content to the public through various marketing tools. There are annual concerts such as the ‘praise atmosphere’ that brings together gospel artists in one roof to sing and praise God.

Indeed we wait to see how Gospel Ministry will change in the coming decade.

How Gospel Music is Promoted in Kenya

The internet has been a significant tool in promoting gospel music. Most artists just post their music on their you-tube channels. The matatus are key in spreading music. They popular mode of transport in Kenya. They always have the latest gospel songs played. Also the cropping up of many TV and Radio stations in Kenya, which have different gospel programmes promote Kenyan gospel Music. People can access their favourite music on their phones through the ‘skiza’ system. A platform enhanced by mobile service provider Safaricom.