I took some time off writing. I went to research on how the devil works and thought to come up with a series. Most Christians think that so long as they know how God works, the devil doesn’t really matter, they really shouldn’t know about his tactics and schemes because they are already saved and their Christian life is just but a rollercoaster.
I have just come from the Groove Awards 2018 that had the theme “Rebuild”. The theme was about rebuilding the family, the country etc. It was filled with pomp and color. Of course, the ‘Wasaniis‘ will have their look on point. The beautiful ladies adorned in their beautiful dresses will blend well with the color gels that hover the place and the Mcees will be full of joy and energy.
There have been so many critiques about the Groove Awards in the past and this time I just had the opportunity to attend and see it for myself. I was researching about how the devil works from testimonies of people on Youtube. I have seen videos of people like John Ramirez a devil worshipper who claimed to speak with the devil himself, Gideon Mulenga, an ex-satanist from Zambia and Moses, a Kenyan ex-devil worshipper who claimed to be from the Church of Mormon amongst several other articles online. It is funny that all these people’s claims have stunning similarities.
The devil was the angel of music before he fell and guess what, he will use that to take over the world. Moses, a Kenyan ex-satanist speaking in a Church in Nakuru reveals how they used to attack the Church. He said that fire from heaven first fills altar and then spreads over to the Church as the choir sings.
He said that this fierce fire spreads through the church praises and worship are taken up to God. He testified that they, (as agents of the devil) couldn’t stand the fire and so they attacked the church through the pastor and praise and worship singers. They said they attacked them through sexual sin and introducing the spirit of secularism whereby, they would bring what is in the world into the church so that praise and worship is reduced to mere entertainment.
They did this by changing the appearance of praise and worshippers where men plaited their hair and ladies dressed indecently. They would then bring a division in the church where they would successfully split the church. I will talk more about this in an upcoming article – Praise & Worship and the Spirit of Secularism.
So let’s talk about Groove. It was at first, amazing, I really loved how they did a medley of the old music, the band was on point. I first sensed something was amiss when Dr. Ofweneke joked about Timmy Tdat winning an award. I asked myself, why mention Timmy in such a ‘Christian’ event? It was not until I saw the worst where Dj Soxxy dressed like some lady (Agnes Kiunga) I saw trending recently, a dancer in Sauti Sol’s ft Nyashinski recent hit, Short N’ Sweet.
The Mcee’s called themselves two and a half men, a name derived from the secular world (A comedy series) and they were Daddy Owen, Dj Soxxy and Moji Short Baba. So maybe let’s say a Kenyan popular Dj doesn’t know what Short N’ Sweet really means so I did him a favor and Googled the lyrics and posted some controversial parts of the lyrics;
[Verse 2: Nyashinski]
Yeah, you wanna do the right thing
You find this too exciting
Your friends tell you “ku-date mtu ka’ mimi ni high risk”
Throw that sh** behind me (yeah)
Come sit beside me
If you got too much class, then do me like assignment (yeah)
Okay, is this the same Nyashinski who sang ‘Mungu Pekee?’ The same song that ‘Christians’ termed gospel? With this lyrics, I do not need to explain what ‘do me like assignment means’ or whether the word sh** is appropriate.
[Verse 3: Savara & Chimano]
Hii crib ni bedsitter
Na sina kiti so utakalia kitanda
Na, hii kitanda na ni four by six
Usingizi wa pono ka’ uko six feet deep
Kabla nizame six inch deep
Acha ni-seti mood na [?]
Can we also assume that Dj Soxxy, or any of the organizers of Groove never knew what ‘Kabla nizame six inch deep’ meant before they decided that he was to be in such a costume? Or can people tell me to stop being dramatic and take it lightly because it was ‘just another wild joke’ that we Christians can laugh at? Can someone poke me and tell me I to let people be or ‘Stop judging because am not God?’ So what about the lyrics?
[Chorus: Sauti Sol]
Short and sweet
DJ play this song on repeat
Odi odi dance to the beat
Hapo ulipo kamata na-feel so sweet
Hapo ulipo kamata na-feel so sweet
Short and sweet
DJ play this song on repeat
Odi odi dance to the beat
Hapo ulipo kamata na-feel so sweet
Hapo ulipo kamata na-feel so sweet
So what genre is Odi Dance? Is Odi Dance a song, a style, a rhythm, a Christian song, a gospel song, a song that glorifies God or what is this? A blog titled the Living Fountain describes Gospel Music as:
I would attempt to define what a ‘gospel’ song is. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is clearly defined by Paul 1 Cor. 15:1-4. Moreover brethren, I declare unto you the GOSPEL which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and in which you stand; by which also you are SAVED, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST DIED for OUR SINS according to the SCRIPTURES; And that he was BURIED, and He ROSE AGAIN the third day according to the SCRIPTURES.”
From this we know that the GOSPEL is about the death of Jesus Christ, His resurrection and Salvation He brought to man. And that we believe this because it is in the Scriptures which are (is) the inerrant and inspired word(s) of God. Gospel simply means “the good news” Therefore, a song that is considered as a gospel song should directly or indirectly affirm this scripture and lead others to Christ.
Does Odi talk about Christ? Can it inspire, rebuke, teach and train in righteousness. And why is it referred in other ungodly music like Sauti Sol’s Short N’ Sweet that all it speaks about is sex? But as if that was not enough, Dj Soxxy went ahead to tell the audience to appreciate Aggie by clapping for her. Furthermore, Odi Dance, the song went on to win:
- Song of the Year – ‘Odi Dance’ – Timeless Noel, Jabidii and Hype Ochi
- Collabo of the Year – ‘Odi Dance’ – Timeless Noel, Jabidii and Hype Ochi
- Dance Style/Song of the Year – ‘Odi Dance’ – Timeless Noel, Jabidii and Hype Ochi
- Best SKIZA Award of the Year – ‘Odi Dance’ – Timeless Noel, Jabidii and Hype Ochi
Before you go on to call me a hater, a mean guy and hating on people’s successes. I have posted for you the Odi Dance Lyrics:
Odi
[Dance imeshika mashinani odi
Kila chote kila mtaani odi
Dance inaleta burudani odi
Odi *3
Odi dance odi] *2
Odi in the street odi in the church
Come slow take your time you don’t ‘ve fi rush
Hell kunaburn heaven kunabash
Checki vile wanadance odi dance
Power simple dance you can manage
Hauitaji any dance college
Get in step with courage
Na uchangamke like you take a hot porridge
Energy that taught you this is big n u you know
Dj play gospel music more and more
Nimeokoka kwa devil me say no and no
No no and no odi
Odi
[Dance imeshika mashinani odi
Kila chote kila mtaani odi
Dance inaleta burudani odi
Odi *3
Odi dance odi] *2
Yaani ordinary
Ule boy wakawaida mtaani
Analeta dance inashika hadi mashinani
God anamuse bila kujua yeye ni nani ama nini
Ee, Daudi alikuwa odi
I guess that’s why jina ni daudi
He was an ordinary shepherd
Odi me nakam kama ordinary dancer
From nai ju mmenifanya dance ambassador
Itakuwa favor odi ikishika Jamaica
Dance ambassador
Itakuwa favor odi ikishika Jamaica
Odi
[Dance imeshika mashinani odi
Kilachote kila mtaani odi
Dance inaleta burudani odi
Odi *3
Odi dance odi] *2
Don’t scratch wasee cheki chini nimedunga don’t touch
Ati don’t touch? Nakofia imekata upepo
Aiwezi dunda ju inamaintain hiyo temple
Checki juu nimedunga bomba hile safi nilipurchase Gikomba
Nilook fiti yakuenda kesha kuomba
Niko in Christ nilishachorea gomba
Itabidi ume omba ombaa utafute uso wa Bwana
Aonaye kwa siri atakujibu kwa wazi
Kila mtu… omba omba utafute uso wa bwana
Aonaye kwa siri atakujibu kwa wazi
SEE ALSO: The Groove is Not to Blame
Odi
[Dance imeshika mashinani odi
Kilachote kila mtaani odi
Dance inaleta burudani odi
Odi *3
Odi dance odi] *2
“I believe that Satan knows more about songs, its power and influence than any human being. He is therefore using secular music in a cunning and subtle way to lead many hearts away from God thereby plunging them into destruction.
In Matt. 14, John the Baptist was beheaded after a dance put up by Herodias daughter. What type of music do you think was being played? Do you think this thing would have happened if they were praising or singing spiritual songs unto God? At the party, the songs, dances and fun had nothing about God (love, mercy, forgiveness, humility) but rather pushed Herod to display his wealth and power as a king. Matt. 14:1-12. In 1 Samuel 16, David plays his harp “ And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul that David took the harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well and the evil spirit departed from him. Vs 23. The music made by David was filled with God’s anointing and power. It refreshed the soul and spirit of Saul, healed him and drove away the evil spirit which haunted him.
In 2 Kings, Elisha prophesied after an anointing-filled song was played. “ But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him. 2 Kings 3:15.” – The Living Fountain Blog.
Kenyan Gospel industry has been reduced to showbiz. Secularism has filled the ‘Christian Ministry’ (now the entertainment industry) and it is now all about, who has the best music video, who has swag, who is trending in blogs and media, who did a collabo with who, and who is making it big in this industry. The dance styles, the wear, the fake glittering teeth and even the plaiting and styling of hair is all from the secular world. A friend just told me that it is now easier to get an erection in Church than in any other setup, why? Because modesty is now a thing of the past.
Guardian Angel won the Artist of the Year award and he just never gave a speech, he revealed the rot that is in the Kenyan Gospel industry. He said that Kenyan Gospel musicians need to sing songs that are impactful, songs that people will hear and get healed. He said that gospel artists should be the body of Christ. He said and I quote, “Wengine wanasema, hatujaitwa kuhubiri, tumeitwa kuimbia vijana.” He further added that we need content in the Kenyan Gospel industry and that God is not a God of confusion.
If Tiga Wana, Yesu Ndiye Sponsor, Odi Dance, Bwana nipe nyonyo and Flash kama pupu are our trending Gospel songs, then I do not know how such songs will draw us to Christ. I also do not know who young and upcoming artists will grow to emulate. I remember a Kenyan Christian artist telling me to write him a controversial article so that he may get popular.
The spirit of secularism kills the gospel of Christ. The spirit of secularism is now so much ingrained in the Church and the devil has armed most Christians with the phrase, “Do not judge me.” I bet after Groove, he whispered to himself, “What a show.” The spirit of secularism is what turns that powerful worship into a mere presentation.
The spirit of secularism has divided the church and distorted the true Gospel of Christ but the devil had armed most Christians with one verse that they think favors them. Most gospel singers now sings with what is trending, the song must have a good beat, it must be fancy, the video must be on point and must show us more of the world and less of Christ. How sad.
We need Christians who will stand up and condemn the spirit of secularism. We need church leaders who can stand and condemn what is not of Christ, we need people who can rebuke sin without the fear of bloggers and tweeps. We need people who can stand for what is the word of God without fear or favor. We need able and strong men in the army of God. We need people who can deny themselves, carry their own cross and follow Christ. Not persons ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Not persons ashamed to lose their reputation.
SEE ALSO: Hey Christian Blogger
Now that I have given my opinion on this, I need to give my ‘What next.’ The problem with many Christians is that they rebuke and offer no ‘way forward’. The problem with many other Christians is that they hate everyone who gives them their opinions. All they want is positive critiques.
Are you are Gospel artist in Kenya? Ask yourself the following question, is what am doing true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy? Pray for wisdom even before you write or sing your songs for the word says in James 1:5 that, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Are you writing this song to trend, to win an award, to compete with a fellow artiste, to be relevant or to be in the showbiz? Do you have a purpose with your music? What will be said about you when you die? What legacy will you leave? During the Groove Awards, there was a tribute of Angela Chibalonza whose music was played and very humbling words were said about her. It was 10 years since she died. Now ask yourself, are you here to bring people to Christ? To inspire, motivate, rebuke or give hope or are you here to have fans, become a celebrity and sign autographs?
Now how is your personal life? How is your walk with God? Are you still taking Jesus back to the cross? Are you beating your flesh enough? Is Christ proud of that award you won and can you sing the same song you sang here on earth in heaven with the angels? Remember, we the fans we will only love to dance to your music, we will see you as holier than thou because you sing good music but you alone knows your ways. Living a life worthy and making it to heaven is much greater than that award.
Now I will leave you with this verse.
“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man for a man to hear song of fools” Eccl. 7:5
Now tell God to give you a discerning spirit to know who the wise are in your life and what songs fools are singing in your ears. Trust me the fools are so many. God bless.
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