Willy Paul, whose transition from gospel to secular music has been a subject of much speculation, recently disclosed that his decision to make the switch was not entirely of his own volition, but rather influenced by external pressures.
In a candid interview, Willy Paul shed light on the circumstances surrounding his foray into secular music, revealing that financial obligations played a pivotal role in his musical evolution.
He attributed his initial departure from the gospel scene to pressure from his producer, Teddy B, whom he owed a significant sum of money.
Detailing the events that led to his milestone shift, Willy Paul recounted how the weight of his debt compelled him to release the hit song ‘Lamba Nyonyo’. He admitted feeling coerced by Teddy B to delve into the secular genre as a means to alleviate his financial burden.
“My transition from gospel was smooth and so far so good. ‘Lamba Nyonyo’ was Teddy B’s debt. I owed him a substantial amount, and after I accidentally damaged his car without the means to repay him, he suggested I produce a song following his instructions. He even wrote the song, and I had to fight back tears before recording,” Willy Paul disclosed.
Addressing inquiries about his perceived calling to the gospel industry, Willy Paul reflected on his journey with a sense of gratitude and acceptance of divine providence. He emphasized that every twist and turn in his career path was part of God’s plan, expressing appreciation for the lessons learned along the way.
“Everything unfolds according to God’s will, and I am thankful for the path He has set for me. While I faced criticism and public scrutiny for my transition, I recognize that it was all part of my journey. I was young and expressing my faith in the best way I knew how, akin to the current Genge tone,” Willy Paul remarked.
As Willy Paul continues to navigate the complexities of his musical journey, his revelation offers a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of artistic evolution and the myriad influences shaping the trajectory of an artist’s career.
Related: Willy Paul: I could have faced dire consequences if I didn’t quit gospel industry