Armor of Faith: How KIYOSAINT Found His Purpose Through Fashion, Music & Bold Honesty
By Dominique Brown | Free World Magazine
When you first hear the name KIYOSAINT, you might expect to meet another underground fashion designer or a rising music artist with a knack for viral hooks. But spend just five minutes with him, and you’ll quickly realize—this is a man on a mission, and it’s not about clout. It’s about Christ.
From falling asleep during Friday night church services to designing faith-fueled streetwear and dropping bold music that hits the heart, KIYOSAINT has gone through a transformation that can only be described as divine.
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I Was a Closet Christian
“I was born in the faith,” he says, laughing as he recalls his early days in church, where his mom would nudge him awake mid-sermon. “I was falling asleep in church. Not listening for real. My mom would hit me on the shoulder like, ‘Wake up!’”
Though he was surrounded by sound doctrine, KIYOSAINT admits he didn’t start living out his faith until April 2024. “I was always a believer, always knew Jesus Christ was my Lord and Savior. But I was ashamed. I wasn’t walking boldly. I was a closet Christian,” he confesses. “It was like, I know the truth… but I’m gatekeeping it because I don’t want to lose friends or be judged.”
Eventually, the weight of living a double life wore him down.
“I got tired of it,” he says plainly. “The Bible says if you deny Him before men, He’ll deny you before the Father. That hit me hard.”
The Breaking Point & Breakthrough
When asked about the moment everything changed, KIYOSAINT doesn’t hesitate. “I realized I wasn’t exercising my faith. I wasn’t even trying. I was waking up and just… choosing sin every day,” he says with disarming honesty.
Part of his transformation included confronting deeply personal struggles. “I dabbled in homosexuality for a bit,” he shares. “It wasn’t a lifestyle I was fully living, but I had a partner for five months. I was convicted the whole time. I knew it wasn’t me. I felt God’s chastisement heavy. That’s when I realized—I can’t do this without Christ.”
Rather than hide, KIYOSAINT turned to his Instagram stories and laid it all out. “I did an eight-part testimony. People were like, ‘I had no idea.’ And I told them, yeah, of course you didn’t—I was in the dark. But the truth sets you free.”
From KIYO to KIYOSAINT: A Name With Purpose
With his renewed walk came a new name. The story behind KIYOSAINT’s name change is a defining moment in his journey.
“It was a transition from my old secular sound to my kingdom sound,” he explains. “My old name and music didn’t glorify anything about God—just self, money, cars, women, jewelry, violence, negativity… all of that. KIYOSAINT represents a new direction—where I glorify Christ in everything I do.”
BEMA: A Wake-Up Call to Believers
That mindset shift is reflected in his latest music project titled BEMA, a name loaded with spiritual depth. “The inspiration behind the project title comes from the Bible—2 Corinthians 5:10,” he shares. “‘We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.’”
KIYOSAINT elaborates: “As believers, we are secure, but we must stay vigilant and watchful in our walk with Christ and our relationship with God. The BEMA isn’t a time of judgment for sin—but a time of examination and reward. Jesus will inspect our works. What did we do with the resources God gave us? How faithful were we? Did we honor Christ and further His kingdom—or did we neglect our opportunities to serve Him? That’s what BEMA is about. It’s a reality check.”
Glorifying God Through Design
KIYOSAINT’s fashion isn’t just “inspired by” God—it’s draped in Scripture. His upcoming Armor of God hoodie line is literal fire. “It’s got these shoulder pads that feel like spiritual armor, and the crown of thorns on the back… it’s so cold,” he beams.
“There was a point where God wasn’t in my brand. I was doing it for validation and money,” he admits. “But now, everything I do—whether it’s clothing or music—I want it to glorify God.”
From Mosh Pits to Ministry
Before the transformation, KIYOSAINT toured with mainstream artists like Lil Skies and performed for wild, jumping crowds. “It was fun,” he admits. “But after I got serious about my walk, I knew I couldn’t go back. Now? I’d rather do Christian concerts. I want to be where people are on fire for Christ.”
And he’s not exaggerating. He’s turned down elite, exclusive New York fashion parties—some with heavy spiritual darkness—because, as he says, “If I’m not there to preach, I don’t need to be there.”
Faith Over Fame
Even with a strong platform and industry connections, KIYOSAINT stays grounded. “Being a public figure in the Christian space comes with responsibility,” he says. “I can’t lead people astray. I have to go to God constantly for counsel. I can’t do this on my own.”
His advice for creatives trying to merge faith with their gifts? “You can’t just talk about God in your music if you’re not living it. It has to come from a real place.”
“It’s Cool to Talk About God”
Despite what culture may say, KIYOSAINT believes we’re in the middle of a spiritual shift.
“People are waking up. Especially young people. They’ve been in darkness so long that when they find the light—they cling to it,” he says. “It’s actually cool to talk about God. It’s cool to rep Christ.”
For KIYOSAINT, this walk isn’t about perfection—it’s about pursuit.
“Don’t come to God with a polished speech like He doesn’t already know what’s up,” he says. “Come real. Come broken. He can work with that.”
He’s no longer hiding. No longer gatekeeping his faith. With a new sound, a renewed heart, and a purpose-driven brand, KIYOSAINT is showing the world what it looks like to walk in the armor of God—and walk boldly.
Follow KIYOSAINT on IG @Nicolasshane
Listen to “BEMA” now
Shop the “Armor of God” collection – dropping soon.
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