P: You had a big fallout with Grandpa Records after the release of Hivo ndo Kunaendanga. What was the problem?
M: I earned peanuts despite being the brainchild of the hit song. I sacrificed a lot to come up with the lyrics which I composed behind the bars. I had high hopes that the debut single was going to benchmark my career in music…
To add salt to the injury Kenrazy who I featured in the song went around claiming ownership of the number. The fact that he was prominent in the collabo made people believe him.
P: Despite that level of frustration why did you go back at Grandpa?
M: We amicably sorted out the issues and forgave each other having learnt that the problem had to do with MCSK. I strongly believe Grandpa is still the best recording label in Kenya for me as I look forward to producing my music there.
P: People say you publicly apologized to Grandpa on social media….
M: I do not want to dwell into the details of the apology now. Nonetheless, the issue is now behind us as we are focused on working together.
P: Tell us about your latest project?
M: After my second hit single Tukumbukeko last year, I have recorded my third song with producer Visita dubbed Maria Salome. I plan on releasing the video soon. I have also written and composed a number of songs which I am hoping to release if I secure sponsorship. I am hopeful to get a good sponsor to help me establish my music career and take it to greater heights.
P: You had a bright future as a criminology student, why did you quit campus?
M: Boredom forced me to leave campus while in second year in 2011. I was pursuing a degree in Criminology at the University of Nairobi, Eldoret Campus. I decided to follow my childhood dream and my heart yearning which was music. However, this came with a prize as my father ex communicated me from the family because of the choice I made over my education.
P: How did you land in prison for a whole year?
M: A week after quitting campus the worst happened. I was arrested by cops while on my way home from a gig.
I was locked in the cells where I had a brawl with one of the inmates who we had a misunderstanding. I wasn’t lucky enough as within no time I was remanded in Narok Prison without being granted an opportunity to defend myself or bailed out.
P: Did this experience change you?
M: The hardship experienced in prison totally changed my outlook towards life. The rehabilitation programme there made me a better person who is now focused and eager to conquer life. I plan on going back to school in order to complete my education.
P: What followed after prison?
M: I couldn’t go back home because of shame. I decided to be a street urchin in Eldoret town for two months. Then I secured a job as hawker selling sweets for another four months and I was able to earn less than Sh100 a day. But this was better than being a street kid.
P: What turned your life around?
M: One day, while going through my life hardships I heard of a rap contest that was to take place in Maasai Mara Park. Dubbed Maasai Mara Mic Battle Talent Search the event organized by group of white Americans in Kenya, had Sh1 million prize money that wetted my appetite. I first prayed to God before I embarked on the contest. There were over 300 contestants, with some as far as Tanzania. I knew it was a make or break situation for me so I put my best foot forward and gave it my all. And Kaboom!!! I bagged the money. I was the newest millionaire in town. Amen. I thank God for that.
P: How did you spend the Sh1 million?
M: I used the money to facilitate the production of my music. I was able to comfortably produce my audios and videos at Grandpa Records. I invested the rest of the money in a prime plot in Eldoret.
P: Have you reconciled with your parents?
M: Yes, after I won the money I returned to our home Narok and made peace with my parents.
P: Do you have a family?
M: I am the first born in a family of four. My mother is a Masaai while my father is Ugandan. They are great parents who I admire and hopeful to emulate their marriage.
P: Anyone special?
M: Yes, but I like to keep my private life private.
P: Advise to upcoming musicians?
M: There is no shortcut in life. Without talent, ability to move with times, a good promoter, director et al one may be well described to be in the music industry as opposed to music business.
P: In a few years to come?
M: I will be the next big thing taking over the local music industry besides putting Kenya on the world music map. I see myself five years older.
P: Why the name Majirani?
M: It’s a Swahili name meaning Neighbours. The name was given to me by fellow inmates because of my hospitality and neighborliness towards fellow human beings. My real names are Tom Watimah.
