Celebrated gospel singer Daddy Owen is the latest Kenyan celebrity to cut back on Public displays of affection (PDA).
Speaking to Manucho the Baller on ‘Base47’ a year after his highly publicised divorce, Owen said he is drawing a line between his public persona and private life.
Owen said he now experiences greater happiness and well-being in his private moments, contrasting this with the period when his personal affairs were openly shared with the public.
According to Owen, the move is a critical step to move forward with his life.
“This year, I have decided to lay low; mambo yangu nafanya kisiri. I took this direction since it is the most beneficial path to move forward. Inanipatia manufaa sana kuliko kila saa vitu vyangu vyote vyote kuanikwa mtandaoni. Now, kila kitu napiga chini ya maji,” said Owen.
Demonstrating his commitment to this new direction, Owen indicated that he would refrain from addressing rumours regarding his friendship with the first daughter, Charlene Ruto.
“If it were about me, I would respond. Sitazungumzia kama [Charlene] hayupo. Ukitupata pamoja, na akizungumzia basi… Ile ni ya ndani shekhe.Siwezi ongelelea mtu mwingine kama hayupo. Itakuwa umbea,” said Owen.
Additionally, Owen hinted at a significant personal and professional revival, announcing that he is set to release an extended play (EP) project by the end of the year. “I am currently finalizing an EP. I have just completed the recording process and am now working on the visuals and planning a listening event. I will inform my fans before the year concludes,” he shared.
The MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) winner also expressed his support for Arbantone artists, who have faced criticism recently for sampling music.
Citing his 2010 hit song “Kupe de Kalle (Tobina)” as an example, Owen argued that sampling serves to preserve and promote Kenyan sounds to new audiences.
“Sampling is not inherently wrong; it is a practice embraced globally. I commend contemporary musicians for their use of sampling, as I genuinely comprehend their motivations. This approach serves as an effective means of reintroducing classic music to modern audiences. My track, Tobina, is a product of sampling. Without that sampling, I would not have achieved the success of that hit song. Additionally, others have sampled our music. If one examines the history of Rhumba, it is evident that its sound draws from Benga. This is perfectly acceptable,” stated Owen.
He, however, called on artists to embrace each other while paying tribute to Juliani as an outstanding artist.
“In life, one must be realistic about who they are and what they do. By doing so, you will not feel threatened by the success of others. You do not diminish your own light by illuminating another’s candle. Wakisha candle nyingine isonge. Juliani has had an amazing career,” explained Owen.
Daddy Owen, whose real name is Owen Mwatia, is the sibling of fellow gospel artist Rufftone (Smith Mwatia).
