Kenyan music sensation Iyanii has revealed that gospel-turned-secular star Willy Paul played a vital role in setting him on the path to becoming a musician.
Iyanii considers Paul his music godfather, and credits him for inspiring him to pursue a career in music.
Growing up in the dilapidated Mathare neighbourhood in Nairobi, Iyanii was surrounded by crime and poverty.
However, he refused to participate in crime and instead focused on his music.
He narrowly escaped death after being shot while running from the police, but the experience only strengthened his resolve to succeed.
Iyanii’s older brother was close friends with Willy Paul, and he would often watch Paul’s transformation from a resident to a successful celebrity.
Paul’s success inspired Iyanii, who saw how he had transitioned from a life of poverty to one of wealth and fame.
Seeing Willy Paul’s lifestyle served as tangible proof that a way out existed, and Iyanii was determined to follow in his footsteps.
He reasoned that if Paul’s life could be changed by music, his own life could too.
Iyanii also drew inspiration from other local artists like Bahati and Mr. Seed, and eventually managed to get a scholarship to Sauti Academy, where he learned how to monetize his talent and the business side of music.
Today, Iyanii is a successful musician with major hits like “Donjo Maber”, and he is using his platform to give back to his community.
He has promised to dedicate 20% of every coin he earns from his music to prisons and charitable initiatives, and has already donated a sound system to Kamiti Maximum Prison.
Iyanii’s story is a testament to the power of inspiration and determination, and Willy Paul’s influence on his life is a reminder of the impact that one person can have on another’s life.
By Mpasho