Dogo’s big mantra

He could pass off for any other teenager, until he opens up and, in crisp Swahili, shares his experiences and the musical journey ahead. PETER NDORIA talked to 14-year-old Dogo Biggie

Pulse: Who is Dogo Biggie?

Dogo Biggie: My name is Albert Deuson Malowa and I was born at Miuru Bay in Nyanza to a Tanzanian dad and a Kenyan mom. My parents separated before I was born. Later, my father took me to Mwanza, Tanzania. He would go for his fishing expeditions for days on end. Plus he was polygamous.

P: So do you consider yourself a Kenyan?

DG: Around 2007, I came back to Kenya to nurse my ailing mother. I also felt neglected and wanted to get away from it all. Unfortunately, she passed on and I remained behind, this time with my maternal grandmother. Sadly, she also got ill and passed on. I consider myself Kenyan, despite my Tanzanian roots.

P: How did you survive?

DB: I used to sell fish to make a living. I also used to sing in clubs and funeral vigils.

P: Is that how you started your musical journey?

DB: No, that happened during a road show organised by a mobile communications provider around 2009 — where I performed and the DJ was impressed. I begged them to take me along to Kisumu, but they could not, so I promised I would find my way in future. I sold some fish, saved up and took a matatu to Kisumu.

P: How was it in Kisumu?

DB: I had neither food nor roof over my head and had to survive as a street boy for a couple of months, before a lady called Flora took me in. I used to sell boiled eggs in town for her, but I left and went to be on my own.

P: When did you get your breakthrough?

DB: I was introduced to a producer called IG in Kisumu and joined the Ziwa Art Gallery. I lived in the producer’s house and he landed me a few shows. Even then, I  continued doing my eggs business. I then rented a Sh600 house in Kisumu. My breakthrough came when Job Mwaura — a TV journalist — came and featured me in one of his shows. It turned out he wanted to help so he talked to former Tusker Project Fame finalist Ng’ang’alito about helping me. The singer then gave him Grandpa Records CEO’s (Refigah) phone number. That is how I ended in Nairobi recording with Grandpa Records.

P: Tell us about your debut song?

DB: It is called Moyo Wangu. I officially launched it last Saturday. It is a self inspired single. Despite being an orphan, I remember my mother once telling me that I would make it in life so sikati tamaa (I won’t give up hope). That is why my heart is at peace.

P: How do you balance school and music?

DB: I did not go back to school after completing Class Seven in Tanzania. I hope to go back and continue with my studies and, one day, become a radio presenter or music producer.

P: Which artiste do you admire most?

DB: Diamond; his lyrics always have a deeper meaning and teaching. I would like to be like him one day.

P: Many people who see your performance may compare you to Tanzania’s Dogo Aslay, what do you have to say?

DB: I am sure there are areas where he beats me musically and I also have my forte, so the comparison may be unwarranted; I cannot say I am better or he is.

P: How about a collabo between you two?

DB: I have never thought about it, but why not?