Kenyans were prompted to start a fundraising drive on Friday, May 5, for artist Daudi Mustapha alias Colonel Mustafa, who went viral for working at a construction site.
In the video, the renowned artist was recorded carrying blocks and ballast, igniting debate on whether he was bankrupt.
Speaking to a local media station, the artist admitted that he struggled financially and was forced to seek menial jobs to fend for his ailing mother.
His mother, he disclosed, is battling cancer but was responding well to treatment.
"Mum got Cancer. The medication became too much and therefore, I had to find employment of any sort since I needed to support her and didn't have any other means to do that," he stated.
"Mum is currently undergoing chemotherapy tests. She's also doing blood tests too and, in fact, yesterday we just did another blood test. I'm grateful for everyone who has reached out and called me, shown their love," Mustafa stated.
Following the revelation, Kenyans rallied for financial support to aid the struggling artist.
In one fundraising drive, a section of Kenyans on Twitter claimed they had raised over Ksh55,000 to help the artists in less than 12 hours. Kenyans.co.ke reached out to a number provided, believed to be Mustafa's kin. but the call went unanswered.
Others pledged to reach out to the artist and help him as he was part of the musicians who entertained Kenyans for over a decade.
"He gave us some of the best music of the 2000s, I definitely plan on giving something back," one social media user.
In a separate media interview, the struggling artist denied reports that he was chasing clout, as seen before music releases. Mustafa maintained that family bills had drained him, and he was comfortable working at construction sites to make ends meet.
However, he reprimanded the person who leaked the video, insisting he wanted to live a private life.
"This is just life. It's just the way of life. I've been doing this for quite a while now and I didn't want it to reach the public but here we are. I just need a little time, all shall be alright," he stated.
Kenyans called on President William Ruto's administration to re-strategise the arts and culture sector to enable artists to earn from their craft.
However, the government already started empowering artists with the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba, forming Talanta Hela to develop requisite policies.
"The role of the committee will be to propose reliable systems for the seamless and accountable collection and distribution of royalties to all creatives;
"Additionally, propose implementation frameworks for the creatives economy plan," read the notice in part.
Members of the Talanta Hela included Churchill Show host, Daniel Ndambuki, Azziad Nasenya, and radio presenter Jimmi Gathu.
Others included Catherine Kamau (Kate the actress), Rosemary Wahu Kagwi, Esther Akoth, Kizito Makhande, Susan Ekasiba, Awadhi Salim Awadhi and Douglas Kipkirui Langat.
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