Singer Bahati has hit back at his critics, saying they have no right to belittle him unless they own the same kind of luxury assets he does. He urged them to remain silent and focus on working harder.
Bahati, who often makes headlines for his lavish lifestyle, said he was tired of the online comments he views as rooted in jealousy and hate.
“I’ll only allow you to hate me if you have a mansion, a G-Wagon, and a Range Rover in your parking lot… Everyone else is just making noise. You should be working hard to reach my level,” he wrote firmly.
His remarks sparked heated debate, with many questioning whether the artist has abandoned the humility that once defined him as a gospel musician.
Fans Divided
After the post, fans on social media were split. Some defended him, saying he had worked hard for his success and deserved to enjoy the fruits of his labour.
“Let a person work hard and succeed like Bahati before criticising him. I’m on his side,” one supporter commented on his Instagram page.
Bahati’s Journey to Wealth
Bahati, who rose from a difficult childhood, has built a solid reputation in Kenya’s entertainment industry.
Through music, business ventures, and his strong online influence, he has joined the ranks of Kenyan musicians living in luxury.
Today, Bahati and his wife Diana Marua live in a lavish Nairobi home, frequently showcasing their fleet of high-end cars on social media.
However, every step of their glamorous lifestyle has drawn scrutiny, with some accusing him of flaunting wealth instead of setting a spiritual example.
A Popularity Strategy?
Entertainment analysts suggest that such controversial statements may be part of a strategy to stay in the spotlight.
“Bahati has understood the secret of today’s market—visibility. His statements often spark debates that keep him in the headlines, which also boosts attention on his music,” said analyst Collins Ochieng.
On the other hand, some critics believe he risks losing his credibility as a gospel artist by projecting arrogance that contradicts the message of his earlier songs.
Music, Fashion, and Modern Trends
Bahati is not the first to use luxury as a symbol of success. Artists such as Otile Brown, Willy Paul, and Khaligraph Jones also showcase their expensive cars and mansions as proof of their achievements.
What sets Bahati apart is the weight of expectation. As a former gospel musician, fans still hold him to a higher standard and expect him to embody humility—unlike his secular peers.
Standing His Ground
Despite the backlash, Bahati has not softened his stance. He continues to share photos and videos of his extravagant lifestyle, insisting that everything he has was earned through hard work and God’s grace.
“I’m a living testimony that a boy from the streets of Eastleigh can rise to the top. Those without wealth like mine should not waste my time with insults,” he added on Instagram.
The Bigger Picture
For now, Bahati continues with his music career as fans watch closely to see whether his tough-talking stance will affect his bond with his audience.
Whether his message is a genuine challenge to the youth to work harder or just another display of celebrity arrogance, only time will tell.
By Geoffrey mbuthia
