Kenyan hip-hop star Octopizzo has recalled a past moment involving retired president Uhuru Kenyatta, saying he once attended his performance at midnight in Kibera.
He shared the story while responding to a question about leaders who showed support to artists compared to others. He explained that the experience showed a different side of how artists were treated at the time.
“Uhunye naweza sema ali try,” Octopizzo said on a podcast on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
He explained that he has had moments performing at State House during Uhuru Kenyatta’s time in office. According to him, those events showed some level of engagement between artists and the leadership. He said the relationship felt more open during those years.
“Nimeenda State House time ya Uhunye ku perform kwa event,”Octopizzo said.
Midnight appearance in Kibera
Octopizzo then recalled a specific night in Kibera where Uhuru Kenyatta showed up at one of his shows. He said the fourth president arrived at DC Grounds around midnight. He added that the visit was low-key and did not involve a heavy security presence.
“Nime invite Uhunye kibich alikuja mid night hapo DC grounds. Midnight tena bila security mob. Akacome ku enjoy tu show,”Octopizzo recalled.
Octopizzo also used the conversation to highlight challenges artists face in the industry. He said there should be a better understanding of music as a profession. He added that artists do not always need political involvement in their earnings or structures.
“Saa zingine si eti tunataka kitu, tunataka tu understanding that tunafanya jii kitu na ni job,” Octopizzo explained.
He further stated that artists’ money should not go through government channels. According to him, creative income should be handled independently and protected. He said this is already supported in constitutional principles.
“First, pesa ya msanii haifai ipitie kwa nini ya government.According to the constitution, that is an artist’s money,” Octopizzo said.
Octopizzo added that there should be proper systems to manage the creative sector. He questioned the structure currently in place and called for better organisation. He said artists have long been under systems that do not fully support them.
“Ezekiel ako wapi? Wame kua ma millionaire through music,” he said.
