About Dr. Pete
Biography
Here is the story of an African kid with no money to finish college. But rather than sit and mope about this misfortune, has gone on to accomplish things many would only dream of.
He was born in Nairobi, Kenya and was exposed to music through his uncle the late great East African musician Gordon Ominde who headed the Kenyan rock band Black Savage. After a roller-coaster teenage period, which saw him in the clubs on Saturday night but in church on Sunday morning, Pete fully committed his life to the Lord and got involved in music ministry to the youth in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. He helped found two of the leading contemporary Gospel groups Triumph and later the barrier breaking quartet HART. HART went on to be one of the most well-known contemporary Gospel groups in East Africa.
From humble beginnings, Pastor Pete has founded and runs several organizations and ministries: The Waterbrook Church, which started in a little 8 feet by 10 feet room, to become a thriving church and introducing Pastor Pete to the world as an international speaker.
Ixos Synergies, which is a training and capacity building outfit that has developed emerging leaders both in his native Kenya, and abroad. Pastor Pete also co-founded the Kisima Awards-Kenya’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards. He has been called ‘a true father” (Pastor Hannah Nginya-Director Badili Center), ‘the General’ (Christian Kiarie-Milele) and even ‘the God father of contemporary Gospel music’ (Adam Magazine February 2008 cover story).
Dr. Pete has appeared on TBN’s Praise the Lord as well as opened for and shared the stage with several wellknown artists. These include Grammy Award winners Cece Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Jars of Clay, Ron Kenoly, Rebecca Malope as well as being behind the scenes in the establishment of several young Kenyan musicians including Christian rappers, artists and radio personalities. He has also worked alongside legendary group Limit X, Temple Yard among others. Pete’s ministry has even seen him go into night clubs with his style of cutting edge music and even got him on major secular shows including a tour by Grammy award rap artist Coolio as well as the late Papa Wemba.
Other than being a music minister, Pastor Pete has ministered at several international platforms such as Africa Arise, an annual conference held in Addis Ababa, the headquarters of the African Union sharing the platform with such great preachers as Bishop Tudor Bismark, Dr Betta Mengistu as well as other platforms around the world.
He mentors several CEO’s, Church Ministers as well as leaders who range from members of the judiciary to musicians.
He has recorded seven solo projects “Say Yes”, “Drastik”, “The Secret Place”, “My Best”, “Beyond the Veil”, “Messenger to Metropolis”, “Take It by Force” and his latest single “Smile”. He has had several songs make the Kenyan top ten charts-“Hakuna Mungu”, “Kristo Karinyo” as well as his hit song “Tu es Bon” which is still one of the most popular Christian radio songs in the region.
Pete’s folk song “Wach” was recorded on a compilation album released by Integrity Music-Cry of Africa. Also featured on this album is Lionel Petersen (Sing Africa) and Darlene Tczech protégé Janine Price. He has also written and produced for Grammy Award winners Jars of Clay, Kora Award winner Eric Wainaina and MTV Award winner Wahu Kagwi.
He has toured extensively including his native Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the US, and has been very well received by the myriad audiences in those nations.
He was specially invited by the Kenya National Assembly to minister at the inaugural National Prayer Breakfast in Nairobi where the then President of Kenya honourable Mwai Kibaki was the guest of honour. He has also performed at the UNEP headquarters for various dignitaries. Pete’s audience has included 4 Heads of State, ambassadors, and esteemed dignitaries.
He has founded Wakenya Pamoja a foundation made up of musicians, artists and media personalities propagating hope for a new generation.
Awards & Achievements
Doctorate In Sacred Music-Life Christian University-Florida 2014
Groove Awards Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Music
2015
Lifetime Achievement Award-Good News Hip Hop Awards
2016
Stellar Awards nomination the Internet Station of the year
2022
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