Entertainment

Gospel artist Ruth Matete was finally accorded the green light to bury her Nigerian husband, John Olakami Apewajoye, three months after he passed away. 

However, a huge medical bill accrued at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and the hospital's decision not to release the body despite a directive issued by detectives will prove a major challenge to her.

In June 2020, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) sleuths directed KNH to waive charges on body storage. KNH declined while arguing that its policies prohibited waiving the fees. 

Matete's lawyer Robert Odanga affirmed that the bill had skyrocketed to over Ksh 650,000 while questioning the motive behind the directive to allow the burial, following months of conflict between Matete and the Nigerian High Commission. 

Gospel singer Ruth Matete pictured with her husband BelovedJohn Apewajoye

Instagram

The Commission had directed the hospital and the DCI to detain the body at the behest of his family, despite post mortem being undertaken and a conclusive autopsy report released. 

"Has the case been closed? Is there a complainant? Are the homicide detectives still using the items they picked from her house such as her phones? Can she get them back?" attorney Odanga wondered while addressing the media on Monday, July 6. 

The lawyer reiterated that Matete's career had stalled and her life was in disarray owing to the financial constraints she was facing. A pay bill was generated to aid Matete in raising money to pay the accruing morgue bills.

Apewajoye passed away on April 11 while undergoing treatment at KNH owing to an accidental gas explosion at their home in Great Wall Gardens, Athi River.

"It was a very serious burn and the husband was placed in ICU in two separate hospitals. Catering for such a person was not easy, it was an expensive affair to cater for the high degree of burns.

"Friends and family have chipped in but she is still unable to cater for the two bills and on top of that Ruth is incurring morgue expenses," Odanga had earlier on stated while speaking with Kenyans.co.ke, clarifying reports that Matete had gone broke. 

Gospel singer Ruth Matete pictured with her late husband BelovedJohn Apewajoye

Twitter

Kenyan songstress Akothee on Saturday, July 4, spoke out following the death of Churchill comedian Joseph Musyoki Kivindu popularly known as Kasee.

Taking to social media, the vocal artiste described the incident as sad and avoidable adding that had she known she would have been in a position to assist.

"I have just learned today that this guy Kasee did not even have a place to stay. Renting him a house for Ksh5,000 per month would not make me broke. I am totally broken today, I do not know the cause of his death, he must have died a lonely fighting spirit," she posted on her Instagram page.

File image of comedian Kasee who passed away on June 28, 2020

Twitter

She went further to urge other struggling artistes not to suffer in silence, rather reach her and she would be able to assist.

"Please, to all celebrities who can't afford their lives right now, inbox me. I can provide food and accommodation until the pandemic passes. Don't struggle only to die when your careers are taking off," she added.

In a separate post, Akothee disclosed that a comedian had reached out to her after being kicked out of his house.

"As we are talking right now, there is a comedian sleeping in a hall, kicked out from his house, I don't know how long he has been sleeping there with this Nairobi cold," she conveyed.

In response, she sent him the rent arrears so that he could have a place to sleep for the coming months.

"People are suffering. I will call a few government officials who are my friends and see if they can assist me with something I top up with what I have and see if we can save the celebrities who are not able to feed themselves for now," she added.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, artists have found themselves without commercial outlets for their work as galleries, auction houses, theatres, music venues, and art fairs remain closed.

The Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Heritage launched the “Work For Pay” Kshs100 million stimulus package for artists, actors, and musicians at the Kenya Cultural Centre.

This was in line with the Executive Order issued by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta on April 6, 2020, directing the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund to avail Kshs100 million to cushion those in the creative industry during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sports CS Amina Mohamed speaking during the ground breaking ceremony of Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium at the ASK Kisumu Showground in Mamboleo, Kisumu County on June 24, 2020.

Amina Mohamed / Twitter

However, on June 30, a section of Kenyan artistes appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta over what they termed as lack of transparency of the funds as not many people had gained from the initiative.

Perhaps one of the most memorable sexual health awareness campaigns in Kenya has been the 2010-2011 'Mpango wa Kando' campaign with the tagline 'Fanya Hesabu''.

Jimmi Gathu was the man who would embody the persona of a conscientious friend daily reminding you that illicit affairs are not only costly but also dangerous. 

Speaking with Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, June 25, the actor and former Nation FM presenter recalled how Kenyans reacted to the advert and his whereabouts.

Jimmi Gathu emceeing the Miss President show on KTN News in 2019

Instagram

"I may not have the statistics with me but one thing for sure, the advert impacted families across the country in terms of protecting their loved ones. That largely was the essence of the campaign. To give people hard facts about pre-marital affairs and the financial obligations that come with it. 

"The objective was really not to force people to end the affairs but to plant a seed of the choice to do what is right for the ones you love and I strongly believe we achieved that," Gathu stated.

His ascent to the top was not rosy. For a man who once interviewed President Uhuru Kenyatta in Sheng, Gathu has seen and experienced it all in the media and film industry with over 25 years of experience.

Being fired at Nation FM in 2016 shaped his transformation allowing him to focus his attention on acting, a part of his life he is so passionate about. 

"First prayer and a strong relationship with my God lifted me up. Secondly my wife. She has been that source of strength that has kept me going since she didn’t let me wallow in self-pity but literally kicked me to get up and keep going. Then, my kids. They kept reminding me how great I am even when I didn’t feel like it.

"Lastly, my extremely close friends who never shy away from correcting me when I go wrong but in equal measure would keep reminding me how far I have come and how huge my capacity to excel is. People like Ricky Kiplagat, Sadik Sherali among a few," he affirms.

Gathu currently stars in Maisha Magic Plus’ drama series Kina, that is also streaming on Showmax. Gathu plays Fred Tandala, a character he describes as “a happy-go-lucky guy with rebelliousness to him that pushes him to curve his own path despite being born and raised in wealth. He is married to Nana Tandala, played by hitmaker Sanaipei Tande.

Kina follows the ruthless battle for survival between the wealthy and powerful and the downtrodden who toil for the rich but reap nothing from their hard work.

"Well, my transformation has been great! I have always believed in re-defining my parameters within the media focal. I started off as a Master Of Ceremonies for Pre-wedding parties back in 1989 then quickly joined theatre the same year and loved it. I had always been captivated by television in all its form be it as an actor or as show host and on the radio as well, so being in the telenovela space is just part of a long journey that started way back. 

Jimmi Gathu in an Instagram post on August 20, 2018

Instagram

"Let me say my sacrifices are no different from the current crop of media personalities in Kenya. I believe each individual has his or her own degree or areas in their personal life that they have given up to be where they are today.

"For me, it has been time. Time with family and friends, though I’ve always managed to balance the time spent with my family because they come first before anything else. Although with Kina, it has been a little challenging," the 50-year-old grandfather stated. 

Watch the Mpango wa Kando ad below:  

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Belinda Joanna (Kobi) and Linda Alexette (Tobi) are one of the most unique sets of actors in Kenya's film industry since they are identical twins in both real life and on-screen. 

The two are currently starring in Citizen TV's Maria drama, where it is hard to distinguish between the sisters who also share a number of similarities both on and offset. 

In the series, Kobi and Tobi reside in the slums and portray the life of struggling youth. Kobi (Belinda) strives to live a calm life whereas her sister Tobi (Linda) is problematic and mischievous.

Speaking exclusively with Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, June 18, the twins shared an insight into their life from childhood to adulthood, acting career, side hustles and dating life.

Citizen TV's Maria series cast post for a photo in 2019

Instagram

Who is Linda and Belinda? Describe yourselves.

Linda/Tobi: Tobi is very caring but, hyper, cunning and evil. She is always up to something. Linda, on the other hand, is quite reserved. I am an introvert, confident and soft-spoken. 

Belinda/Kobi: Kobi and Belinda actually share quite a few things in common. They are both calm, non-problematic, hardworking and a people's person. 

How can one differentiate between the two of you?

Linda/Tobi: (Laughs) If I am being honest, I can't pinpoint any difference between us. You have to spend some time with us to notice any visible difference. 

Although, most people say Belinda has a deeper voice than I and I am lighter than her

How did you land you roles in Maria?

Linda/Tobi: It was by a miracle. We didn't know Citizen TV's Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla were conducting auditions. 

One of our friends (and an actor too) Kevin Ogola was familiar with Belinda and he asked us to avail ourselves at the auditions. 

We first took a digital interview where we sent our photos and recorded videos in Sheng and Swahili. I remember that was when we met Yasmin Said (Maria) and other actors like Fally and Pupa who we thought were random people like us. 

Linda Alexette (left) Yasmin Said (centre) and Belinda Joanna (right) pose for a photo in May 2020

Instagram

Have you ever acted before?

Belinda/Kobi: Yes starred in Jela 5 Star aired on Maisha Magic. However, the roles were minor. Once again shout out to Kevin Ogola who aided us to land the roles.

How do the two of you relate off script? Are you that close away from the show?

Linda/Tobi: Yes, we are actually the best of friends. Our personalities differ in a way which works as an advantage for us because we get to compliment each other.

What similarities do you share?

Belinda/Kobi: We both enjoy fashion, watching investigative documentaries and trying out new recipes among others.

Are you two really inseparable?

Linda/Tobi: I can't necessarily say we are inseparable but we do have a strong tight bond.

How do you avoid conflict with each other now that you are best friends, sisters and colleagues?

Linda/Tobi: Now that we are colleagues, there is barely room for conflicts. Onset we are Kobi and Tobi and offset we are Belinda and Linda. There is only one room to balance the two lives.

Did you attend the same schools since childhood? 

Belinda/Kobi: We attended the same schools up until high school then we enrolled at different universities. I specialised in fashion and design and graduated in 2018 while Tobi studied Business Administration and works at a law firm. She graduated in 2019. 

Have you ever had an incident where someone mistook one of you for the other?

Linda/Tobi: (Laughs) The incidents are quite a few. Even for us, while growing up we could look at our baby pictures sometimes we get it all mixed up.

Belinda/Kobi: I remember when we were about to receive holy communion (as we are Catholics) there is an exam we had to sit. If you fail it, you will not receive the holy communion. We sat it and unfortunately I didn't pass. Tobi and everyone else felt so sad for me. Those who failed were given a second chance 

Guess what! We decided that Tobi should sit the exam for me. Luckily they were not able to differentiate us because we used to wear the same clothes, shoes and do the same hairstyles. 

Our mother kept on reminding her to write my name and not hers (Laughs). She passed it. We both received the holy communion together. It's something that will forever be in my heart. 

What are your long term goals in acting?

Belinda/Kobi: (Laughs) We would love to have our own show like Tia and Tamera Mowry.

(Tia Dashon Mowry-Hardrict is an American actress. She first gained recognition for her starring role as Tia Landry in the sitcom Sister, Sister, opposite her identical twin sister Tamera Mowry between 1994 and 1999. The sisters then starred together in the Disney Channel Original Movie Twitches and its sequel.)

Do you have siblings?

Belinda/Kobi: Yes we do. One sister and one brother. 

Are both of you dating? 

Belinda/Kobi: Yes I am dating. 

Linda/Tobi: (Laughs) Next question, please.

What can you say to your fans who adore both of you?

Belinda/Kobi: We are grateful for their love and support. We love Maria fans and may God bless their sweet souls. We are also thankful for the directors and producers and our fellow cast who bring the best out of us. 

Linda Alexette (left) enjoys a light moment with her identical twin Belinda Joanna (right) in May 2020

Instagram

Controversial city pastor, Apostle James Maina Ng'ang'a of the Neno Evangelism Centre has opened up about facing temptations from church women and how his wife ran away from their marital home on several occasions.

In an interview on a Youtube channel on Friday, May 22, Ng'ang'a interviewed his own wife, Mercy Murugi, as the two shared details of their marriage life. The apostle married Mercy in 2012 after his first wife passed away. 

The two had to change their phone numbers as texts and calls from suitors and 'marriage spoilers' were rampant. Most of the women, he says, were politicians, married women and his church members. 

City pastor James Ng'ang'a weds wife Mercy Maina at Windsor Golf Club, Nairobi in 2012

File

"There is a day I came and found out that she had packed all her clothes and ran away from home. My phone usually created more issues between us. I remember one day in Naivasha, a text message reading 'Thank you for the good night we had yesterday'.  

"I gave her and asked her to read it as it was a false accusation. If she had seen it later on, the situation would have escalated," Ng'ang'a stated recalling that he had spent three days with his wife. 

The clergyman disclosed that he usually receives romantic text messages and calls that he never replies to. This prompted the pastor to remove security pins from his phone and to confront the callers when with his wife, to build up trust between them. 

"I was not a saint because I was married before meeting her. I expected her to come and fill the shoes of my late wife. Every time she ran away with my BMW, I followed her to their home with the police and repossessed it. However, I prayed over it and she came back and settled," Ng'anga recalled.

According to Ng'ang'a's wife, her thoughts that marriage would be a bed of roses were wrong. 

"I have learnt through experience. His phone was giving me a lot of headaches because I always wanted to know who was calling him but I stopped fussing. That is how I defeated Satan," she stated.

According to Ng'ang'a, women in his church constantly tried to tempt him with some even bribing ushers to get them a front-row seat during the service.

Before marrying Mercy, a university graduate and a daughter of one of his own church members, the city pastor disclosed that he received over 1,000 offers from women in his church.

"There were thousands of women who wanted me to marry them. Others were politicians, while some were bishops. A woman even offered me Ksh 3 million to marry her. They tried duping me by posing the money as offerings. 

"Ushers and women in the church left after I married her as they decided to walk away. They even tried to fight her and even used witchcraft, while questioning why I married a younger wife. I think it would have been unwise to marry my agemate because at some point we would have aged and failed to take care of each other," he disclosed. 

Video: YouTube

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Frustrated by pronouncements from the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) on licensing demands, a section of DJs on Thursday, May 28, resolved to take Kenyan music off their playlists until the fees were waived.

Just as live streams by DJs were gaining traction in the country, KECOBO announced that DJs would have to pay for licences from Collective Management Organizations (CMOs). For deejays making money, the annual license fee is Ksh10,000, or Ksh750 per event was imposed.

KECOBO issued the clarification on the fee after reports indicated that DJs would have to part with Ksh200,000 for a special broadcast license from the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).

On Thursday, May 28, a message was widely circulated in private DJ forums calling for them to blacklist Kenyan music until KECOBO waived the fees.

A DJ pictured on the decks

Twitter

"If you strongly believe these fees should be lifted, you could opt in blacking out Kenyan music on your playlists until the matter is addressed. MCSK uses Kenyan artists as its shield when doing such proposals.

"You can’t support, promote and still pay for the same. Well, can you?" the message seen by Kenyans.co.ke read in part.

Contacted by Kenyans.co.ke, DJ Shock of the Association of Disc Jockeys (ADJ) noted that although they had not endorsed the boycott, she understood the frustration of many DJs.

DJ Shock observed that deejays were not making money as the closure of clubs, restaurants and entertainment joints had seen them lose their sources of income.

She maintained that the decision on licensing live-streams was made without consulting stakeholders, disclosing that many DJs had been forced to sell their equipment to survive during the pandemic.

Describing the demands as impractical, she explained that a large number of DJs were already licensed under their places of work such as bars, clubs and media houses.

"They should speak to stakeholders before posting such statements, that is why DJs are upset. It is an insult.

"We don't have an income because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hotels, clubs and event companies shut down and maybe what's left for DJs is media houses. But even the media companies are effecting pay cuts for their employees who include DJs.

"People don't know whether DJs are eating. Out here, DJs are selling their equipment and household items just to survive this pandemic," she stated.

She argued that, in line with global trends in music and entertainment, the focus needed to be on social media companies such as Tik Tok, Facebook and Twitter acquiring streaming licences as opposed to deejays.

She accused authorities such as KECOBO of targeting the wrong individuals, observing that many deejays only did live streaming it as a part-time activity.

"We have at least 30,000 DJs in the industry, the figure could be higher. But the guys doing well, successful big-name Deejays are less than 50. 

"That's a very small percentage of the people making this work. The majority do it on part-time basis. DJs have jobs and side-hustles in real estate, law, name it.

"And DJs work under somebody who is licensed, like a club or a media house. I feel KECOBO is trying to license the wrong person. I know DJs who make Ksh2,000 or Ksh5,000 a night. It's impractical and short-sighted," she asserted.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, May 27, Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) Chairman Japheth Kasanga had urged deejays to comply with the regulations.

He argued that great effort had been made to revise the tariffs downwards, with the latest tariffs gazetted after a meeting involving CMOs and ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru.

Kasanga further argued that the introduction of a joint licence as opposed to three different licences from MCSK, Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK) and Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP) had made the process easier.

"What I know is the tariffs were recently revised downwards and they are much lower, so we should not bother complaining.

"Legally you are expected to pay if you are using the works in a place that is not licensed. It is the right thing to do and we have worked to ensure the cost is not prohibitive," he stated.

File image of DJ Shock in action

Twitter

Milele FM presenter and comedian Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o) has confessed to the existence of 'his boys' club' and their Whatsapp group after texts from the group leaked out, causing an uproar online.

On Thursday, May 21, Jalang'o through his Instagram page, opened up and disclosed that he and his friends were tormented by the responses to the leaked text conversations published by blogger Edgar Obare.

"The past two days have been very rough for me and my close friends because of the chats from our Whatsapp group. Yes, we agree that it was our group and it is a group that has been there for soo many years and through the group, we have achieved a lot in developing ourselves in different fields more so investment which was the sole reason for the group.

Former Milele FM presenter Jalang'o with Alex Mwakideu at Mediamax studios on May 13, 2020

Instagram

"The boys are not just friends but people we grew up with from childhood, went to school together and achieved a lot together.

"People have blown this out of proportion and I can assure you, we are totally broken. I have had people call me to encourage me and the boys and others calling to just condemn us. We have taken this as a lesson. The lies are too many," Jalang'o wrote.

He opposed the narrative that he had been suspended from work and that the group was created to undermine women.

"I have not been sent to any compulsory leave, my two weeks annual leave began last week and I'll be back on radio in two weeks. There are videos going around, I can assure you none of them is us and it's a lie that we created the group to share women amongst us, that's a lie. That day we were having random boys chat and that's how the photos you see came up," he stated. 

He dismissed the outrage that has seen even prominent entertainers such as Ted Josiah condemn the supposed abuse of privilege. 

"On the chats you've seen, no one will tell you the genesis of the chats or the previous chats but they picked what they wanted you to see. We have been judged, abused and crucified and told that we formed a boys group just to have our pleasures. 

"We will not defend ourselves but this was just another random boys chat in a WhatsApp group. The difference between us and you is that your chats haven't leaked out but I can assure you that in most groups chats about men, women, money can never miss," the self-proclaimed Heavy J Baba argued.

The comedian stated that blogger Obare had proven over time that he had an ill motive against him, recalling that the two have clashed before. Jalang'o went on to give his side of the story on the leaked texts.

"What's the truth? When Covid broke out, most of my friends closed their offices and I requested them to come to help me build my YouTube channel. We took one of our appointments and turned into a fully-fledged studio and that's where we have been shooting. Occasionally, we go to where our guest is or hire a place to work depending on the guest's request. 

Milele FM presenter Jalang'o poses for a photo in an Instagram post in May 2020

Instagram

"We are always done by 2 p.m. or 3 p.m, so we sit back and just relax have a boys time and chat, few friends have joined us too. Rarely did anyone sleep at the apartment unless we had an overnight shoot or editing going on!" Jalang'o disclosed.

He, however, pleaded for forgiveness stating that the truth will set him free, despite what he described as the damage the blogger Obare had inflicted on his career and life.

"What does it benefit you when you do all this? The damage you've caused us can never be repaired Edgar and I assure you that were it that I was a bad person this would not have ended well. We will not sue you or follow on anything and we will just let this pass but you've broken families. We have lost businesses and top clients who have pulled out on us. It is ok and we understand them, no one would want to be around us now. 

"We thank clients and friends who have stood by us by seeking to know the truth first. The truth will set us free someday, for now, all we have to do is try and put our heads up above this storm hoping it will soon pass. Moving forward, we have learned a lot from this, we accept our mistakes and ask for forgiveness to anyone we offended, we ask for your prayers and guidance," he wrote.

File image of Edgar Obare

Twitter

The producers of the popular Maria Series on Citizen TV had to tap into their scriptwriters' genius to weave a narrative that absorbed a logistical challenge they were faced with in moving shooting locations.

In an episode that aired in early May, the Hausa Family led by Mr Williams and Madam Victoria explained that Sophia needed a fresh environment to recuperate.

The family thus migrated from their Ksh150 million mansion in Nairobi's Runda to allow for the recuperation.

From left: Maria series actors, Luwi, Victor, Madam Victoria, William and Vanessa

File

However, the real reason behind the decision by Jiffy Pictures, (owned by Citizen TV's Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla) was that the lavish home was put up for sale by the owners.

Savi Empire, a real estate company in Kenya was tasked with selling the lavish home, which they estimated to be worth about Ksh150 million. 

"The property is well fitted with the best architectural work. Enjoying the lone and private environment," the company describes the property on social media. 

A source familiar with the relocation confirmed that they had indeed moved out and had already filmed the new episodes at their new location.

Brian Ogana (Luwi), Tina Njambi (Lona) and Yasmin Said (Maria) were among occupants who were housed by Mr William in their old house.

The Runda mansion comprised of five bedrooms, all ensuite, had two elegant living rooms with a fireplace.

Mr William's house also had a guard's cabin and a large family room.

Tina Njmabi (Lona) the endeared actress and her colleagues also enjoyed two fully-fitted kitchens with paltry and a washing machine.

The set up portrays how lavish a life Mr William lives on set. 

Inside Ksh 150 Runda, Nairobi mansion which was previously used for filming Maria series
Facebook

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Facebook

Endeared comedian Timothy Kimani Ndegwa, Njugush, has landed a new role in NTV, a month after his new comedy show dubbed Andakava with former Tahidi High star Abel Mutua premiered on Maisha Magic Plus.

On Monday, May 18, Njugush made the announcement via Twitter, with the caption "Coming Soon!".

Speaking with Kenyans.co.ke, Njugush's manager, Judy Nyawira, disclosed that the new program would be a comedy show. 

From left: Comedian Njugush with wife Celestine Ndinda and scriptwriter Abel Mutua pose for a photo at a hang-out in July 2019

File

"We cannot divulge any information right now until we release the trailer but he has landed a show at NTV and it will be a comedy show. 

"We are proud that his star is continuing to shine," Nyawira played cagey with the details of the show.

Ever since making a breakthrough in comedy, Njugush's has been making progress in his career and has become one of the most followed comedians on social media with over 1.5 million followers.

In 2016, the comedian quit The Real Househelps of Kawangware (TRHK) show, then on KTN (now airs on NTV). 

The scriptwriter together with his wife, Celestine Ndinda, also started a company dubbed Njugush Creatives, which runs commercial advertisements through digital comedy.

Ever since he quit TV, his fans have been pressurising him to stage a comeback and the comedian heeded to the calls by launching Maisha Magic's Andakava show, and now his new NTV show. 

"Njugush welcome back to TV," Phil Karanja, one of top Kenya producers tweeted. 

A poster of NTV's new comedy show featuring Comedian Timothy Kimani (Njugush) as seen on Tuesday, May 19, 2020

File

Popular rapper Collo, real name Collins Majale, revealed in an interview how he bounced back after facing debts worth millions of shillings, unemployment, alcoholism and a broken relationship with his family.

The rapper, one-third of the legendary group Kleptomaniax, revealed in an interview shared on May 1, that during his stint as a copywriter with a leading advertisement agency, he used to make around Ksh250,000 in monthly salary.

He disclosed that he would often pitch jingles to multiple clients, at least ten a month, earning him an extra Ksh700,000 every month.

Collo disclosed that at the time, he felt lost and was deeply immersed in alcoholism before his fortunes changed dramatically for the worst.

Rapper Collins Majale pictured during a past radio interview

Twitter

"I was a copywriter getting Ksh250,000 every month. And then, I also believed that it didn't hurt to present a jingle idea to any of the client services within whatever account at any agency, so I was a supplier.

"In a month I would write at least ten jingles for different brands and it would give me lets say, Ksh700,000 extra. Money was never the issue but I never saw that money because my spirituality wasn't lit. That money ended up in creating more debts," he stated.

He revealed that as they undertook an advertisement campaign for one of their biggest clients, he got into an argument with one of his superiors, leading to him losing his job.

"There were people who were giving the client a raw deal at that time. I said something I shouldn't have said, or rather I said it innocently and it offended one of the bosses," Collo stated.

The Bazo Kizo hitmaker revealed that, by then, he owed a bank around Ksh3.5 million, and found himself dead broke and unable to provide for his young family.

His daughter, he disclosed, stayed home for three months for lack of school fees while the electricity to his home was disconnected for four months over failure to pay the utility bill.

Opening up, the rapper stated that he even contemplated travelling to the United States to live with his mother.

Auctioneers came and seized his assets after he failed to pay the debts, including a car and title deeds to plots he had purchased.

He disclosed that his wife prayed for him and asked him to accompany her to church, leading to his eventual salvation.

"I was a really disturbed person. And it was ugly, but I thank God because we are here to tell that story," he stated.

Collo maintained that getting saved transformed him completely, noting that he realised many of those he considered friends in his past life could not be counted on.

"I had a phone-book with over 5,000 contacts that I thought I knew. I thought I knew a real estate mogul, I thought I knew so and so. My friend, know Jesus," he stated.

He revealed that, at one point, he prayed to God to give him just one song as he wasn't getting anything meaningful in his trips to the studio.

It was during this time that the rapper teamed up with a dance choreographer, Bruz Newton, and wrote Bazo Kizo which turned out to be one of the biggest hits of 2016.

Collo disclosed that the video release was held back as he had no money to pay those who shot it

Bazo Kizo, one of Collo's first songs as a gospel artist, became the rapper's biggest hit as a solo artist, having previously become a household name due to Kleptomaniax hits such as Tuendelee ama Tusiendelee.

The song also earned him an endorsement deal with one of the world's biggest phone manufacturers as they marketed new products in Kenya.

Since then, he has released a number of singles in addition to pursuing other creative ventures.

Watch the interview below:

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