Gospel musician Mike Kesse has opened up about the criticism and judgment he faces within the gospel industry, sharing how many Christians judge him due to his past as a secular artiste.
In an interview with Nana Romeo on Okay FM on September 29, 2025, the artiste, who transitioned from a successful secular career to gospel music in 2019, called for an end to the stigmatisation of artistes like himself.
Mike Kesse, formerly known as Kesse, described the mindset of some Christians who judge him as hypocritical.
“It is true, many Christians are hypocritical. Because their sins have not been exposed, they feel that they are righteous and can judge anyone. But it is not their position to judge; Christ is the one who can judge. I have seen that’s how many of them are,” he said.
I feel more joy with my new self than my previous self – Mike Kesse
Despite the criticism, Kesse said he is not bothered by such judgments and that his focus is on divine approval.
“People usually talk down on me or even say I am not qualified to do gospel music because I used to do secular songs. But if they see it like that, that is fine. If God has endorsed me, that is all I care about. What people think about me doesn’t affect me,” he said.
He ended with a plea for a change in attitude, saying, “What I can say is that they should do away with that mindset and stigmatisation. It is not good.”
Mike Kesse rose to fame after winning Mentor Season 4 and released the award-winning single Oh Yes, as well as collaborations with Sarkodie on hits like Azonto Fiesta and Treat Her Royal.
He later switched to gospel music after personal convictions, prophecies, and dreams, rebranding as Mike Kesse.
However, his transition was not well received. In a 2020 interview, he stated there is “more love in secular music than gospel” and acknowledged stigmatisation from some gospel circles who “see you in a certain way.”
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