Famous for his mtoto wa mama description, Bahati sang his way into people’s hearts right from the onset of his career. Remember the track “Siku ya Kwanza” and the even bigger hit “Mama”? He has sustained his presence in the gospel industry and even with his switch to secular, Bahati is one name that remains on people’s lips. Here’s Bahati’s biography, life story and times.
Kelvin Mbuvi Kioko, better known as Bahati, was born on 22 December 1994. Come December, Bahati’s age will be 27. Bahati, previously a Gospel singer, now a secular artist, has won several awards and received critical acclaim. The story of his life is encapsulated by his turn of fortunes. He was a street kid who rose to become a music star.
A brilliant kid from a young age, Bahati went to the ABC orphanage in the Mathare slums for refuge and education. His high school years were spent at, first Nakeel school in Kajiado and later at St Theresa’s Boys in Eastleigh, where he graduated with a C+ in KCSE in 2011.
Bahati was determined to establish a name for himself and ventured into music in 2012, shortly after graduating. Bahati made headlines as a new child in the entertainment world and emerged as a rising sensation with his smash track “Siku Ya Kwanza.” The narrative of Bahati’s life is like that of a movie script. This was the beginning of his rise and rise in the Gospel industry.
- Real name: Kevin Mbuvi Kioko
- Occupation: Musician, reality tv actor
- Birthday: 22 December 1994 (28 years)
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Star sign: Capricorn
- Birth place: Makueni County, Kenya
- Height: N/A
- Children: Heaven, Majesty, Morgan and Mueni Bahati
- Net Worth: Ksh 20 million
- Spouse: Diana Marua (Diana B)
Bahati career
Bahati’s humble personality and unquestionable talent catapulted him into the big leagues. Despite having had a tough life, Bahati has outperformed many musicians in the entertainment gospel sector to emerge as an exceptional musician, winning the Groove Awards 2014 for Best Male Gospel Musician.
Musical journey
Bahati’s musical career began in his high school years. His skill was recognised when he performed solo on the guitar at the National Music Festival in Nakuru in 2010. The following year, Bahati represented his school, St. Theresa Boys High School in Eastleigh, where he sang and played the guitar at the National Music Festival, which captivated the audience.
With his music confidence growing, Bahati chose to pursue music full-time owing to his passion and to help him get out of a terrible financial and emotional situation.
Bahati met J Blessing just after graduating from high school. J Blessing and L.B. films produced his debut single, which became a huge hit, and propelled him to instant stardom in the gospel sector.
Bahati has also disclosed that he manages a hospital in Kayole, the place where Khaligraph Jones grew up.
Bahati net worth
As of 2023, Bahati’s net worth is estimated to be approximately Kes 20 million.
Bahati cars
Bahati drives a Mercedes Benz. A couple of his Instagram pictures capture a white and silver Mercedes Benz.
Bahati’s House
One of Kenya’s highest-paid gospel artists, Bahati, recently purchased a fully-furnished house for his wife and kids and made it public on his reality TV programme, Being Bahati.
Awards & Recognition
Bahati was acknowledged as the 2014 Groove Award winner for best male gospel vocalist. He was also nominated for best video of the year and best collaboration. In addition, Bahati was voted the greatest gospel musician in Africa at the AFRIMMA awards 2014, held at the Eisemann Center in Texas, USA.
Bahati, a musical superstar, has made his ambition of making high-quality music for his listeners a reality. He intends to do this by studying radio and music in college. Bahati is definitely poised to continue taking the world by storm.
Bahati family
Bahati lost his mother at the age of 7. “As you have heard in my song, Mama, I was nine years when my mother passed on, but I came to find out that I was actually seven then,” recalled Bahati. “By the way, don’t shed tears if you get moved by the tribulations in my life as I am full grown now,” he quips in quick succession.
However, the brilliant gospel singer has in the past shared his wish to reunite with his family, who abandoned him when his mother died. His father, who is currently ill, abandoned him when his mother died. His father then remarried and moved houses, leaving young Bahati alone in Kariobangi, the only home he now recalls.
Bahati’s children
Bahati, the Kenyan gospel artist, has several children. He is a father to a few biological children and has also adopted and taken responsibility for the upbringing of other children. He is quite open about his family life and often shares moments with his children on social media.
Bahati is now a proud father of four children. He has two biological children with Diana Marua (Heaven and Majesty), one adopted son (Morgan Bahati), and one baby from a previous relationship with Yvette Obura (Mueni Bahati).
Bahati’s wife Diana Marua
Bahati is married to Diana Marua. They got married in 2017 and have been quite public about their relationship, sharing moments of their lives together on social media. Diana Marua is also involved in the entertainment industry and has a significant presence on social media platforms. Their relationship has been followed by many fans and supporters.
They have two children, Baby Heaven and Baby Majesty. Diana earned a Diploma Certificate in Information Technology and a Diploma Certificate in Marketing Communication from KCA and St. Paul’s University. The two met during a video production for his song ‘Mapenzi,’. Diana was the Video Vixen.
Bahati political interests
Bahati unsuccessfully vied to be the MP for Mathare constituency using the Jubilee ticket. He came third. But he seems not to have given up. Kevin Kioko, better known by his stage name Bahati, has announced ambitions to run for governor in the upcoming elections in 2027.
Social Media
Bahati’s Instagram: @BahatiKenya
Bahati’s Twitter: @BahatiKenya
Bahati’s Facebook: Bahati
Q & A
How old is Bahati now?
Born on 22 December 1994, Bahati will turn 27 in December.
How much is Bahati worth?
Bahati’s net worth in 2021 is estimated to be around $15 Million.
Which tribe is Bahati from?
Bahati hails from the Kamba Community of Kenya.