For Betty Adalla, music is more than talent. It is ministry. Based in Kisumu, Kenya, the gospel singer, songwriter and worship minister has one aim in everything she records: to point people to Jesus Christ.

This year Betty has been nominated in two categories at the Tukuza Awards, Songwriter of the Year and Worship Song of the Year. We spoke to her about her journey, her music and the faith that carries her.

Melodies in the night

Betty’s songwriting journey began in 2016, in an unusual way. “I would hear songs and melodies, mostly at night, and I would record them immediately,” she recalls. “This happened repeatedly, and I began to believe that God was speaking to me through these melodies. That was when I started writing songs.”

Singing had always been close to her heart, but with time she came to understand that music could become “a ministry through which people encounter God’s love.” Through different seasons of life, she says, God has kept shaping her, “teaching me patience, humility and obedience.”

Her greatest inspiration is her relationship with God and His Word, His faithfulness, love and promises. She is also inspired by gospel ministers whose music carries a genuine message of worship. “It is my desire to create music that goes beyond entertainment and carries a lasting spiritual impact.”

Outside music, Betty is the creator of Divine Shield Media, a faith-based channel sharing messages of prayer, hope and spiritual encouragement. For her, serving God “goes beyond the church building; it is a daily walk with God that eventually transforms into a lifestyle.”

Mipango Ya Mungu: God’s plans

Mipango Ya Mungu, which translates as “God’s Plans”, was born out of deep reflection on God’s promises and faithfulness.

“There are seasons when life takes unexpected turns, when answers seem delayed and we cannot clearly see what lies ahead,” she says. “Yet, even in the darkest moments, God remains faithful.” She calls the song a personal expression of trust in God’s timing.

Her prayer is that anyone who listens will find renewed hope, grow stronger in faith and learn to trust God’s plans, even when the journey is difficult.

King of Glory Be Lifted

Betty’s worship song King of Glory Be Lifted expresses her desire to see God’s name exalted above everything. “The song reminds me that all glory, honour and praise belong to Him alone,” she says. “It is a declaration of worship. I want people to sing it with understanding and recognise that Jesus deserves the highest place in our lives.”

She describes her sound as contemporary gospel and worship, with heartfelt expression, meaningful lyrics and a strong spiritual message. She draws on different musical influences and languages while staying rooted in the Gospel, moving between intimate worship and joyful praise.

Betty also thanks Ratina Studios, owners of the New Well App, for supporting the distribution of her music in Kenya and for their encouragement along her musical journey.

Faith through the waiting

Like many independent gospel artists, Betty has faced real challenges, especially in funding music production, promotion and reaching new audiences. “I have many unreleased songs because of these limitations,” she shares. “However, I have learned that every season has something to teach us.”

She holds on to Romans 8:28, that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. “God has continued to give me strength, creativity and the grace to keep moving forward.”

“My personal journey has taught me that waiting does not necessarily mean denial,” she says. “There are moments when we pray, trust and keep moving forward without knowing exactly how things will unfold. In His perfect time, God makes a way.”

Betty has served in praise and worship ministry at church, and she longs to keep serving God “both within the church and beyond its walls, reaching people through music and the message of hope in Christ.”

Looking ahead

Betty’s vision is to keep creating meaningful gospel music that reaches hearts across nations and cultures. She looks forward to releasing more original songs, collaborating with other gospel ministers, ministering through live worship and seeing her music reach international platforms. “I am taking each step with faith, trusting God to direct the journey. With God, all things are possible.”