Papa Jey:I am a master of political songs

By Caroline NyangaThe death of DO Owino Misiani in 2006 was a major blow to benga music fans who loved his political compositions. And as days turned to years, a new ‘political singer’ seems to have risen not from DO’s homeland in Shirati, Tanzania, but Suba in Kenya. Ohangla musician Onyi Papa Jey has been working hard to fit into the giant shoes, whose wearer should by necessity sing deft and bold political compositions.Papa Jey’s debut album, Raila ODM, unveiled a new kid on the block who says he is not a court jester. His follow-up album, Mapatano, was more reconciliatory following the post-election violence. "I feel honoured that fans from different age groups and communities love and appreciate my music," he says.Papa Jey, 28, is among musicians who have redefined and popularised the traditional ohangla beat. "I have finished working on my third album, The Best of Onyi Papa Jey, which is being distributed and marketed by SoundAfrica," says Papa Jey, who sees himself as being in music for the long haul. Papa Jey and his band during a performance. Photo: Boniface Okendo/StandardPapa Jey, who started singing at the age of 15 years, has built a fan base across the country. He dropped out of Tonga Secondary School in Form One, due to lack of school fees, after which he did odd jobs, including farming, to make ends meet. It was then that he decided to give music a try. "I joined Tony Nyadundo and his Youngsters troupe before going solo in 2002 by forming Langasta Stars, named after a club in Eldoret where I was performing," says Papa Jey. After performing for a year, he teamed up with Jack Nyadundo, Tony’s elder brother, touring various parts of the country and neighbouring Tanzania. But it was not all smooth sailing, and Papa Jey says in 2003 life became so unbearable that he worked as a barber in Awendo to supplement his music earnings."When things got worse, I led my band to Suba to forage for shows. I could only afford fare for two of my six band members. The others trekked for 20km," says Papa Jey.Election campaignLady Luck was on their side and they were paid Sh43,000 on the first night. They later staged shows in Remba, Riagoba, Ngera Ikoma Islands, Iramba, Burungu and Ikome beach in Tanzania, but had to take a two-month rest after an accident on their way to Tanzania.In 2004, Tony Nyadundo’s Ndoa ya Machozi and Ken’s Dawa ya Mapenzi were topping the ohangla charts but Papa Jey decided to try a political song, Raila ODM."Referendum campaigns were going on and General Election campaigns also seemed to have started," he says. Papa Jey teamed up with Daudi Jamigori of Super Nyamolo Traditional Band then based at Kisumu Social Hall and did various shows. "It was then that I met promoter Judy Kamau, wife of Harry Kamau, who convinced me to sell off my album rights for Sh90,000," he reveals.Upon its release rumours were rife that Papa Jey was given a double cabin car worth Sh3.5 million by ODM leader Raila Odinga as a show of appreciation, a claim he refutes as untrue. He says he is yet to be thanked by ODM for the remarkable hit.Despite his successes, Papa Jey has been dogged by controversies, which revolve around allegations of involvement in club fights and drunkardness. These he denies. The grapevine also had it that he at one time eloped with the estranged wife of a fellow ohangla musician, a claim he refutes. "My relationship with the woman in question is purely professional," he says. But he admits female fans often stalk him even though they know he is a family man.Sour relationshipWhat about his lead keyboardist Bozi Boziana who left the band accusing him of unfair treatment?"Bozi had his own issues. He wanted more than he could handle so I had to let him go," says Papa Jey. Onyi also had a sour relationship with his promoter Harry Kamau and a former manager whom he accuses of forging his signature in contracts. This, he says, tainted his name affected his relationship with various clubs clubs.He and his Super Koleko International band are managed by promoter Jose Chibole aka FBI.Onyi recently signed a contract with SoundAfrica to help promote his music is soon embarking on tours abroad."When I was young I had this dream to have the best that life could offer, and I am glad God has finally answered my prayers," he says.

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