Kenyan dancehall gospel artist Hopekid has revealed the moment he turned down a life-changing financial offer to protect his career and faith.
Speaking on the Alex Mwakideu podcast, the musician, known as "The General," shared how he allowed a KSh 10 million brand ambassadorship deal to slip away during his darkest professional hour.
The 2019 Dilemma
In 2019, Hopekid found himself at the centre of a major public scandal. While the controversy threatened his reputation, it also attracted unconventional business interest.
Two major brands—one an alcohol company and the other a condom manufacturer—approached him with a lucrative proposal.
The brands wanted to run with the situation he was in at the time. They placed nearly KSh 10 million on the table for him to become their brand ambassador.
“2019, I refused a brand deal of Ksh 10 million. It was in the middle of a scandal; two major brands approached me. One for beer and the other for a condom,” he revealed.
For an artist whose career was hanging in the balance, the temptation was significant.
Faith Over Finance
Hopekid explained that accepting the deal would have meant the end of his gospel calling. He believed that taking the money would have provided temporary relief butpermanent damage to his brand as a minister.
He noted that while the world was bashing him, he remained firm that he was called by God, not by people.
"The calling was bigger than the money because that’s the amount if I took it to my mind and convinced myself to take it because I couldn’t get a similar amount in my life, it would have been the end of me making money."
The musician chose to remain disciplined despite the financial pressure. He expressed that "vitu za dunia" (worldly things) lack certainty, and brands will always look for the next trending person.
A Season of Struggle
The decision to reject the millions was made while Hopekid was struggling to make ends meet. He revealed that during that period, he was so broke that his church, Life Chapel, had to step in.
The church elders and his Bishop supported him by paying his rent and providing food for his household.
He credited this support system for helping him navigate the crisis without compromising his values. This experience has since shaped his views on the importance of a supportive religious community that knows you and stands with you.
Advocating for Change
Today, Hopekid has shifted his focus toward advocacy and mentorship. He is a vocal champion for autism awareness and mental health. He highlighted a startling statistic, noting that the number of children living with autism is twice the number of those living with HIV and cancer combined.
He also uses his platform to address the mental health challenges facing the youth. His latest project, a song titled "Rise" (RYSE) featuring King Kaka, aims to empower the younger generation. "RYSE" stands for "Reaching Youth for Self-improvement and Empowerment."
Now 14 years into the industry, Hopekid continues to advocate for financial literacy among artists. He reflects on his past failures as a way of progression, urging new artists to respect money and stay committed to their original calling.
