Gospel singer Daddy Owen has opened up about a school performance in Nairobi where he says students walked out after being warned that his music was demonic.
The singer, on a YouTube interview on Thursday, January 8, 2025, said the incident happened when he was invited to perform at a school without the students knowing who the surprise artist would be. He describes the moment as “the mother of all scandals” in his career.
Daddy Owen explains that he had been called to perform at “shule fulani hapa Nairobi” and the appearance was meant to be a surprise. He says that at the time, his songs Kapungala and Tobina were popular.
“Saa hizo ndio my songs Kapungala, Tobina ziko top so nilikuasurprise artist,” he said.
He recalls being introduced on stage and expecting excitement from the students.
“So wakaita, and next on stage is Daddy Owen, si mimi nika expect nduru,” he said. Instead, he noticed an unusual silence.
“There was no pandemonium,” he added.
As he began to perform, the situation quickly changed.
“Nikianza tu ku perfom hivi, waka amka wote wakatoka,” Daddy Owen said.
He explained that students stood up and left the venue as he sang.
A shocking explanation backstage
Daddy Owen says he continued performing despite the confusion.
“Nikaimba tu, na najiimbia,” he said, adding that he was shocked by what was happening. He notes that even the teacher present appeared surprised.
After finishing his performance, Daddy Owen says he left the stage and went backstage.
“Nikamaliza nikatoka stage nikaenda back stage,” he explained, that it was there that he learned why the students had walked out.
He says a teacher explained that a pastor had spoken to the students before his performance.
“Ndio teacher akaniambia, there was a pastor here, and you were the topic,” Daddy Owen explained that the pastor had warned students about his music.
“The pastor was talking about how your songs are demonic, and they are influenced by the Illuminati,” he said.
“He was very specific that you are an agent of the Illuminati,” Daddy Owen said.
The singer said the incident deeply affected him.
“That is the only moment I thought about quitting music,” he adds, describing how serious the experience was for him at the time.
