Known for his humble beginnings as a street boy who rose to fame through faith-inspired music, Bahati shocked fans when he appeared in a drag-inspired outfit, complete with a flowing red costume, gold jewelry, and high heels while performing feminine dance moves.
The video, which dropped online this week, quickly went viral, drawing polarized reactions across social media.
For many Kenyans, the flamboyant imagery clashed sharply with Bahati’s former gospel roots and his more recent portrayal as a family-oriented figure.
On X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, critics did not mince their words.
Some described the performance as “shitty,” while others dismissed it as an “Illuminati ritual” designed to corrupt the morals of young fans.
Others raised alarm over the timing of Bahati’s controversial reinvention, noting his past political ambitions when he ran for the Mathare parliamentary seat in 2022.
“How can someone who once wanted to lead the youth into development now showcase this kind of immorality?” one user posted.
However, a section of fans and analysts argues that Bahati’s move is a calculated reinvention designed to keep him relevant in a competitive industry.
Global stars like Lil Nas X have utilized shock value, flamboyant costumes, and provocative performances to spark conversations, increase streams, and solidify their presence in pop culture.
Bahati knows what he’s doing. He’s no longer a gospel artist—he’s chasing global trends, and controversy sells,” music blogger Steve Ngesa noted.
Still, for a man who built his career on faith, family, and a wholesome image, the drastic transformation has left many unsettled.
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