Veteran Kenyan musician Colonel Mustafa experienced an unscripted, deeply emotional moment during an exclusive interview with Mpasho reporter Kalondu Musyimi.
Ahead of his major concert scheduled for 10th October, the hip-hop star broke down when the conversation turned to his former neighbourhood, Donholm.
What began as a routine sitdown transformed into a raw display of memory and gratitude. As Musyimi brought up Donholm, Mustafa visibly paused, struggled to contain tears, and acknowledged an overwhelming surge of nostalgia.
For Mustafa, Donholm is far more than a residential estate in Nairobi’s Eastlands. It represents the foundation of his career and personal life. In the early 2000s, he lived in Greenfield, Donholm, during the formative years of his music career.
“Hiyo time ya Donholm naweza sema ilikuwa noma sana. Doni naweza sema ni ndio familia yangu,” Mustafa said, explaining the deep connection he shares with the area. He added: “Watu wamenilea hapo saa zile nilikuwa down.”
The estate was also where the local community rallied around him and where he built lifelong friendships.
“Donholm hapo ndio watu wengi sana walinijua,” he recalled. He noted that residents still ask about his past, including his high-profile relationship with his former partner Marya.
A Journey Through Stardom and Hardship
Mustafa’s career spans 25 years in the East African music industry. He first rose to national fame in the early 2000s as one-half of the pop duo Deux Vultures alongside Nasty Thomas
Under the legendary Ogopa Deejays record label, the duo released massive hits such as “Monalisa”, “Katika”, and “Adhiambo C.”
However, his journey has also included severe personal trials. In May 2023, public attention returned to Mustafa when videos surfaced showing him working at a construction site (‘mjengo’). He later disclosed that he took up manual labour to pay for his mother Fatma’s medical treatment following her cancer diagnosis.
Show Preparations and Ticket Statistics
Now, Mustafa is preparing for his grand anniversary concert on 10th October. The upcoming performance marks a significant milestone after years of personal and financial challenges.
Addressing fans from Donholm, Choka, City, and Utawala, Mustafa urged his supporters to turn out in large numbers.
Reflecting on an Emotional Journey
Reflecting on the interview, Mustafa expressed genuine surprise at how emotional he became during the recording. “I never thought itakuwa emotion hivi,” he admitted.
He concluded with a quiet reflection on his journey: “I don’t know why imekuja hivi. But ni God.”
