Kenyan musician Fathermoh has once again become the center of public conversation after a video of him declaring he would never pay dowry resurfaced online. In the clip, the artist asserts that he sees himself as “the prize,” challenging conventional expectations around bride price in Kenyan society.
Musician Challenges Traditional Practices
In the viral video, Fathermoh states: “I can never pay dowry. The day I will take my partner to their parents and they tell me this is the amount of dowry to pay; that’s the day I will leave her there and take the money to my father. I’m the prize.” His comments have ignited discussions on whether dowry remains relevant in modern relationships, drawing both support and criticism from social media users.
Support and Criticism
Supporters praise Fathermoh for challenging traditions that place financial pressure on men. Many argue that dowry can turn marriage into a transactional arrangement, creating barriers for young couples. Some see his stance as part of a broader movement advocating for gender equality and fairness in relationships.
On the other hand, critics claim his comments are dismissive of cultural heritage. Dowry, they argue, remains a symbolic gesture of respect toward a woman’s family. Some warn that outright refusal could strain relationships with traditional families or alienate potential partners. One online user commented: “He calls himself the prize, but he is dismissing a core part of respect for a woman’s family. That’s not self-worth, that’s arrogance.”
Resurfacing Video Rekindles Cultural Conversations
The viral clip has reignited broader discussions about how marriage traditions should evolve in contemporary society. Many Kenyans are debating how customs like dowry can adapt to modern values, including shared financial responsibility, individual autonomy, and gender equality, without eroding their symbolic importance.
Fathermoh has not released any new statements in response to the renewed attention. Nevertheless, the discussion highlights ongoing tensions in Kenyan society: balancing respect for cultural heritage with contemporary perspectives on love, partnership, and fairness in marriage.
Conclusion
The conversation sparked by Fathermoh serves as a lens through which younger generations are examining the relevance of traditional practices. While opinions differ, the debate underscores the evolving nature of marriage customs and the importance of dialogue around respect, equality, and personal choice.
