Ziza Bafana explains why he chose secular music over church – Sqoop

Ugandan dancehall musician Ziza Bafana has spoken openly about why he decided to move away from church music and pursue a career in secular entertainment. According to the artist, the world outside the church provides greater recognition and appreciation for musicians who want to build successful careers. During a recent interview on the Ugandan show Shalom 256, Bafana reflected on his earlier experiences performing in church. He explained that although the church played an important role in nurturing his musical talent, he often felt that his efforts were not properly recognized within that environment.

The dancehall star noted that in church settings, musicians are typically treated the same as everyone else who attends for prayer and worship. Because of this, he believes artists rarely receive the special acknowledgment that their talent and dedication might deserve. “In church, you are not seen differently from the person who simply came to pray,” he explained, suggesting that the secular world tends to celebrate talent more openly. Bafana believes that the entertainment industry outside church walls offers musicians more opportunities to grow, gain fame, and receive rewards for their work. He argued that mainstream audiences are more likely to appreciate performers who entertain them, which can lead to greater success and recognition.

During the discussion, the artist also questioned how many gospel musicians have managed to achieve global fame comparable to mainstream performers. He suggested that it is extremely difficult for gospel artists to reach the same level of international recognition as major pop stars. To emphasize his point, Bafana referenced the late global pop legend Michael Jackson. According to him, no gospel musician in history has managed to match the worldwide influence and fame that Jackson achieved during his career.

Bafana further explained that gospel artists often face strong competition from musicians who perform songs about everyday life, relationships, and entertainment. These themes tend to attract broader audiences, making it easier for secular performers to gain popularity. Because of these factors, the dancehall artist said he ultimately decided that pursuing secular music offered him a better chance to grow his career and reach a wider audience. While he still acknowledges his roots in church music, Bafana believes his move to the secular stage was the right choice for his ambitions as an artist.