From singing in a local church choir in Eldoret to becoming a viral sensation on TikTok, Sammy (Mwangi) G’s gospel journey is a tale of humble beginnings, unwavering faith, and rediscovery.
From singing in a local church choir in Eldoret to becoming a viral sensation on TikTok, Sammy G’s gospel journey is a tale of humble beginnings, unwavering faith, and rediscovery. His story is shaped by mentorship, misunderstood fame and a renewed sense of purpose.
Sammy G opens up to Daily Nation about his childhood, musical influences, working with Guardian Angel and navigating industry rumours.
Tell us a bit about your childhood and what influenced your love for music
I grew up in a humble background, in Eldoret; a place called Munyaka. I was raised by a single-mother who really struggled to make sure I had everything I needed. My childhood was shaped by a strong sense of community and faith. My mother and early church experiences played a significant role in forming my values and love for music. Singing in church choirs from a young age nurtured my passion for gospel music.
When did you realise music was your calling?
It wasn’t an overnight realisation. I grew up singing in church and school, and my vocal ability gradually became apparent. A key moment came in my teenage years when I began performing in front of larger audiences and got encouragement from family and friends. That’s when it hit me—music was going to be my calling.
Who were your early musical influences?
I listened to a lot of gospel music. My early influences included Kenyan gospel artistes like Willie Paul and Bahati—back when they were still doing gospel. But when they shifted to secular music, I began following Guardian Angel, who ended up having a huge influence on my style.
What was your big break into the gospel music scene?
My big break came when presenter Kai, a well-known Kenyan content creator, noticed my talent and invited me onto his show. He gave me headphones and I sang a Guardian Angel song—it went viral. People started calling me, congratulating me, telling me I was trending. That exposure gave me a platform, and my song even trended on TikTok. That’s when everything changed.
How did your relationship with Guardian Angel begin?
We crossed paths in 2023 after that viral challenge with Kai. Through mutual connections in the gospel industry, we met and later collaborated on several projects. Guardian’s mentorship helped me build credibility and really shaped me as an artiste. I gained followers, subscribers, and a lot of love from fans because of that partnership.
There were rumours about you being signed by Guardian Angel. What’s the real story?
Let me clarify—there was no formal signing. Guardian had said he would support me in different deals, and we worked closely. That support meant a lot to me. But we had a professional collaboration, not a signed contract. The rumours probably started because we did so much together, but I’ve always remained an independent artiste.
Is there any beef between you and Guardian Angel?
No, not at all. I consider him a mentor, a role model; even a father figure. There’s no beef. There might be no current communication, but I’m grateful for the support he gave me. It was a dream come true to work with him. I have nothing but respect for him.
Some people thought you disappeared after going viral. What really happened?
People just didn’t follow up on what I was doing. I was still releasing music and posting on YouTube. I didn’t go through burnout or depression—it’s just that people didn’t bother to find out where Sammy G was. I never stopped creating.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced behind the scenes?
Some people said I wasted the chance Guardian gave me, which wasn’t true. They didn’t know the full story and judged me quickly. Financially, I was struggling, but people assumed I was being paid. Balancing fame with personal life, dealing with industry pressure, and constantly producing music was exhausting. I also battled self-doubt—wondering if I was truly fulfilling my calling.
What did your season of silence teach you?
That time was transformative. It taught me the importance of self-care, the fleeting nature of fame, and the value of authenticity in both faith and music. I realised true success isn’t about fame but fulfilling your purpose and staying true to your values. That season helped me find my voice again and focus on what really matters.
What themes are you focusing on in your current music?
Hope, healing, and resilience. My music now speaks more to life’s struggles and the need to stay grounded in faith. I want my songs to bless people. It’s not just entertainment—it’s ministry.
Which of your recent songs do you feel best tells your story?
“Rafiki” is very personal to me. It talks about how some friends can support you for a while then get tired of you. But God never gets tired—He stands with you always. That song resonates deeply with my audience and captures my heart.
How do you now define success?
Success to me is peace of mind, purpose, and impact. You can have fame but lack peace. I value making a difference in people’s lives through music and staying true to my goal. That’s success for me now.
What are your plans moving forward?
Right now, I’m focusing on releasing more music that inspires and uplifts. I’m thinking of doing an album, collaborating with other artistes, and even venturing into ministry and mentorship. I also want to plan and host my own event. I just ask people to pray for me and support me—I believe God will do exceedingly, abundantly.
