Editing Willy Paul (section)

== Career ==

=== 2010–2014: Gospel Breakthrough ===
Willy Paul’s career launched in 2010 with "Rabuka," a gospel single popular in Nairobi’s churches. His 2012 collaboration with [[Gloria Muliro]], "Sitolia," became a regional anthem, reflecting his struggles and earning him a 2013 Groove Award for Male Artist of the Year. <ref name="wiki"/> In 2013, he released "You Never Know," followed by a 2014 U.S. tour across 12 states, performing at venues like Neema Gospel Church in Sacramento. <ref name="lifeofwho"/> His debut album, ''You Never Know'' (2013, 7 tracks), showcased emotive vocals and relatable lyrics, resonating with young audiences.

Paul’s early success was challenged by limited studio access and financial constraints. Teaching himself production, he crafted hits like "Kitanzi" (2014, with Muliro). "I learned production through trial and error," he noted. <ref name="amina">{{cite AV media |title=Willy Paul on The Trend with Amina |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_VBQWMV_bg |publisher=NTV Kenya |date=2023 |accessdate=12 May 2025 |note=Timestamp: 6:01–9:00}}</ref> His awards included the 2012 Afrima Artist of the Year and 2014 Mwafaka Collabo of the Year, cementing his gospel stardom. <ref name="lifeofwho"/>

=== 2015–2018: Transition to Secular Music ===
In 2015, Paul ventured into secular genres with "Tam Tam" (featuring [[Size 8]]) and "Lala Salama," blending [[Afropop]] and [[dancehall]]. The shift sparked backlash from gospel fans and religious leaders, who criticized songs like "Tam Tam" for suggestive themes. Paul defended his pivot: "Music shouldn’t be boxed; it’s about reaching people." <ref name="larry">{{cite AV media |title=Willy Paul Interview | The Trend with Larry Madowo |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jj7S3ljl1w |publisher=NTV Kenya |date=2023 |accessdate=12 May 2025 |note=Timestamp: 12:01–15:00}}</ref> His 2017 single "I Do," featuring Jamaican artist [[Alaine]], merged reggae and gospel, marking his international breakthrough.

Paul’s secular releases, such as "Sikireti" (2018, with Ce’cile) and "Nisamehe" (2018), embraced [[Bongo Flava]] and dancehall. His music videos, directed by top East African filmmakers like Hanscana, became known for vibrant aesthetics and choreography, though some, like "Jigi Jigi," were deemed provocative. <ref name="tv47">{{cite AV media |title=Willy Paul Interview on TV 47 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZUiANiwWec |publisher=TV 47 Kenya |date=2023 |accessdate=12 May 2025 |note=Timestamp: 6:01–9:00}}</ref> Collaborations with [[Alikiba]] ("Nishikilie," 2019) and [[Nandy]] ("Njiwa," 2018) expanded his East African influence, establishing him as a pan-African artist.

=== 2019–Present: Global Ambitions and Saldido International ===
By 2019, Paul fully embraced secular music, releasing hits like "Mumoyo" (2020), "Hallelujah" (2019, with [[Nandy]]), and "Mmmh" (2019, with [[Rayvanny]]), which dominated airwaves. His collaborations with [[Yemi Alade]] ("Nobody"), [[Diamond Platnumz]], and [[Jahmiel]] elevated his global profile. In 2020, he founded [[Saldido International Records]], signing artists like Miss Picasah (Miss P) and Queen P to mentor talent and reform Kenya’s music industry. "I want artists to have fair deals," he said. <ref name="kiss">{{cite AV media |title=Willy Paul Interview | Kiss 100 FM |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGTY7wA8yUU |publisher=Kiss 100 Kenya |date=2023 |accessdate=12 May 2025 |note=Timestamp: 9:01–12:00}}</ref>

His albums—''Songs of Solomon'' (2020, 9 tracks), ''African Experience'' (2021, 19 tracks), and ''Beyond Gifted'' (2024, 14 tracks)—reflect his Afropop and dancehall evolution. Paul has performed in Tanzania, Uganda, and Europe, with plans for a U.S. tour and shows at [[Madison Square Garden]] and [[Coachella]]. <ref name="citizen"/> He aspires to collaborate with [[Burna Boy]] and [[Drake]] and win a Grammy.