Ringtone Quits Gospel Music For Secular

[Image Source: Instagram]

By Brian Sikulu

Download the best of Kofi Jamar's music on Mdundo

Long-time Kenyan musician Alex Apoko, popularly known as Ringtone, has ditched gospel music for secular. The singer made the announcement through a short video that he published on his social media platforms. Ringtone explained that he had decided to venture into secular music after doing gospel music for over a decade.

The 'Pamela' hitmaker took a moment to appreciate his fans for the immense support they have shown him so far as a gospel artist. He further pleaded with them to support his new venture citing that it is all in an effort of promoting good music. Ringtone took a step further to send a message to artists in secular music. He advised them not to view him as a competitor but rather as one of their own. The self-proclaimed chairman of gospel music extended his gratitude to gospel musicians who supported him.

"Nataka kuchukua hii nafasi ku thank wale watu wote ambao wameni support kwa gospel music hii yenye nimekua nikiimba for this time, na sasa imefika mwisho, nimeamua nianze kuimba ma love songs. So naomba muendelee kuni support. Na wale wasanii ambao wanaimba ma love songs, naomba musionione kama competition, msi feel threatened. Tu work pamoja ndio tufikishe muziki mahali inafaa kufika. So bye bye gospel industry. Wasanii kama kina Moji Short Baba, Guardian Angel, wasanii waote wako gospel, nataka kuwaambia asante kwa ile support nikiwa chairman wenu, na saa hii nimetoka, mubarakiwe," Ringtone stated.

Ringtone has built a reputation for himself as one of the most respected gospel artists in East Africa. Although he has decorated headlines on several occasions over his controversial stand on various subjects, his contribution to the growth of gospel music in the country is commendable.

His success in the music industry has seen him work with top celebrated artists such as Rose Muhando, Christina Shusho, Guardian Angel, Martha Mwaipaja, and Shiru Wa GP among many others.