Meet the street’s gospel rapper

GN: It is not every day that you come across a street minister who raps. Explain this interesting career combination?

DR: Music is my core ministry so I have to always base it on God’s word. So, after I re-dedicated my life to Christ in 2002 and decided that my life was going to be all about serving God, I opted to study theology in college to complement my music talent. The idea behind it was to give it substantial content.

GN: Why did you opt for the streets?

DR: I have always had a passion for music and have been writing (music) for the last 14 years. I opted for the streets because I find the idea of speaking to people and ministering to them one-on-one greatly appealing. So when I eventually managed to record in 2000, I hit the streets and never looked back. It is my intent that no matter how much success I achieve as an artist, I will always be on the streets reaching out to people who need me. When I am on the streets vending my music, I can easily tell when someone is going through something and need encouragement. I also have to admit that music stores do not sell half as much as I do out here, so this setting is perfect for me.

GN: Tell us about the craziness on the streets

DR: Walking up to strangers is no easy feat. People often assume that I am a conman which can be offending while others even curse at me. It also is not odd to be on the streets ministering and interacting with buyers, but end up not selling a single CD. The occasional fights between hawkers and city council riots can also be unsettling. While we are on the subject of crazy, I have definitely witnessed fashion get weird on the streets.

GN: I imagine a six-footer, good looking minister such as you gets hit on by ladies a lot. Is this the case?

DR: Well, yes. That happens often. Some women have propositioned me, even offered to buy me lunch and take me out on dates. This is the way I see it, however; if I were a female artist, men would be doing the same thing, so hey...

GN: So what kind of girl do you consider attractive then, if it has to come down to looks or personality?

DR: I definitely will choose personality. I also find God-fearing and prayerful women attractive. I want a woman who uplifts and supports my talents. Talking about looks, though, I like my women tall and light-skinned.

GN: What has been your greatest inspiration through all of this?

DR: My mother is the one person I look up to the most. Shortly after I was born, my parents separated and I barely saw my father much again after that-he went back to Nigeria. My mother had to take up the responsibility of raising all of her seven children, which was not easy. We had to move from a decent neighborhood and good schools to adjust to a life of hardships. Not having my father around really messed me up—  seeing other children with their fathers while I had none to look up to.

GN: Share more about your background?

DR: I was born in the United Kingdom—my parents met and fell in love there. When I was two, they separated. We had by then come back to Kenya. I am the last born in a family of six children. I attended Kilimani Junior Academy and Braeburn High School. I did my degree in theology at Kingdom academy between 2010 and 2012. My father, who recently died, is Nigerian.

GN: Is your music all you live off of?

DR: At the moment, yes. In the past I have had to supplement CD-sale income by working at salon and restaurants; washing hair, doing manicures and pedicures, and waiting. Things are looking up now because I can sell up to 50 CDs weekly with most people buying my music for more money than it’s worth. A while ago, a stranger decided to give me Sh5,000 for my CD worth just Sh200. It encourages me greatly.

GN: It took you almost a decade to release your first video. Did you ever second-guess this career path?

DR: Oh yes I did. Several times. At the end of the day, however, I have still managed to sell my music, inspire and lead people to Christ right here on the streets so I guess I am on the right path.

GN: What is your latest single about?

DR: -The video, which is called up-to me, talks about the cross and the responsibility and mandate we have as believers to lead others to Christ. The video can be found on my Facebook page: Mogi Moggs.

GN: What have been your greatest regrets?

DR: The one thing I wish I knew growing up was that I am created after God’s image and likeness. Not knowing this cost me so much. I am the last born in my family and have always looked different-my older siblings bullied me a great deal because of this-and it affected my image immensely. Had I figured out much earlier on that I was all right as I was, I would have been in a really different place today

GN: Where do you see yourself in five years?

DR: I will be right here on the streets selling my music and ministering. If God wills it, however, I will extend this career beyond the streets and travel the world spreading the good news about Jesus through my music.