Willy Paul

Willy Paul

Background information
Birth name	Wilson Abubakar Radido
Born	1 September 1993 (age 31) Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya
Genres	Gospel Afropop Bongo Flava Dancehall
Occupations	Singer Songwriter Producer Entrepreneur
Years active	2010–present
Associated acts	Gloria Muliro Size 8 Khaligraph Jones Alaine Nandy Yemi Alade Rayvanny Alikiba

Wilson Abubakar Radido (born 1 September 1993), known professionally as Willy Paul or Willy Pozze, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. Emerging from Nairobi’s gospel music scene with hits like "Sitolia" and "You Never Know," he transitioned to secular genres such as Afropop, Bongo Flava, and dancehall, becoming a pivotal figure in East African music. His genre shift, while controversial, expanded his influence, marked by international collaborations and dynamic music videos. As the founder of Saldido International Records, Paul mentors young artists and champions industry reform. His aspirations to win a Grammy Award and perform at global venues like Madison Square Garden reflect his ambitious vision.

Early Life

Wilson Abubakar Radido was born on 1 September 1993 in Mathare, a slum in Nairobi, Kenya, to Paul Opondo Radido, a carpenter, and Salome, a salonist. The youngest of four siblings—three brothers and one sister—Paul faced poverty after his father’s death on 28 May 2011. His mother, raising the family alone, nurtured his musical talent. "My mum was my first fan, cheering even when we had nothing," he recalled in a 2023 interview. From age eight, Paul performed in church choirs and dances, sparking his passion for music.

Paul attended Brainhouse School in Mathare but dropped out in Form 3 due to unpaid fees. He completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.) in October 2013, juggling studies with music. Sneaking into local studios, he recorded demos, driven by a desire to escape poverty. "I’d walk miles to studios, dreaming of a better life," he shared. His Mathare upbringing instilled resilience, shaping his relentless pursuit of success.

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. 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. 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. His awards included the 2012 Afrima Artist of the Year and 2014 Mwafaka Collabo of the Year, cementing his gospel stardom.

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." 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. 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.

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. He aspires to collaborate with Burna Boy and Drake and win a Grammy.

Personal Life

Willy Paul is married to Saron Ayelegn, maintaining privacy about his personal life. He has two children: King Damian Radido Opondo and Sonya Wilsovia (born December 2020). Raised in a Christian household, Paul remains spiritual, praying daily and viewing his music as a ministry. "I’m still a man of God; my music spreads joy," he stated. His aliases—Willy Pozze, Willis Paulson, Willy Paul Msafi—reflect his vibrant persona.

Paul is close to his mother and siblings, who keep him grounded. He is passionate about fitness, crediting it for discipline, and supports Mathare children through his foundation, focusing on education and healthcare. His real estate investments highlight his advocacy for financial literacy. "Artists must diversify," he advised. On Instagram (@willy.paul.msafi), he engages fans with music and personal updates.

Controversies

Willy Paul’s genre shift has fueled controversies. In 2012, he disputed Gloria Muliro over "Sitolia" royalties, claiming minimal earnings due to her copyright ownership. The issue was resolved, leading to "Kitanzi." Secular songs like "Jigi Jigi" and "Tam Tam" drew criticism from gospel fans and Ringtone, who accused him of abandoning faith. Paul countered, "Music is art, not a cage."

His mid-2010s rivalry with Bahati over gospel dominance fueled tabloid coverage. The feud, played out on social media, cooled by 2018. Paul’s nightclub performances and flashy lifestyle—designer outfits, luxury cars—have been criticized by conservative audiences, though he views them as earned rewards. His outspoken social media posts, addressing critics, polarize fans, with some praising his authenticity and others decrying his bravado.

Business Ventures

Willy Paul founded Saldido International Records in 2020 to nurture Kenyan talent and address industry inequities. The label has signed Miss Picasah (Miss P), featured in "Mashallah," and Queen P (2021). Paul envisions a music academy for production and business training. "I want to build what I lacked," he said. His real estate investments and financial literacy advocacy aim to secure artists’ futures. His philanthropy includes a foundation supporting Mathare children with education and healthcare, reflecting his commitment to community upliftment.

Discography

Albums

• You Never Know (2013, 7 tracks)
• Songs of Solomon (2020, 9 tracks)
• African Experience (2021, 19 tracks, Boomplay)
• Beyond Gifted (2024, 14 tracks, Afropop, Bongo Flava, Dancehall)

Selected Singles

• "Rabuka" (2010)
• "Sitolia" (2012, feat. Gloria Muliro)
• "You Never Know" (2013)
• "Lala Salama" (2013)
• "Tam Tam" (2014, feat. Size 8)
• "Kitanzi" (2014, feat. Gloria Muliro)
• "Vigelegele" (2015)
• "Tiga Wana" (2016)
• "I Do" (2017, feat. Alaine)
• "Sikireti" (2018, feat. Ce’cile)
• "Njiwa" (2018)
• "Mmmh" (2019, feat. Rayvanny)
• "Hallelujah" (2019, feat. Nandy)
• "Nishikilie" (2019, feat. Alikiba)
• "Mumoyo" (2020)
• "Keroro" (2024)
• "Sheryl" (2024)

Awards and Nominations

• 2012: Groove Awards – Best New Act; Afrima Awards – Artist of the Year
• 2013: Groove Awards – Male Artist of the Year
• 2014: Mwafaka Awards – Collabo of the Year
• 2015: Mwafaka Awards – Collabo of the Year; Mdundo Awards – Most Downloaded Gospel Artist, Most Downloaded Male Single
• 2016: Mwafaka Awards – Male Artist of the Year; AFRIMMA Awards – Best Gospel Act (Africa)
• 2017: PMVA Awards – Male Video of the Year, Most Viewed Video; Mdundo Awards – Most Downloaded Single
• Nominations: 2012 Kisima Music Awards – Male Artist of the Year

Cultural Impact

Willy Paul’s genre transition reflects tensions in Kenya’s music industry, where gospel and secular boundaries often clash. His blend of gospel, Afropop, and dancehall has inspired artists to experiment, broadening Kenyan music’s appeal, especially among youth. His mentorship through Saldido International and advocacy for fair contracts address systemic issues, positioning him as a reformer.

Paul’s international collaborations and tours challenge stereotypes about African artists, elevating East African music globally. His controversies spark debates about authenticity and creative freedom, while his philanthropy strengthens his community ties. "I’m breaking barriers for Kenya," he said, underscoring his role as a cultural trailblazer.

External Links

• Willy Paul on Instagram
• Willy Paul’s YouTube Channel