Colonel Mustafa recently became emotional while recalling his years living in Donholm, Nairobi, during an interview with Mpasho reporter Kalondu Musyimi. The conversation began as a preview of his highly anticipated concert on October 10 but took an emotional turn when discussing the Eastlands estate. Mustafa visibly struggled to hold back tears as memories of his time in Donholm came flooding back, revealing the deep connection he still shares with the neighbourhood.
For Mustafa, Donholm represents more than just a place he once lived; it is an important part of his journey in music and life. He lived in Greenfield, Donholm, during the early years of his career in the 2000s. The musician described Donholm as his family, stating, "Donholm is my family." He also credited residents with supporting him during difficult times, saying, "The people there raised me when I was down."
According to Mustafa, Donholm was where he developed friendships and established relationships that have lasted for years. He noted that residents still remember different chapters of his life, including his highly publicised relationship with former partner Marya. Mustafa spent about 25 years in the East African music industry, rising to prominence in the early 2000s as one half of the popular hip-hop duo Deux Vultures alongside Nasty Thomas.
The duo was signed to the influential Ogopa Deejays label and released several successful songs, including Monalisa, Katika, and Adhiambo C. Their music helped establish Mustafa as one of the recognisable names in Kenya's early 2000s urban music scene. However, his journey has also been marked by difficult personal and financial periods.
In May 2023, Mustafa found himself back in the spotlight after videos emerged showing him working at a construction site. The musician later explained that he had taken up manual labour to help raise money for his mother's medical treatment after she was diagnosed with cancer. This period offered a glimpse into the challenges that can accompany life after the peak of musical fame.
Mustafa's memories of Donholm carry particular significance, given that the estate was part of the foundation of his career and a place where people stood by him during difficult moments. He is now preparing for his anniversary concert scheduled for October 10, an event that marks another chapter in his long musical journey.
As preparations continue, Mustafa has been calling on fans from Donholm, Choka, City, and Utawala to turn up and support the show. He urged fans to get their tickets, saying, "Get your ticket, Choka, City, Utawala, let's do this." He also had a simple message for his supporters: "Don't let your boy down."
Key points
- Colonel Mustafa becomes emotional recalling his years in Donholm, Nairobi.
- Donholm played a significant role in Mustafa's music career and personal life.
- Mustafa is set to perform at an anniversary concert on October 10.
