I didn’t sell my soul: Hopekid reveals he rejected Ksh 10 million deal

Hopekid has opened up about a difficult decision that saw him walk away from a lucrative endorsement deal worth nearly KSh10 million, saying he chose to protect his faith and long-term calling over financial gain.

Speaking during an interview on the Alex Mwakideu Podcast, the musician, popularly known as “The General,” recalled how he turned down the opportunity at a time when his career was facing one of its biggest challenges.

Turning Down Millions

According to Hopekid, the offer came in 2019 when he was embroiled in a public scandal that had attracted widespread attention.

He revealed that two major companies approached him with brand ambassador deals, hoping to capitalise on the publicity surrounding the controversy. One company was in the alcohol industry, while the other manufactured condoms.

“Back in 2019, I turned down a brand deal worth KSh10 million. It came at the height of a scandal. Two major brands approached me; one was a beer company and the other a condom brand,” he said.

The gospel singer admitted that the offer was tempting, especially given the uncertainty he was facing at the time.

Choosing Faith Over Money

Despite the financial appeal, Hopekid said he believed accepting the deal would have compromised both his ministry and his future as a gospel artist.

He explained that while the money would have provided immediate relief, it would have damaged the credibility of his calling and potentially ended his career in gospel music.

“The calling was bigger than the money. If I had convinced myself that I might never see that kind of money again and accepted the deal, it would have been the end of me and my journey in ministry,” he said.

Hopekid maintained that he remained focused on his faith even as criticism mounted around him, insisting that his purpose was rooted in God rather than public approval.

He added that worldly opportunities are often temporary and that brands are always looking for the next trending personality.

Supported Through Hard Times

The artist further disclosed that he was struggling financially during that period and was unable to meet some of his basic needs.

According to Hopekid, members of his church, Life Chapel, including church elders and his bishop, stepped in to support him by paying his rent and helping provide food for his family.

He credited that support system with helping him stay true to his values during one of the most challenging seasons of his life.

The experience, he said, reinforced the importance of having a strong community that offers guidance and support during difficult moments.

Focus on Advocacy and Mentorship

Today, Hopekid says he is dedicating more of his energy to advocacy work, particularly around autism awareness and mental health issues.

He has also been encouraging young people to pursue self-improvement and empowerment through his latest project, “RYSE,” a collaboration with Kenyan rapper King Kaka. The title stands for “Reaching Youth for Self-improvement and Empowerment.”

Now more than a decade into his music career, the gospel singer continues to champion financial literacy among artists, urging upcoming musicians to manage their finances wisely and remain committed to their purpose despite challenges along the way.