Kenyan singer Bensoul, born Benson Mutua Muia, has spoken about his battle with tuberculosis (TB), an illness that affected his voice and forced him to take a six-month break from music. Bensoul's health deteriorated while living in Kayole, Nairobi, and he eventually returned to his family home in Embu for treatment. During an interview with Nick Kwach on October 2, 2026, Bensoul shared his experience, revealing that his health issues began while he was in Nairobi.
Bensoul's condition worsened, and he was advised to stay away from his usual activities for six months as he recovered. This meant putting his music career on hold, including singing and attending gigs. The singer's mother advised him to take a break, and he was told to avoid activities like singing and performing for at least three months. During this time, Bensoul had to rely on songwriting as a way to express himself creatively.
The illness also affected Bensoul's ability to sing, leaving him without his voice during his recovery. Unable to perform, the singer turned to songwriting and spent much of his time writing new material. Initially, he hoped to sell the songs, but eventually, he decided to release most of the music himself rather than sell it. This experience gave Bensoul an opportunity to focus on another aspect of his craft.
Bensoul's plans for the songs changed after he regained his health. While he had initially considered selling some of the material, recovering from TB made him reconsider how he wanted to use the songs. He eventually decided to release most of the music himself rather than sell it. This change in plans allowed Bensoul to take control of his music and make it available to his fans.
The experience marked a significant interruption in Bensoul's music career, taking him from performing in Nairobi to returning home to Embu for treatment and recovery. During his six-month break, Bensoul focused on songwriting and built a collection of material. This break gave him a chance to reflect on his music and plan for his future.
Bensoul's battle with TB was a challenging experience, but it also gave him an opportunity to grow as an artist. He learned to appreciate the importance of taking care of his health and the value of perseverance in the face of adversity. Bensoul's story serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, there is always an opportunity for growth and learning.
Bensoul's recovery from TB has allowed him to return to music, and he is now focused on sharing his new material with his fans. His experience has taught him the importance of taking care of his health and the value of using his talents to create meaningful music. Bensoul's story is an inspiration to his fans, and his music continues to be a source of joy and comfort to many.
Key points
- Bensoul took a six-month break from music due to his battle with tuberculosis.
- The illness affected Bensoul's ability to sing, and he turned to songwriting during his recovery.
- Bensoul decided to release his music himself rather than sell it after recovering from TB.
