Bahati (singer)

Last updated

Kevin Mbuvi Kioko, popularly known by the stage name Bahati, is a Kenyan singer and songwriter and former parliamentary candidate. His latest album, Love Like This, was released in 2021. He is also known by his nickname, 'Mtoto wa Mama'.Kevin was born in july 7th 1976 is married to his wife currently, Bahati once a Christian songer converted to secular after financial burdens in 2015.

Contents

Early life and education

Music career

Bahati's singing traces its roots from his high school days at St Theresa's Boys when he represented the school in the national music festivals. Siku ya Kwanza, his first song, was recorded in 2012 and eventually became part of his first album, Barua za Bahati. [4] The album also comprised his breakout hit, Mama. [5]

While he rose to fame singing gospel songs, Bahati has since switched to contemporary secular music. [6] [7] [8]

In 2015, Bahati opened his own recording studio called EMB Records, EMB being short for 'Eastlands Most Beloved'. [9] He closed it down in 2020 citing frustrations and a lack of support from fellow artists. [10] [11]

In 2021, Bahati released his latest album, Love Like This. [12] It features the popular song Pete Yangu featuring Nadia Mukami.

In 2024, together with his wife Diana, they launched a new reality series on Netflix, The Bahati's Empire. [13]

Politics

In 2022, Bahati announced that he would be venturing into politics, contesting for the Mathare constituency parliamentary seat on a Jubilee Party ticket. [14] Owing to the party belonging to the Azimio coalition and the need to front only one candidate per coalition with the coalition's constituent parties agreeing not to field candidates in each other's stronghold areas, Bahati was initially denied the ticket before the zoning procedure was dropped. [15] [16] He came third in the elections held on 9th August garnering 8,166 votes. [17] [18]

After failing to clinch the Mathare MP seat, Bahati has hinted at running for a gubernatorial position in the next elections. [19]

Personal life

Bahati is married to Diana Marua [20] [21] and, together, they have three children. [22] [23] They are also foster parents to a boy they adopted from the children's home Bahati grew up in. [24] [25] Bahati is also a father to another child from a past relationship with ex-girlfriend Yvette Obura. [26] [27]

Awards

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diamond Platnumz</span> Tanzanian singer, dancer, philanthropist and businessman

Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, professionally known as Diamond Platnumz, is a Tanzanian bongo flava recording artist, dancer, philanthropist and businessman. He is the founder and CEO of WCB Wasafi Record Label, Wasafi Bet and Wasafi Media. Diamond has gained a massive following in East and Central Africa. He became the first Africa-based artist to reach 900 million views on YouTube.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Groove Awards</span> Kenyan gospel music award

The Groove Awards is a Kenyan annual Gospel award. The winners are chosen by the public. The award's coverage has spread to include other East African countries, including Rwanda. It is sponsored by Safaricom and MoSound Events.

Wilson Abubakar Radido is a Kenyan artist and songwriter from Nairobi. He is the chief executive officer and founder of Saldido International Entertainment.

Elani is a Kenyan African pop group from Nairobi. It consists of three members; Wambui Ngugi, Brian Chweya and Maureen Kunga. The trio released their debut single"Jana Usiku" in November 2013 that became a great success, paving way for their subsequent singles. In 2014, the trio released numerous singles in the making of their debut album Barua ya Dunia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sanaipei Tande</span> Kenyan singer and songwriter

Natasha Sanaipei Tande, popularly known as Sana, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, actress, radio personality and entertainer. Born and raised in Mombasa, Natasha attended Loreto Convent Mombasa, Mama Ngina High school and Aga Khan High School.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evelyn Wanjiru</span> Kenyan singer

Evelyn Wanjiru Agundabweni is a Kenyan gospel singer, worship leader, music director, songwriter, hostess of the annual event "Praise Atmosphere" and co-founder of Bwenieve production. She is best known for her hit songs "Mungu Mkuu", "Celebrate", "Jehovah Elohim", "Waweza," "Hossana," "Nikufahamu", "Asante" and "Tulia" featuring Vicky Kitonga among many others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akwaboah Jnr</span> Ghanaian musician

Gladstorm Kwabena Akwaboah Jnr., known by his stage name Akwaboah Jnr., is a Ghanaian singer-songwriter and producer from Mampong Beposo. He is the son of highlife musician Kwadwo Akwaboah. He wrote "Daa Ke Daa" for Becca and "Ayeyi Ndwom" for DSP Kofi Sarpong. Both songs won their respective artistes' awards at the 2010 Ghana Music Awards, with Akwaboah subsequently being adjudged the "Song Writer for the Year" for "Daa Ke Daa".

Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) is a Tanzania-based record label founded by musician Diamond Platnumz. WCB's commercial roster includes Diamond Platnumz, Mbosso, Zuchu, Lava Lava, Queen Darleen, and D Voice. The label is headquartered at Mbezi Beach, Dar Es Salaam. Rj the Dj who is also Diamond Platnumz's official DJ, while the official producer of the label is Lizer Classic. In 2017, the WCB Wasafi artists released a joint project titled Zilipendwa, and in 2020, they released their second single titled Quarantine. In 2021, WCB Wasafi signed a publishing and distribution deal with Ziiki and Warner Music Group.

Odi pop is a Kenyan music style which involves localized hip hop and draws influences from reggae and Dancehall music to build on an African Rhythm base performed in sing-along rap in heavy Kiswahili/Sheng language. There are several sub-genres stemming from this umbrella term including Gengeton, Dabonge, Debe and others. The music is spearheaded by Kenyan youths and most of them are pursuing their careers as music groups opposed to solo careers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khaligraph Jones</span> Kenyan rapper

Brian Ouko Omollo, popularly known by his stage name Khaligraph Jones, is a Kenyan rapper known for his hit singles "Mazishi" and "Yego". He released his debut full-length studio album Testimony 1990 in June 2018. Khaligraph Jones has achieved numerous awards during his career. He was nominated for 'Best Male Artist' at the 2018 Afrimma Awards, won 'Best Hip Hop Artist' at the 2020 Afrimma Awards, and was nominated for 'Best International Act' at the 2020 BET Awards.

Zuhura Othman Soud better known by her stage name Zuchu, is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter born on November 22,1993 in Zanzibar. She is currently based in Dar es Salaam and is signed to WCB Wasafi record label.

Nadia Mukami is a Kenyan singer and songwriter known for her hit singles "Si Rahisi", and "Radio Love," featuring Arrow Bwoy. She released her debut EP, African Popstar, in October 2020. She is the founder of the Kenyan record label "Sevens Creative Hub".

Janet Achieng Otieno is a singer and songwriter of gospel music from Kenya. She was the winner of Mwafaka Awards and nominated at Groove Awards for "Collaboration of the year" in 2014 for the song "Napokea Kwako" which featured Christina Shusho from Tanzania.

The African Muzik Magazine Awards are an annual African music awards ceremony aimed to reward and celebrate musical works, talents and creativity around the African continent and accommodates all musical genres including Afrobeats, Afro-Trap, Assiko, Bongo, Coupé-décalé, Genge, Highlife, Kwaito, Congolese rumba, ndombolo, and Soukous.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nyashinski</span> Kenyan musician

Nyamari Ongegu, known professionally as Nyashinski, is a Kenyan rapper singer and songwriter. He is a co-founding member of the hip-hop trio Kleptomaniax before successfully launching his solo career during the 2010s. His 2020 full-length debut album Lucky You demonstrated his lyrical skills and songwriting talents, encompassing lighter, more uplifting songs as well as aggressive street tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Chikati</span> FORD-Kenya Secretary General, MP Tongaren

John Murumba Chikati is a Kenyan politician and the current Secretary General for the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy – Kenya (FORD-Kenya). Chikati is also the current Member of National Assembly for Tongaren Constituency, and the current Secretary General for Catholic MPs Spiritual Support Initiative (CAMPSSI). He is the immediate former Special Secretary for Strategy and Delivery in the Office of the Deputy President.

Mario TJ Cassela, popularly known as Trio Mio, is a Kenyan rapper, singer and songwriter born 22 October 2004. He began his music career in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, with his debut single "Bazenga - Vile Inafaa." He is best known for his hit single “Cheza Kama Wewe,” which was released on July 15, 2020, and featured remixes by other Kenyan artists such as Mejja, Exray and Nellythegoon.

George Barasa is a Kenyan artist, musician, singer, and LGBTQ+ and human rights activist in exile in Canada. Barasa worked as an intern at Centre for Human Rights and as a social media manager at AMSHeR in South Africa. He is currently an undergraduate student at York University for Human Rights and Equity program

Tanasha Donna Oketch is a Kenyan model, singer, entrepreneur & former radio presenter for NRG radio.

Eugene Mbugua is a Kenyan television producer. He is known for creating the shows Young Rich and producing reality shows like Sol Family, Being Bahati and The Real Housewives of Nairobi.

References

  1. ↑ "Bahati blesses Mathare in the biggest gospel concert yet". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  2. ↑ "Celebs who used to be street kids". The Star. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  3. ↑ "Kevin Bahati: from orphan to Groove Award winner". Nation. 2 July 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  4. ↑ ""Barua za Bahati" goes live". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  5. ↑ "Kevin Bahati: from orphan to Groove Award winner". Nation. 2 July 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  6. ↑ "Bahati officially leaves gospel, launches 'contemporary' album". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  7. ↑ "Singer Bahati reveals why he no longer identifies as a gospel musician". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  8. ↑ "'People behave like holier-than-thou' - Bahati reveals why he quit gospel music : K24 TV". www.k24tv.co.ke. 30 July 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  9. ↑ "Bahati launches Eastlands Most Beloved recording studio". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  10. ↑ "'We need to wake up!' Bahati makes shocking decision to shut down EMB Records - The Sauce". www.capitalfm.co.ke. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  11. ↑ Ngigi, Elizabeth (19 April 2020). "Gospel artistes are jealous of my success, says Bahati". The Star. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  12. ↑ "Bahati admits to clout-chasing as he releases the 'love Like This' album featuring Nadia Mukami, Rayvanny + more - The Sauce". www.capitalfm.co.ke. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  13. ↑ "Musician Bahati launches new reality TV show on Netflix". The Star. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  14. ↑ AYEGA, DAVIS (18 March 2022). "Bahati 'Mtoto wa Mama' joins politics, to vie for Mathare MP's seat » Capital News". Capital News. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  15. ↑ NAKOLA, SHARON RESIAN (10 July 2022). "Bahati to vie for Mathare MP seat after IEBC lists name » Capital News". Capital News. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  16. ↑ "Bahati gazetted to run for Mathare MP seat". Citizen Digital. 10 July 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  17. ↑ Amadala, Victor (12 August 2022). "Bahati floored in hotly contested Mathare MP race". The Star. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  18. ↑ "No luck for Bahati as he finishes third in Mathare MP race". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  19. ↑ Petra, Hannie (20 October 2023). "Bahati declares major political ambition after failed MP bid". The Star. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  20. ↑ "Bahati, marriage and fatherhood". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  21. ↑ "Bahati on stormy first year of marriage: 'Diana walked out three times'". Citizen Digital. 30 June 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  22. ↑ "Diana Marua and Bahati announce arrival of their third child". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  23. ↑ "Diana Marua 'excited' to celebrate birthday in hospital". Nairobi News. 5 November 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  24. ↑ "Bahati, Diana Marua announce they're expecting third child". Citizen Digital. 15 July 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  25. ↑ "Bahati reveals why he stopped dating after adopting son - K24 TV : K24 TV". www.k24tv.co.ke. 13 July 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  26. ↑ Ngigi, Elizabeth (15 March 2023). "Why Yvette Obura will forever be in Bahati's life". The Star. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  27. ↑ "Bahati addresses Diana, Yvette Obura feud, Mueni whereabouts". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  28. ↑ "Full List Of The Groove Award 2013 Winners". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  29. ↑ Kerongo, Grace (7 September 2013). "Gloria Muliro, Ringtone Win Mwafaka Prizes". The Star. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  30. ↑ "AFRIMMA Nominees 2014". AFRIMMA. 18 May 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  31. ↑ Gitau, Elly (6 May 2014). "Rabbit Wins Big at Mdundo Awards". The Star. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  32. ↑ "Bahati Wins Big at the 2015 Groove Awards". Citizen Digital. 7 June 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  33. ↑ "Bahati the Ultimate Winner At Groove Awards". The Star. 9 June 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  34. ↑ "Bahati Wins Big at the 2015 Groove Awards". Citizen Digital. 7 June 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.