Over the years, several musicians in the Country have been crossing over from gospel to secular and vice versa due to various reasons.
For 38-year-old Eliakim Rogo, he made the bitter decision to quit gospel music and cross over to the secular world after what he terms as frustrations from Church ministers who were not willing to pay for services rendered by his then, Flames of Praise International Band.
Rogo started the band in early 2017 and brought together a group of 20 musicians with an aim of spreading the Word of God through music, and also make a living out of it, but that was never to be.
After releasing rhumba gospel hit songs such as Amenitendea, Hakuna Mungu kama Wewe, Sifu Bwana, Tenda Wema and Nikushuruku Vipi, Rogo said they started receiving invitations from Pastors to perform in their Churches but unfortunately, payment was not forthcoming.
“We were charging Sh70, 000 for a day’s performance. We were invited to several Church meetings in Kisumu but we received no payment. Only one church in Kisumu delivered its promise to us,” the Primary School Principal told Hivisasa.com.
“Being the Director of the band, at times I was forced to use my savings to pay my band members after being let down by Pastors,” added the father of three.
Having seen it all, he decided to quit gospel rhumba music in April this year. He left the band in the hands of his manager and formed the Sweet Melody Jazz Band, which currently has 14 members.
“Quitting gospel for secular rhumba was not easy. My wife supported me and encouraged me to follow my heart. She had seen how I used to come home frustrated from various church meetings. My Pastor is yet to come to terms with my decision to quit gospel,” he said.
However, he has never regretted the decision to quit gospel music. “At Sweet Melody Jazz Band we charge Sh100, 000 for a day’s performance.
"It is a whole new experience now because if one books a band, he/she pays in advance before the day of the performance,” said Rogo.
The band has released five songs so far, among them Osiepe Madiera (true friends).
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