Kevin Kioko, popularly known as Bahati, is a Kenyan Gospel artist, husband and father. He became famous for his song Mama, which went viral. From being a street kid to becoming one of the most successful artists in Kenya, Bahati is a fast-rising music star. He recently showed his intention to join politics and vai for the Mathare constituency seat.
The story of Bahati is proof that every dream is valid no matter what a person’s background is. He became an orphan at a very young age after his mother died while he was still in kindergarten. But, there is more to Bahati than what you see on social media.
Life and Education
Bahati was born on December 22, 1994. His parents died when he was young, so he sought refuge at the ABC orphanage in the slums of Mathare.
He attended Nakheel High School in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado and later joined Eastleigh Boys High School. The reasons for his transfer are not known. He studied for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, KCSE, in 2011 and scored a C+. It was in 2012 that he decided to continue his music career.
Music Career
Before devoting himself fully to music in 2012, Bahati had previously expressed his interest in music. While in high school, he attended a national music festival held in Nakuru, where he had a solo performance, and the crowd was amazed by his talent.
After high school, he continued his work, hoping that it would lift him out of poverty and being true to his passion, it did. He collaborated with J Blessing and recorded his first single, Day One. After that, he followed Mama, which was well-received by the audience and the gospel industry. People were asking more and more for his songs.
Bahati’s wife
Bahati got married in October 2017 to Diana Marua. The two had a traditional wedding where they wore maroon dresses. However, he kept the news until after the ceremony and only shared the news with his fans.
Bahati’s Parents
Bahati once introduced the woman who raised him after his mother died. He took him in and educated him with other unfortunate children. On the day he introduced his ‘mother’, he reminded his fans to never forget where they came from.
Bahati and Yvette Obura
Before Diana Marua, Bahati dated Yvette Obura in 2016. The two have a daughter, Mueni Bahati. They separated in mysterious circumstances and that’s when he met Diana. The three have proven that joint parenting is possible. On Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, the two women usually exchange gifts. As seen on social media, Mueni spends quality time with her aunt, Diana Marua.
Bahati is the true definition of your past does not define your future. Just because he grew up in the slums doesn’t mean he’s going to let that define him and his future. He worked hard to be where he is, and he’s not stopping anytime soon. Since growing up in a shanty town, he now has his eye on politics.