Eltezzy: Drug addiction, jail term, surviving a mob justice and now back in music

 He later on became the first Kenyan artist, to be interviewed at the Channell O studios then later dropping a classic jam 'Cheki dem', which earned him a Chaguo La Teeniez award [Courtesy]

In his Hey Days Eltezzy was a house hold name in the music industry, for in the 2000's he became the first teenage to bag the ‘Oxygen Star’ search that was hosted by the then influential teen magazine the ‘Insyder’ in 2002.

He later on became the first Kenyan artist, to be interviewed at the Channell O studios then later dropping a classic jam 'Cheki dem', which earned him a Chaguo La Teeniez award which made him an A star celebrity then.

Born in the heart of the city of Nairobi, Samuel Msagha Lezzen alias Eltezzy was destined for greatness owing to the fact that he was brought up in an urban estate, South C which was a home ground for most popular artistes in Kenya. There he got to rub with artiste like Esir, Krupt, Redsan, Nameless and Kleptomaniacs.

Due to the surrounding and his innate gift he was introduced to a producer and at the age of 11 years he managed to record his debut single ‘Cheki Dem’ which was banger and eventually earned him male artistes of the year at the ‘Chaguo la Teeniez’ awards and an exclusive interview with channel O studios plus a 4-month tour to South Africa.

His life took a turning point when his parent was rendered jobless hence forcing them to move from the city.

This led the young Star into drug abuse and he completely lost footing in the music industry. depression kicked him and he turned to collecting scrap metal in the streets for a living. As life continued being hard on him he was later framed for criminal offenses which led to him being remanded and later freed after 6months on bond.

Upon his release he travelled to the village where he stayed for 6years selling second hand clothes in the village whilst still battling the court case. The case was officially closed and Eltezzy opted to return to the city where he again got into drug abuse until a day he was almost killed in a mob justice.

“This was a case of mistaken identity. Ploti kuliibiwa, and I was framed. But later the real culprits were reported but that was after they almost burned me. I saw death with my own eyes,” he says.

After this incidence he turned to Christ and as he states it is like Christ was just waiting for him because already in a span of two years he has; released 10 sizzling videos.

He recently partnered the Permanent Presidential Music Commission to compose and perform the official 2021 Jamhuri Day theme song ‘Kenya Yasonga Mbele’.

This is the special song that was played to welcome President Uhuru Kenyatta when he arrived at Uhuru Gardens on 12th December 2021 for the Jamhuri Day celebrations.

 “The song was inspired by the love for my country and the hope I see in Kenya,” he says.