Kelele Takatifu weigh in on Secular-gospel collabos

Just before launching their new album, ‘Itakuwa Ngori’ hitmakers, Kelele Takatifu, have shared their stand on the secular collabo debate.

For a while now, gospel artists have been criticized heavily for recording songs with their secular counterparts. From Juliani and Juacali’s Si Siri to Bahati’s Kuchukuchu, the Christian musicians have sparked debates over whether secular-Christian collabos are appropriate.

The Kelele Takatifu duo, comprising of Moji Shortbabaa and Didi, have said the decision lies solely on individuals’ choice and purpose.

“For us, we cannot say it’s wrong or right. We have not yet done a collabo with secular artistes. But probably they have their own inspiration, calling from God which may be a bit different from other singers,” said Shortbabaa.

On featuring secular artistes in a song, they disclosed: “May be we would or wouldn’t work on a music project with them; but I would say, it boils back to an individual’s decision.”

“Everyone knows why they do stuff, and being Christians, we cannot condemn someone or endorse the collabos. God speak to people differently – we can wake up, and He tells us to do a collabo with secular musicians,” Didi added.

Gospel as ministry or business debate

Should gospel singers treat their music like a business, or should it be ministry? The duo believes that fulfilling both objectives is possible.

“Whether gospel is a business or ministry depends on an individual. I cannot speak for the whole industry, but for Kelele Takatifu. Gospel music has a business side to it, and it has a ministry side to it; they both marry – one should not be superior to the other,” said Shortbabaa.

Artists would find it difficult to take care of their needs if they do not mind the business end of the industry, Shortbabaa expressed.

“Ministry can be superior to business, but if we neglect the business perspective to it, we would be forced to look for jobs to do. So both work in sync,” they added.

Kelele Takatifu will be launching its first album, ‘Ndoto Za Kupaa’ Sunday at the Memorial Park (Bomblast) Nairobi from 1pm to 7pm. The album consists of 13 tracks, some of which have been previously released.

The concert is christened ‘Itakuwa Ngori’.