- Gospel singer Betty Bayo passed away after facing health complications following a leukaemia diagnosis
- Her death left many devastated, mourning the loss of a musician who ministered the gospel through her music
- TUKO.co.ke highlighted seven of her hit songs from her vast catalogue, including 11th Hour, Siyabonga, Jemedari, and others
Celebrated gospel singer Betty Bayo passed away on Monday, November 10, leaving her family, fans, and the gospel community in deep mourning.
Source: Facebook
The singer succumbed to leukaemia, a condition her family revealed had left her in a critical condition in her final hours at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Betty rose to fame years ago for her ministry through music, with her breakthrough coming after the release of the song 11th Hour.
Her music, often delivered in Kikuyu, resonated widely with audiences, touching hearts with messages of faith, perseverance, and gratitude.
What were Betty Bayo’s hit songs?
In this article, TUKO.co.ke revisits some of the most popular songs from Betty’s rich catalogue that defined her career.
1. 11th Hour
Arguably her most loved song, 11th Hour is a message of perseverance and faith, reminding believers that even when life seems unbearable, God can turn things around in the final moments.
Powerful lyrics include:
“God has neither forgotten you nor left you behind. He may seem quiet now, but He is preparing to confound your enemies. When others declare you defeated, that is the 11th hour, God’s blessing will come without fail.”
Despite being primarily in Kikuyu, the song has amassed over 1.1 million views on YouTube.
2. Siyabonga
Siyabonga, is a word from Zulu and Ndebele languages meaning thank you.
In the song, Betty expresses gratitude to God for always being by her side. The song blends the Zulu word seamlessly with Kikuyu lyrics, showcasing her musical versatility.
Lyrics include:
“Siyabonga baba, I have realised that were it not for your grace, I do not even know where I would be. My righteousness cannot stand before you, when I am attacked, you roar. I pray that you will never forsake me.”
The song has amassed over 1.1 million views on YouTube over the years.
3. Busy Busy
Busy Busy is an early hit where Betty shares a ‘formula’ for overcoming life’s trials.
According to her, whenever enemies plot or gossip, believers should seek solace in God.
“This is a formula that I am giving you and because I am a good person, I will not ask you to pay me. If you use this formula in your life, I assure you you will achieve 100% of your desires. Whenever your enemies are busy gossiping about you, make sure that you are busy talking to God. I have done my research and I can tell you that those who believe in God are never ashamed,” she sings.
The song has over 649,000 views on YouTube.
4. Jemedari
Another old fan favourite, Jemedari, has racked up over 891,000 views.
In the song, Betty praises God for fighting her battles, calling Him righteous and trustworthy, while sharing biblical stories in song form.
“You are a righteous, righteous person. You have been my saviour. The far that we have come, I have no doubt that you are a merciful and kind God,” she sings, with the music video showcasing a much younger Betty.
5. Maneno
Maneno, released around the same time as 11th Hour, focuses on letting God guide one’s words and actions. The title, when translated into English, simply means ‘words.’
Powerful lyrics include:
“May you take over the words of my tongue, whenever I speak over my life I pray to bless and not curse. I am blessed and I am uplifted because there is power in words. Even if my situation is one of sorrow and hardships, I prophesy good things because words have power. May you bless the work of my hands.”
The song remains a fan favourite, amassing over 1.1 million views over the years.
6. Anabadilisha
Anabadilisha, which translates to ‘He transforms’, emphasises God’s power to change any situation.
“He can transform your life, wherever you live, whatever you eat, wherever you sleep, my God can transform it. He can change it, He can change it, He is God. He can change your lifestyle, He can change your story,” she sings.
The song has over 339,000 views on YouTube.
7. Thiiri
Thiiri, meaning ‘sacrifice’ in Kikuyu, celebrates God’s sacrifice through Jesus Christ to redeem humanity from sin.
Lyrics include:
“He was sacrificed on the cross for me to live, he died and was buried for me to live, he then resurrected for me to live. The sacrifice was truly paid for me to live, the price has been paid. Let the devil know that I am no longer his slave, my sins were paid for in Calvary, on the cross the price was paid and I was set free.”
It is also a fan favourite song from Betty’s catalogue.
What did Pastor Victor Kanyari promise Betty Bayo?
In related news, after Betty Bayo’s passing, Pastor Victor Kanyari vowed to dedicate himself fully to raising their two children, Sky Victor and Danivictor
Source: UGC
Although the couple had separated years earlier, their approach to co-parenting was often a positive example of peaceful collaboration.
In the past, Betty had commended Kanyari for being a loving and responsible father to their kids.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
