Gospel Artists in Kenya news Archives

Ever tried writing lyrics to a song? It’s not a lazy walk in the park. Lots of time, you have to wrack your brain for days on end.

It can be easier, if you are in Genge – or, Urbantone – for their audiences hardly give a thought to the lyrics.

Gospel artist Msanii Foreman during a past charity drive for the homeless in Arizona, USA. (File images)

Gospel artists have a bigger task. Getting it right means much more than simply reading a part of the Bible that has some impression and starting a melody that fits to the words on your guitar. You need a message that counts.

Besides, you need to make it interesting to grab an audience.

Msanii Foreman is an US-based Kenyan gospel artist and philanthropist. He has an impressive tally of gospel hits under his belt, landmark collabo’s with iconic artists in the industry and an insatiable Kenyan’isque appetite for growth.

Through his music Foreman has increasingly portrayed himself first as an evangelist with a message.

Secondly, with his characteristic energetic stage performances, choreographed video routines and contemporary style – Foreman has also cemented a reputation as a gospel entertainer.

There is a lot of flair and contagious energy in his productions – the kind that will have the congregation (and, party crowds) going nuts with dance!

The video to Foreman’s latest release ‘Kua Tayari’ produced by Sean On The Beat, has caused waves across various genres.

He has featured Moabi Kutu in the banger – the iconic US-based recording artist from Soweto, South Africa. As an individual artist, Kutu’s music is rooted in African rhythms, tonality and spirituality.

US-based South African recording artist Moabi Kutu (file image)

In the ‘Kua Tayari’ collabo, Msanii Foreman and Moabi Kutu have exploited an effortless chemistry to deliver a feel-good, spiritually-uplifting and entertaining sound. The track has enchanting elements of Afro-pop, Lingala and World Music.

The ‘Kua Tayari’ video is especially addictive to watch. No budgets were spared in the dance choreography, costumes and routines. The video directed and shot by Abudja of Ona Tena Media goes all out on cinematography – lighting, scope and all – to deliver the danceable bits of the track.

It is a video that would easily take over Dance Challenge contests on TikTok and other consumer platforms.

If anyone asks, say that ‘Kua Tayari’ by Msanii Foreman featuring Moabi Kutu definitely ranks high on my favorite Gospel tunes. It packs a lot of potential.

Here’s a link to the video. Check it out, share to your gang and hear their opinions.

Gospel artist Cecil Wangoi’s early beginnings read like a preface to a misery novel.

She has fought incredible odds to command relative success and attention in the Kenyan gospel music industry. Already, Cecil has three hits on her belt.

Cecil Wangoi’s bubbly nature, focus and a girl-next-door personality portrays no hint of a difficult childhood. She hails from Kitale, a last born into a family of six.

The family would tragically lose both parents before she hit three years. It became a wretchedly unhappy household. Thanks to her elder siblings, she’d reach O-levels at Nyabomo Secondary School.

As a young adult, Cecil has humbly earned a living with a grocery business. To find peace and mental health, Cecil found solace in church, where her love for music was kindled.

At Impact Celebration Church, Cecil found mentorship and a stage to hone her vocal skills.

By sheer luck, Cecil bumped into an enthusiastic music connoisseur – Sean OntheBeat – Founder and Producer at Championz Muzic Group – a recording studio based in Kasarani, Nairobi.

The producer has mentored and supported Cecil to attain her musical dream. She’s amongst a plethora of needy artists fledgling their musical wings under the label.

Cecil joined the gospel industry, releasing her debut – a soulful worship track titled Milele.

She quickly followed it up with Natafuta, a supplicatory religious ode that rides on an easy, danceable afrobeat. Natafuta is Swahili for ‘I search’ – a peremptory expression of desire for physical, emotional and spiritual peace.

Cecil’s most iconic video, though, is her latest gem: Nakupenda.

Nakupenda is a testimony of sorts. The plot is built around gratitude, thanksgiving and a pledge of loyalty to her Maker.

On the creative angle, Cecil has undoubtedly grown as an artist, ostensibly shedding off a difficult past. She brings polished vocals, to blend with creative staccato beats – a piano outlay on guitar strokes.

Producer Sean OntheBeat’s real talent shines on the Nakupenda video. It’s beautifully shot, with ambient lighting, contrast shadows and seamless merging of scenes.

Cecil’s style and inspiration draws heavily from her role models: Rapper Moji Short Baba, and Songstress Everline Wanjiru, both established artists in the gospel industry.

The young, engaging artist goes by the name Cecil Wangoi on all her social media handles. Her music, is also available on digital platforms like Boomplay and Spotify.

Here’s the link to sample the mercurial hit by Cecil Wangoi – Nakupenda:

Tag: Gospel Artists in Kenya news

Hot on Gospel Streets: Kenya meets South Africa in Foreman’s new Banger ‘Kua Tayari’

Artist Cecil Wangoi: Touching Story of Humble Beginnings, and Rise to Gospel Stardom