Willy Paul – Biography

Willy Paul, real name is Wilson Abubakar Radido, he was born on September 1, 1993, in Mathare, Nairobi, is a Kenyan musician, songwriter, and entrepreneur.

He is best known for his dynamic presence in both gospel and secular music and is the founder and CEO of Saldido International Entertainment. Over the years, Willy Paul has built a reputation for creating viral hits that blend gospel roots with contemporary sounds, making him one of the most talked-about artists in East Africa.

Early Life & Background

Raised in the Mathare slums, Willy Paul grew up in a humble background. His father, Paul Radido, was a carpenter of Ugandan descent, and his mother is originally from Tanzania. After the death of his father and during his mother’s illness, he was forced to drop out of school in 2011 while in Form Three due to financial constraints. Despite the hardships, he later resumed his education and sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2013 as a private candidate, reportedly scoring a B+. He attended a local public primary school in Mathare and later joined Brainhouse High School for his secondary education.

Music Career

Willy Paul’s breakthrough came with the hit gospel song “Sitolia,” a collaboration with singer Gloria Muliro. The song catapulted him to fame and earned him a place among Kenya’s top gospel musicians. He later transitioned into secular music, a move that stirred public debate and drew criticism from fans and religious figures. Nevertheless, he continued to dominate the music scene with hit tracks such as “You Never Know,” “Kitanzi,” “I Do” featuring Alaine, “Njiwa,” “Hallelujah,” “Mmmh” featuring Rayvanny, “Sikireti,” and “Nobody.” In 2013, he was awarded Male Artist of the Year at the Groove Awards and has since toured internationally, including in the United States.

Personal Life

In his personal life, Willy Paul has publicly acknowledged having two children. His son, Damian (also known as King Damian), is with an unnamed Arabian woman,

while his daughter, Sonya Wilsovna, is with a Caucasian (“mzungu”) woman he introduced to the public as the mother of his second child. Although he initially denied rumors of fathering other children, he later admitted to having children out of wedlock.

Controversies & Legal Issues

Willy Paul’s career has also been marked by a series of controversies and legal issues. One of the most publicized cases involved Diana Marua, the wife of fellow artist Bahati, who accused him of cyber harassment after he claimed they had a past relationship. He was arrested for failing to appear in court, but the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions eventually dropped the case, citing improper collection of forensic evidence. He was also allegedly involved in a hit-and-run incident involving a pedestrian, though details remain unclear.

In another controversy, Willy Paul faced bizarre accusations of devil worship after two of his female dancers died within a short time. Rumors suggested they were sacrificed for fame, claims he vehemently denied as baseless and harmful. He also attracted criticism after a viral video showed him in a physical altercation where he appeared to hit a woman and smash her phone. He later claimed the scene was staged for an upcoming reality show and not a real incident.

Debates about his identity as a gospel or secular artist have followed him throughout his career. Many, including comedian Eric Omondi, have criticized his behavior, claiming it contradicts the gospel image he once portrayed. Willy Paul has since clarified that he no longer identifies as a gospel artist, embracing his secular brand fully. He has also dealt with disputes over unpaid performance dues, at one point threatening legal action against event organizers who issued him bouncing cheques.

Beyond music, Willy Paul has ventured into entrepreneurship. As the CEO of Saldido International Entertainment, he has created a platform for nurturing new talent and managing his own music productions. His efforts reflect a broader ambition to influence the music industry not just as an artist, but as a business leader.

Legacy and Influence

Willy Paul’s journey from the slums of Mathare to the global stage is a story of resilience, controversy, and reinvention. Despite the ups and downs, he remains a central figure in Kenya’s music industry, inspiring many young people who dream of rising above difficult beginnings to make a mark on the world.

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