Padre Michael Watenga says blocking gospel songs in clubs is hypocrisy
By Valerian Khakayi, March 26, 2026Renowned Anglican priest Padre Michael Watenga, aka Padre wa Wote, has shared his bold stance on the place of the gospel music industry, arguing that blocking gospel songs from being played in clubs is hypocrisy.
According to Watenga, gospel music is not limited to church spaces and can still fulfil its spiritual purpose outside traditional settings.
Taking to his official social media account on Thursday, March 26, 2026, he posed a question to gospel artistes, asking them if a gospel song was composed and performed by a church choir or a gospel musician, who owns the song’s audience?
“Gospel songs, should they be played in clubs? so mimi niko na swali: wewe na kanisa yako na choir na wewe kama msanii wa gospel, hiyo wimbo umeimba au umetunga na choir yenu ya kanisa ama kibinafsi mumeimbia nani?“Watenga questioned.
“#Should Gospel songs be played in clubs #Ulitaka iibwe wapi! #Choir and all Gospel songs are for praising God and two – for mission’s sake…hatujiimbii, it will be very funny utaki kusikia songs za church Kwa club while you can’t control who should listen and where it should play.”
Watenga on gospel songs in clubs
Additionally, he emphasised that in clubs, the audience often includes family members, friends, and other Christians, adding that preventing gospel music from being played in such spaces ignores the fact that these songs can inspire, uplift, and even evangelise.
Watenga further pointed out that the mission of the church is evangelism, noting that gospel songs are a tool to fulfil that mission, whether in church or even in nightlife settings.
“Let’s speak the truth #In clubs your husband, sister, brother, and relatives who are Christians and others ndio customers…it’s hypocrisy to say, “Usitumie Wimbo Yetu!” It’s to glorify God and save souls,” he added.
“Mumeimba kumsifu Mungu, and the core mission of the church is to do mission and evangelism, so hizi songs, hata zikichezwa kwa club, there is no problem in my perspective.”
In addition, he argued that restricting the reach of gospel music undermines its purpose and limits opportunities for ministry.
“Your work as a Christian is to do mission and evangelism. Na songs zina tusaidia kufanya mission, it will be very hypocritical for a Christian to say our songs or my songs should not be played in a club,” Watenga added.