Veteran Tanzanian singer Mr Nice has dismissed claims that he has fallen into financial ruin and lost friends.

Speaking in an interview with Dr King’ori, the Fagilia hitmaker made it clear that change is inevitable and that his life has evolved over the years.

However, he is far from broke.

Life is about changes

“People say I have nothing, and that’s why I have no friends.

Back then, I had no children, but now I have three. Life must change whether you want it to or not. I’m almost 50—I can’t live the same way I did back in the day,” he explained.

Mr Nice further addressed the perception that he is struggling just because he is not frequently seen driving.

“People expect to see me in a car all the time. If I keep driving everywhere, when will you ever see me?” he quipped.

A music icon who still commands respect

Lucas Mkenda, popularly known as Mr Nice, is one of East Africa’s most celebrated vocalists.

Dominating the music scene in the early 2000s.

Despite reports in 2024 suggesting he had gone bankrupt and relocated to Kenya, the singer remains steadfast in his career and personal life.

Beyond his music, Mr Nice also shared a candid piece of advice for those who approach him in bars.

“Why can’t someone ask for food instead of alcohol?

You can’t come to a bar and beg for drinks,” he remarked, urging people to rethink their priorities.

Childhood struggles

Reflecting on his upbringing, the singer revealed that he was raised by a single mother and only later reconnected with his father—an experience that left him shocked.

“I was sent home for lack of school fees, yet the school I attended was built by my father and handed over to the government.

To this day, I barely know my father’s side of the family,” he admitted.

For upcoming artists, Mr Nice emphasized that talent alone is not enough.

“Many young musicians think talent is everything, but that’s not the case.

You can have money and no talent, and still, someone will produce music for you.

On the other hand, you might be talented but lack capital, and no one will give you a chance.

Singing without capital is just noise,” he stated, crediting his mother for supporting his career.

Mr Nice rema is married to a Kenyan doctor. Despite the ups and downs, he has built a stable and fulfilling life.