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Pastor Peter Karimoni aka Peter Legends is a gospel musician who also wears many hats. He is also a music producer, mentor, pastor, and video director and graphics designer. He tells SILAS NYAMWEYA how he managed to press on in life and ministry despite a heartbreaking moment in his life when he lost three of his kids.
You lost three children while serving as a pastor, how did this experience affect you?
A: This was the most unique experience of my life, teaching me the importance of relying on and walking closely with God as a minister. Throughout my journey, God has shown me mercy, fought my battles. Despite losing three children, while serving as a pastor and worship minister, God has sustained me, and this has kept me grounded in faith.
Losing three kids was a devastating moment for me; especially considering that I have been serving God with my all faith. It broke my heart into pieces, and at one point; I lost hope and meaning of life. Interestingly, I did not abandon Christianity or my role as a pastor. This left many people dumfounded as they could not understand why someone would endure such loss yet still cling to their faith. Some despised us, thinking we were involved in some kind of occult, unable to understand why we were losing our children in quick succession while claiming to be God’s servants. Others were confused, unsure why I didn’t give up my faith despite my setbacks, unaware of my personal struggles.
However, over time I came to accept that God may bring us challenges, but we still have to accept his will. Whether or not we accept it, does not change the fact that he still remains God.
Q: This could have been devastating… Please tell us how it all happened and what triggered it?
A: Well, I believe the event was triggered by a curse from my grand-mother from my in-laws’ side. There was a disagreement between my mother in-law and her mother, who is my grandma by extension. This led my mother in-law to deny her parents the right to receive her dowry, which infuriated my grandmother. She ended up uttering words against us, and those words eventually manifested through the deaths of our children.
It is the desire of every couple to have children, and God blessed us with our first born, who tragically died after celebrating his birthday. A year later, we were blessed with another child, who also died right after his birthday. During this time, my grandma called a family meeting and disclosed the situation, suggesting that we were being punished for my mother in-law’s mistake. It took time for me to forgive her, because it was incredibly difficult for us. By grace of God, I was eventually able to forgive her, and now our third born has survived. Glory be to God.
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Q: As a gospel minister, which are some of your popular projects so far?
A: I have produced songs which have gone viral and which include Utukufu na Heshima, Ndavana ta Mundu, Ngai wa Kirimari, Ni Wewe, and Nataka Nikuone. Nonetheless, my greatest performing song was Ngai wa Kirimari. It was the song I performed on Madaraka Day 2023, put me on the limelight for I won Miruri Awards 2023 as the Worship Pastor of the Year. The song gave me a pathway to perform internationally.... Yep it’s a big song.
Q: What is your memorable moment in your music career?
A: My memorable moment is when you encounter God in your singing, people get saved and receive miracles.
Q: Please tell us the great opportunities you’ve encountered in your music career.
A: I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with some incredible artists, including Dr. Ipyana Tz, Pastor Epa Tz, Nickson Kanyerere Tz, Tumaini. Music has opened door for me to perform at national events such as Madaraka Day.
Q: Does music pay your bills, or do you have other ventures on the side?
A: Currently, I don’t solely rely on my music career to cover all my expenses. I own a music studio called Legends Music Empire, which serves as a source of income for me. I also run a branding company, Karimoni Branding, where we offer graphic design and branding services.
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