Musical icon Labert Dickson has opened up about his decision to leave secular music and dedicate his life to gospel ministry, revealing that fame, personal struggles, illness and a growing interest in Christianity all played a role in his transformation.

Speaking in an interview with Luo Tunes, Dickson reflected on the period when he dominated the music charts and attracted widespread attention across the region. Watch the full video on YouTube>https://youtu.be/tsoFRnV9ChM?si=S7MtKnTE-Ly_nmhp

“At the time when I was on fame, I drew attention of very many people on me,” Dickson said.

According to the singer, he enjoyed a remarkable run at the height of his secular music career, claiming that his songs dominated radio charts for about three years.

“I was the kind of artist who dominated the top charts for three years as number one on every Top 20 chart on radio stations in the region,” he explained.

The Abioo hitmaker said that while his success brought him recognition, it also exposed him to what he described as spiritual attacks and serious challenges.

He alleged that he faced temptations, stepped on charms and was affected by people he did not know. He also said he suffered two serious illnesses that doctors were unable to resolve.

“I had two terrible illnesses which I tried to treat in hospital, but all failed,” he said.
It was during this difficult period that fellow musician Odong Romeo approached him and encouraged him to give his life to Christ.

“Romeo told me that if I gave my life to Christ, I would get relief from the illness,” Dickson recalled.

Romeo subsequently took him to Watoto Church, where Dickson says he gave his life to Christ.

However, Dickson admitted that his first experience with Christianity was not straightforward.

After being prayed for and led into salvation, he continued drinking alcohol because he did not initially understand what salvation meant.

“I had to backslide because I didn't know what was meant by salvation,” he said. “After pastors had prayed for me and led me into salvation, surprisingly I found myself drinking alcohol because I didn't know it was already a sin. I found it normal because I thought I was just making myself happy.” Dickson said Romeo continued supporting him during the difficult period.

Eventually, he decided to learn more about Christianity and salvation for himself.
“I said, let me first dig deeper and understand what salvation is and how it is done,” he explained.

As he continued researching Christianity, Dickson said he became increasingly convinced that he needed to remain in the faith.

He eventually contacted fellow musician Kiddy Face and told him that he had made up his mind to remain in salvation.

“I had also gotten myself my own Bible. I had been listening to preaching and watching pastors on YouTube and television. Then I said to myself, ‘This thing seems to have some truth,’” he said.

Kiddy Face then helped take him through salvation and introduced him to Pastor Oteka Benjamin of Faith Centre, after which Dickson began actively serving God.
He also credited his wife for encouraging him to remain strong in his Christian faith.

“My wife also encouraged me to stand strong in salvation because all her family members are born-again Christians, while for us we were Catholics,” he said.

Dickson also said his faith continued growing as he spent more time reading the Bible and praying.

He eventually began praying for people from his home and music studio, claiming that some people who visited him eventually gave their lives to Christ.

“Many people gave their lives to Christ from my studio, and many have become pastors now,” he said.

The singer said his spiritual life became particularly intense around 2021 and 2022, when he spent much of his time praying.

“In 2021 and 2022, I used to pray so much—from morning, afternoon and evening,” he recalled.

Dickson said he eventually believed he had received the ability to perform miracles and began recording and posting videos of his ministry online.

His growing ministry, however, also attracted criticism. Dickson said some people accused him of using supernatural powers from sources other than God.

“The kind of fight I started facing wasn't easy,” he said. “Many were saying I had nothing, while others said I was using underwater power.” He claimed that some of the accusations came from fellow pastors.

The controversy eventually made Dickson question whether the time was right for him to continue with public ministry.
“I said, if there are a lot of fights like that, it means it's not yet my time,” he said.

Another challenge was the growing number of people coming to his home seeking prayers.

Dickson said crowds had started gathering at his house until there was no longer enough space. “There was no space anymore and I didn't have money to rent another house,” he explained.

He also said he did not want to become a pastor who depended financially on his congregation.

“I don't want also to be like other pastors who dwell on their believers or congregation,” Dickson said.

Despite stepping away from active public ministry, he explained that he had never opposed people supporting him voluntarily.

“If people come, I pray for you and you leave. If you have something and you give me, I don't refuse,” he said.

Dickson's journey from a chart-topping secular musician to a Christian minister reflects a dramatic change in his career and personal life. 

His story, he says, was shaped not only by his experiences in the music industry but also by illness, personal struggles, faith and his determination to understand Christianity more deeply.