Christopher Mosioma, a Kisii-based artist famously known as Embarambamba, has once again stirred controversy with his latest song, which he claims to be gospel music.
Embarambamba kicks off his performance with the lyrics “nataka nikuingize,” a phrase that, when loosely translated, carries a highly suggestive meaning in the Kenyan cultural context.
The music video commences with him standing in a forest, wearing nothing but a white towel wrapped around his waist. He is not alone; another woman, who introduces herself as Lydia Ndude, also appears in the video, similarly clad in just a white towel.
As the song progresses, Embarambamba asserts that he aims to bring more people to Jesus. He fully embraces his eccentric persona, characterized by bizarre dances and daring stunts like leaping from trees.
Critics have accused the singer of crafting songs with explicit undertones, despite his insistence that they are gospel compositions.
Embarambamba defends his lyrics, stating, “While it may seem suspicious when I sing ‘Nataka kukuingiza’ to a woman, the underlying message is my desire to lead her to become a disciple of Jesus. I incorporate sweet words into my songs to make them appealing. Every action in my performances carries a purpose. When I roll in the mud and tear my clothes, it symbolizes shedding my earthly weaknesses and embracing the purity of Jesus.”
Regarding his choice of attire, which raised eyebrows in a so-called ‘gospel’ song, Embarambamba explained, “I contemplated wearing a conventional suit with a tie, but then I would just blend in with the crowd. That’s why I opted for the towel, as it sets me apart and adds uniqueness to my presentation.”
