Rose Muhando recalls ditching Islam at young age despite father being a Sheikh
By Steve Ireri, November 24, 2025Tanzanian gospel singer Rose Muhando has recounted how she grew up in a strict Muslim household and how she ditched the faith to pursue Christianity, despite her father being a renowned Sheikh.
Speaking during an interview with JCC’s Lady Bishop Kathy Kiuna on Sunday, November 23, 2025, Rose said the decision came after years of living a disciplined life under her father’s guidance, which shaped her understanding of God and devotion from a very young age.
“I was a Muslim for the longest time, and I was a good Muslim. I grew up following the Torah and the Ten Commandments, as my father had taught me,” Rose said.
She recalled that her father, who was the chief sheikh of Kilosa at the time, taught her to observe all Islamic rituals, including daily prayers, reading the Quran, and following strict rules on dress and conduct.
The singer said she grew up internalising these values and never knew a life outside of religious devotion.
“My father was the chief sheikh of Kilosa at the time, and he taught me to live a good life, a holy life, to know God, to respect Him, and to fear Him,” Muhando said.
Rose said she was also introduced to the Torah, Psalms, and the four Gospels during her upbringing, a foundation that later influenced her understanding of Christianity.
“I truly lived as a Muslim, following all the religious rules, prayers, the way to dress, how to respect people, reading the Quran, and much more. I was born into Islam, and I can say that I did not know life outside of God because even during those days, as a Muslim, we lived fully within religion. My parents guided us to God, and when we said ‘Subhana Huwa’, we meant that He was our God. In Arabic, it literally means ‘He is our God.’”
She recalled attending madrassa from a young age, where she began singing, and described how music was deeply ingrained in her family.
The singer said every member of her household was involved in singing, and the environment inspired her passion, which eventually shaped her career as a gospel artiste.
“People don’t know, but in my family, everyone sang. I was born into a family of singers. Even if not all of them became professionals like me, when you hear them, you will love them. Even our children sing. Music has always been a part of our lives,” Muhando shared.