Prince Indah – Once upon a time in the bustling city of Nairobi, a young man named Evans Ochieng Owino emerged from humble beginnings to become one of Kenya’s most influential musicians.

Born on 9th August 1994, Evans who later came to be known as Prince Indah was and still is the third of five children in the Owino family, which sprouted from the informal settlement of Huruma.

“I come from a small village in Ugunja, Siaya County. But I was born here in Nairobi, the informal settlement of Huruma. I studied at Daima Primary School – Huruma until class 3, and then after the death of my dad, we shifted back to the village,” Prince Idah shares.

His childhood was divided between the Nairobi neighbourhood of Huruma and the small village of Oloma Murumba, in Rambula North, Ugunja in Siaya County, where he moved after the death of his father – Meshack Owino.

Raised in a struggling family, Prince Indah’s journey was marked by challenges and perseverance.

“I, Winnie’s brother, grew up in a lot of hardship. Hardship taught me a lot at a very young age. I, Indah stayed in the company of the elderly while still a toddler,” Prince Indah sings in his song Mashabiki.

Prince Indah attended Oloma Murumba Primary School, situated on the family’s land in the village. Despite facing hardships, he managed to sit for his KCPE and scored an impressive 360 marks.

Prince Indah was enrolled in Ndovoini Mission School in Machakos, where his love for singing flourished. Becoming a praise and worship leader in high school, Prince Indah’s musical talent began to blossom.

Unfortunately, due to his mother’s illness, he had to drop out of school in Form 3 to provide for the family. Turning to masonry work in Mathare, he took on the responsibility of caring for his ailing mother – Caroline Achieng’ – and managing their household affairs.

“I did not sit for my KCSE exams. I dropped out of school because my mum became very sick and there was no one to provide. I was to join Form 4 in 2014 but I had to drop out in Form 3. I came back to Mathare where I was staying with my mum and started doing mjengo,” the 29-year-old recounts.

The turning point in Prince Indah’s life came when he encountered his uncle, Emma Jalamo, a musician known for his performances in the local club scene. Inspired by Jalamo’s music, Prince Indah expressed his desire to follow a similar path.

His uncle, initially skeptical, questioned his readiness for the music industry. However, Prince Indah’s determination and passion convinced Jalamo, who eventually took him under his wing.

Starting as a player of ‘Ongeng’, a hand-held metal instrument, Prince Indah showcased his vocal talent, impressing his uncle fondly referred to as Opija Ka Elly.

This was after he got a chance to sing in one of Jalamo’s concerts and sing, he did, wowing his uncle and musical father.

His salary increased from Ksh.3,000 to Ksh.10,000 per week, changing his life in July 2014. Tragically, just two months later, Prince Indah’s mother passed away.

“So I struggled on with Mum but her sickness got worse. I called my elder brother and told him, ‘Mum’s sickness has overwhelmed me.’ Come and pick her up. He came and picked her up, and after one week my mum passed away,” Prince Indah painfully narrates.

Undeterred by the loss, he continued pursuing his musical dreams. In 2015, he composed his first album, “Cinderella,” while still working with Emmah. The following year, he released his second album and launched his band, Malaika Musicals.

In 2016, Prince Indah approached his uncle with gratitude and a bold declaration. He expressed his intention to venture out on his own. Emmah Jalamo, supportive and understanding, wished him well. With unwavering confidence, Prince Indah began his solo career.

“On December 23, 2016, I told him: You know you have helped me since you welcomed me, my life has never been the same. I cannot take that for granted. I sat him down, and told him, I need to start my own things,” Indah shares a glimpse of his conversation with Emmah Jalamo.

“And if I don’t succeed, if I come back, please welcome me back because I have not left on a bad note. He told me, all the best, go try your luck,” he goes on to say.

His first performance at Egesa Villa in Umoja marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Prince Indah’s popularity soared, and he gained momentum with each subsequent show.

The song “Nyakisumo Part 2,” released in May 2017, became a breakthrough, opening doors to new opportunities. He is now a married man blessed with one beautiful daughter – Camara.

The artist’s stage name, Janabi, meaning prophet, reflected his belief that a good musician is a prophet. Additionally, the name Wuod Nyandare emphasized his roots and connection to his mother’s heritage.

“Andare is where my mum came from. So I am a son of the Nyandare, daughter of Andare,” he explains.

Wuod Nyandare has five albums to his name and his fans look forward to a sixth. Ibiro Disemba kose Pasaka, Jo Fitina, and Chunya Yomba are some of his singles in the offing.

He boasts of several hits among them Osiepe (friends), Mashabiki (fans), Duk Jawiro (Nakedness Rorates, meaning Life is a Cycle), Nyar Joluo (Daughter of the Luo), Chike Hera (Laws of Love), Double Double, and Hera Onge Wuon Go (Love Has no Owner or Specialist), among others.

Prince Indah’s story is one of resilience, passion, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.