Colonel Mustafa breaks down while recalling Donholm years

Colonel Mustafa was overcome with emotion during an interview with Mpasho reporter Kalondu Musyimi as he reflected on his years living in Donholm, Nairobi.

What began as a conversation ahead of his highly anticipated concert on October 10 took an emotional turn when the discussion shifted to the Eastlands estate, which Mustafa describes as an important part of his journey in music and life.

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.

‘Donholm is my family’

For Mustafa, Donholm is more than just the place where he once lived. It represents a period when his music career was taking shape and when the local community supported him through difficult times.

The musician lived in Greenfield, Donholm, during the early years of his career in the 2000s.

“Hiyo time ya Donholm naweza sema ilikuwa noma sana. Doni naweza sema ni ndio familia yangu,” Mustafa said.

He also credited residents with supporting him when he was struggling.

“Watu wamenilea hapo saa zile nilikuwa down,” he added.

According to Mustafa, Donholm was also where he developed friendships and established relationships that have lasted for years.

“Donholm hapo ndio watu wengi sana walinijua,” he recalled.

He noted that residents still remember different chapters of his life, including his highly publicised relationship with former partner Marya.

From Donholm to national stardom

Mustafa has 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.

But his journey has also been marked by difficult personal and financial periods.

From music to ‘mjengo’

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 Fatma’s medical treatment after she was diagnosed with cancer.

The period offered a glimpse into the challenges that can accompany life after the peak of musical fame, while also highlighting Mustafa’s determination to support his family.

His memories of Donholm therefore carry particular significance, given that the estate was part of the foundation of his career and a place where he says people stood by him during difficult moments.

Preparing for October concert

Mustafa 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, the musician has been calling on fans from Donholm, Choka, City and Utawala to turn up and support the show.

“Get your ticket, Choka, City, Utawala, let’s do this,” he urged.