Why do you sing gospel and what sets your songs/music apart from the rest of the singers?
I was brought up from a religious family we used to sing and later pray before we sleep; and this we did everyday led by late mother. This made me to start singing in Sunday school and later started leading songs at the Sunday school. Later I got born again and led in other forums of the church – and now here I am a recording artist, so I don’t know what happens on the other side (secular) - I only sung and sing gospel. My songs are to exalt/magnify, praise and worship the lord. Haven’t sung songs according to situation of my life or sing about people. What makes me different is passion and zeal found in the songs for I know whoever shall listen to them are not just entertained but lives changed. Gospel is good news so I release the good news to hearers. Here is link of some of the songs:
2. What is your opinion on the effect of secular music and tends on gospel music content, trends and styles?
Music is music and music is an art that changes every now and then and is very powerful and reaches many within no time but the effect of gospel and secular songs is different in the lives of the hearers. Of course the script changed and as a gospel or secular musician you also have to change but as a gospel singer the content should remain but the trend and style will definitely change according to the script.
3. What is the reason behind your settling for your real name as a stage name?
My name is Judith Mariam Nakholi according to my National Identity card, but I settled for Judy Vitalis as my stage name to associate myself with the person I stay with….. my hubby.
4. Locally and internationally, who would you wish to work with and why?
So many artists but I love Don Moen and Sinach as their songs are good, life changing and simple to sing along. Locally its Gloria Muliro, Mercy Masika, Abeddy Ngosso… I just love their spirits in the songs.
5. Are you promising your fans anything soon, perhaps a new album or anything difference from what you have always done?
Yes I have new singles in store but before long probably a Collabo.
6. What challenges have you come to in your journey as a gospel singer? What would you tell upcoming artists, or starters about challenges?
Challenges are there and they are good as they are a platform for your growth and not your disadvantage for you to shy off, therefore embrace them. Becoming a successfully artist in Kenya is like milking a cow in Turkana but God is faithful. Piracy issue is one of the challenges in this industry…. Money for doing the audios and videos, unless you have sponsors then you‘ll land on quack producers and they’ll mess you up. Staying motivated is another challenge as you can be having good songs but they don’t get air play either on radios or teles, as they play for the big artists… Royalties issues is another big challenge to artists in Kenya, we don’t get the royalties, and if you get, some big companies/names have taken the lion’s share.
7. Where do you see yourself in the next decade?
Oh yes owning a Multi-business that shall help the unfortunate in the society especially the orphans as am also half orphan and I know what they go through. Having a recording and Production studios to help the up-coming artists. Helping group/teams knowing about praise and worship and music at large.
8. Any three things that people don’t know about you?
Am at times shy…
Am humble
Am an actor