Kenyan dancehall gospel artist Hopekid has opened up about one of the most difficult decisions of his career, revealing that he turned down a lucrative KSh10 million endorsement deal at the height of a public scandal.
Speaking on the Alex Mwakideu podcast, the musician explained how he chose faith over finances despite facing serious personal and professional challenges.
The KSh10 Million Offer
According to Hopekid, the offer came in 2019 when he was embroiled in a controversy that dominated public discussion and placed his reputation under intense scrutiny.
While many expected brands to distance themselves from him, the opposite happened.
The gospel artist disclosed that two major companies approached him with endorsement opportunities worth nearly KSh10 million.
One of the brands was an alcohol company while the other manufactured condoms.
“2019, I refused a brand deal of KSh10 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.
The proposal would have instantly transformed his financial situation at a time when his career appeared uncertain.
Choosing Faith Over Money
Despite the attractive financial package, Hopekid said he felt accepting the deal would compromise his calling as a gospel minister.
He explained that while the money would have solved his immediate financial struggles, it would have damaged the credibility of his ministry and long-term career.
“The calling was bigger than the money because if I 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,” he said.
Hopekid maintained that his identity was rooted in his faith and not public approval.
He noted that trends come and go, and brands often move on to the next person generating attention.
According to him, remaining true to his purpose was more important than chasing short-term gains.
Church Supported Him During Tough Times
The decision became even more difficult because he was experiencing severe financial challenges at the time.
Hopekid revealed that he was struggling to provide for himself and his family after the scandal affected his career.
During that season, members of his church community stepped in to support him.
The singer disclosed that elders from Life Chapel and his Bishop helped pay his rent and provided food for his household.
The support enabled him to survive without compromising his values for financial gain.
He credited the church for standing with him when many people had turned their backs on him.
According to Hopekid, the experience taught him the importance of belonging to a community that knows and supports you during difficult seasons.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Years later, Hopekid says the challenges he faced helped shape his current mission.
The artist has become an advocate for autism awareness and mental health, two issues he believes require greater public attention.
He highlighted concerns about the increasing number of children living with autism and called for more awareness and support for affected families.
Hopekid also uses his platform to encourage conversations around mental health among young people.
New Song Targets Youth Empowerment
As part of his advocacy work, the gospel artist recently released a song titled “Rise” (RYSE) featuring King Kaka.
The project focuses on empowering young people and encouraging positive personal development.
According to Hopekid, RYSE stands for “Reaching Youth for Self-improvement and Empowerment.”
The initiative seeks to inspire young people to overcome challenges and pursue their goals despite setbacks.
Lessons for Upcoming Artists
Now more than 14 years into his music career, Hopekid says the experiences he has endured have given him valuable lessons about money, purpose and resilience.
He regularly encourages upcoming artists to practice financial discipline and avoid making decisions based solely on immediate financial rewards.
The musician believes every setback can become a stepping stone for growth if approached with the right mindset.
Looking back, Hopekid says rejecting the KSh10 million deal remains one of the defining decisions of his life and career.
While it cost him millions in the short term, he believes it preserved the values and mission that continue to guide him today.