Audiphaxad Peter, popularly known as ‘Guardian Angel’ is a leading gospel pop music singer, songwriter and instrumentalist. He has bagged several awards due to his exemplary contribution to the gospel music industry including the Gold Award of the coveted Mdundo Download Awards and the Groove Awards Artiste of the Year 2018 title.
Fondly referred to as ‘The Music Doctor’ by his fans, Guardian has released several chart-topping songs that have made room for him among major household names in the music scene. Some of these hits include Wakati Wa Mungu, Swadakta, Utafurahi, Amazing Grace and Kuongozwa. He shares his thoughts with KenyanVibe about the industry and his secret in remaining relevant as a gospel artiste.
What’s the inspiration behind your latest song ‘Size Different’?
As an artiste, I see the amount of pressure my colleagues face each day. The pressure to measure up to other people’s standards, the pressure to meet the expectations of fans as far as lifestyles are concerned. Some bow to this pressure and take hefty loans which eventually results in more stress. Many are depressed because they feel like they just don’t measure up.
Nilikuwa nataka kuwa show wako tu sawa. Place yenye mtu ako ni sawa. Enjoy where you are at. Jikune mahali unafikia saa hii and know that you’re contribution makes a difference, no matter how small you think it is.
How do you guard your heart against pride; how do you deal with all the praise from your music?
One by God’s grace. Two, reminding myself that God can use anyone to get His job done, it doesn’t have to be me.
Where do you draw your strength from?
Prayer; When I feel drained, that’s where I go.
Have you ever made a covenant with God?
Yes. When I was starting out, I asked God to give me influence; that people would want to listen to what I had to say. I was in a very tough chapter of my life. I’ve seen God do a lot for me. I know for sure, I’ve made it this far because of grace.
What do you think of the gospel industry in Kenya?
Honestly? We have individuals, not an industry. That said, there is a lot of injustice when it comes to monetary compensation of creatives in general. A lot of people make money out of these industries – music, comedy, literary works and so on. But what reaches the hands of the content creators is trickles.
There are so many broken artistes, struggling to barely get by. I would want to change this narrative. Artistes should be able to live comfortably from what they get as they work out their gifts and enrich the lives of others.
What keeps you grounded?
Grace ya God tu Manze. Tumetoka far na yeye.
What considerations do you make when composing lyrics?
My primary goal is to give hope
What would you say is the key that has put you on award-winning platforms?
The grace of God. I would also say, it is important to really make proper considerations when composing lyrics.
What’s the one thing you would not trade in this life?
My relationship with God.
What disciplines do you live by?
I can’t say that I manage to maintain consistency on many things but my girlfriend helps keep me in check when it comes to my resolutions. Music and prayer are for me the things I do with the least amount of effort; music because of passion, prayer because of my communion with God. Everything else is an uphill task.
How do you unwind?
I’m almost always working. Maybe someday I’ll make time for this, for now, It feels like there is just so much to do.
So how do you recharge?
In prayers
What’s your end game as far as your calling in ministry is concerned?
To restore people’s lives; support and encourage people where I can. I want to know that what I do impacts people for the better.
What keeps you focused?
I’ve come to understand what I am wired for. I stay on that lane.
When you’re 100 years, what do you want to like back and see far as your walk of life is concerned?
A generation of people I mentored in the gospel music industry.
