Why I ‘Dumped’ Islam For Christianity – Singer Khaid
Khaid, a singer who was raised in a household with both Muslim and Christian influences, recently disclosed that he has chosen to practice Christianity.
He explained that his decision was influenced by his dislike of attending mosques, which he was compelled to do by his father during his younger years. During a conversation on the Zero Conditions podcast, the 19-year-old shared that his parents allowed him and his siblings to freely choose their own religious beliefs.
Khaid also mentioned that while his father is Muslim, his elder sister and younger brother practice Islam, while the rest of his family members are Christians.
Khaid said; “I was a Muslim before because my dad was a Muslim and my mum was a Christian. So, I just felt the connection to Christianity more.
“Right from time I didn’t like going to the mosque actually. My dad forced me. But my parents were free minded people. “They told my siblings and I that we can choose any religion we want.
“But we live among Muslims and my dad doesn’t want it to seem like he doesn’t have control over his children so he used to force me to go to the mosque. “At that time I was trying to please him so I was going to mosque. But after some time, I switched and started going to church. My elder sister and younger brother are Muslims. But me and the rest of the five are Christians.”
Khaid embarked on his music career on the streets of Ojo. In 2021, he gained widespread attention after posting a viral freestyle on Instagram. This caught the eye of Sydney Talker, who not only offered him a recording deal but also introduced him to the public as the first artist signed to Sydney’s Neville Records on 20 January 2022.
On 28 January 2022, Khaid released his debut single “With You,” which reached number 48 on the Nigeria TurnTable chart. The accompanying music video, directed by Olu the Wave, has garnered 4.1 million views on YouTube as of February 2023.
Continuing his success, Khaid released “SKI” on 22 April 2022, with the music video directed by Sydney Talker. The song received praise from Wonu Osikoya, an author for The Native, who described it as an honest portrayal of Khaid’s life before fame.
On 27 May 2022, Khaid released his debut extended play (EP) titled “Diversity,” consisting of six tracks. Wonu Osikoya, in a review for The Native, commended the EP for its vibrant sounds that appeal to both the young and the young-at-heart.
Khaid’s single “With You” also led the Pulse Nigeria Future Sounds Vol.10 playlist on 4 June 2022, further solidifying his rising status in the music industry.
Recognizing his talent and potential, Apple Music named Khaid as their Up Next Artist for Nigeria on 22 June 2022.
During an interview on the Midday Show with Do2tun and Eve on Cool FM 96.9 Lagos on 2 August 2022, Khaid shared how a direct message from Sydney Talker changed his life.
On 9 November 2022, Khaid released his highly anticipated single “Amala,” following the viral success of his freestyle on Instagram and TikTok. The song features guest vocals from Zlatan and was produced by Rexxie. The visualizer for “Amala” was directed by Sydney Talker.
