Singer Mustafa opens up on ailing mother and mjengo hustle video

Since his photos went viral last week, one of him looking frail hustling at a construction site, former Ogopa deejays star musician Colonel Mustafa has been the talk of town.

Some have ridiculed him as a fallen star with friends praising his bravery for taking up an odd job for a former high flying celeb.

The 'Lenga Stress' hit maker has boldly come out announcing that his mother has been ill for a while, which forced him to quit 'unpaying' music career and work in a construction site to pay medical bills. He disclosed that his mother is suffering from lymphoma cancer, stage two.

Yesterday, the former Deux Vultures duo singer said life had taken a toll on him because of the family's medical pressure adding that he was not ashamed of working at a construction site. He also added that he is not seeking sympathy and did not know how his 'mjengo' videos got on social media.

He, however, asked friends to pray for him and his family and if they can help financially, he would appreciate it. They can also contribute to his mother's medical fundraiser through a paybill number widely shared on social media. The paybill number is Mustapha Mum's Medical Fund 6216521.

"I have heard stories from people's comments since the video went out. It is unfortunate that someone took the video. Probably it is a good thing he did. I did not intend to go public about my family issues," Mustafa told Standard Entertainment.

"I have been doing this for quite some time and as a family, we had kept this matter to ourselves as we worked out every possible solution to get our mother treated. We all know the entertainment situation in the country and how musicians like me have been struggling to make a living out of art and so I could not bury my head pretending that I am a celeb who can't take old jobs yet I know I need to do everything humanly possible to help mum," Mustafa said.

He said his mother was diagnosed with cancer early last year.

"She called me up and said she needed a checkup since she was vomiting and feeling weighed down. Then, I was living in a bedsitter and running a shop as I waited for the entertainment scene to open up after the Covid-19 showbiz lull.

"I moved in with her at my brother's house, which is slightly bigger than mine. We had to save all we had towards chemotherapy medical expense. She is old and in desperate need of help. My family comes first. Before music and all the fame, my mum was with me and so I would do anything for her. Now that my friends asked if they can create a medical fund for my mum, I accepted and I am greatful to all who have supported us," he said.

Scores of stars have also defended Mustafa's move, terming it brave and selfless.

Music Copyright Society of Kenya CEO Ezekiel Mutua hailed Mustafa's courage. "I have mad love and respect for people who face life head-on and do what a man has got to do to put food on the table. There is absolutely no shame in taking up a 'mjengo' project to feed yourself and loved ones. Unlike other celebrities, Mustafa has refused to wallow in self-pity and is not ashamed of his hustle. And by the way, 'mjengo' is not necessarily for failures. It is a job like any other. But it takes courage for a celebrity of the caliber of Mustafa to take to such menial activities with pride," Dr Mutua said.

"He is not a member of MCSK but that does not stop me from helping him. He has such a clean heart and you can tell he is a genuine person. What is most important for now is to get help for his mother," said Mutua.

Music producer and rapper Dennis Kaggia aka DNA stood by the singer as he encouraged men to take up any job to fulfil their financial responsibilities.

"Colonel Mustafa, God damn, he's working hard. I'm proud of you, bro. I am so proud of you because unlike many others, you have understood the programme. Say no to status games in 2023 and do whatever it takes to fix your life," DNA posted on social media.

"First, know who your real friends are. As a man, you want friends, not just well-wishers who only think about 'give me, give me, give me. To be the greatest, you have to be the lowest. You have to learn money, and to learn money, you have to burn money. My friends, never be ashamed of your hustle," DNA went on.

The singer, whose real name is Daudi Mustapha rose into public limelight together with fellow Deux Vultures member, Nasty Thomas, real name Thomas Konzanga, back in 2000. The two started their music career at the then popular Florida 2000 nightclub before signing with Ogopa Deejays where they released their debut single Mona Lisa, which won the then Tanzania and Uganda category at the 2004 Kisima Music Awards (the two grew up in Tanzania).

Their other hit songs included Kinyaunyau, Mufupi, Kapatikana, Katika, Teremka and Adhiambo C.

In 2008, Mustafa embarked on a solo project as Nasty Thomas quit music. The following year Mustafa enjoyed success after Ogopa released his Hey Baby, a seductive love song, featuring his then singer girlfriend Marya.

He has since released other hits like Loboko with his latest hit Maloko hitting the scene last year.

His last paid show was in 2019 before the Covid-19 outbreak. The singer is not married, but has a partner with whom they live separately.