Daddy Owen Biography
Daddy Owen is a well-known Kenyan gospel singer. His real name is Owen Mwatia. He was born on January 29, 1982, in Kakamega, Kenya. This makes him 43 years old in 2025. He comes from the Luhya community in Western Kenya. Daddy Owen has made a big name in contemporary Christian music, often called CCM. His music mixes local Kenyan beats with Christian messages. Many people know him for songs that inspire faith and hope.
His story starts from a simple life in a village. He faced many hard times before becoming famous. These challenges shaped his music and his work to help others. Daddy Owen is not just a singer. He is also an activist for people with disabilities. He founded the Malaika Disability Foundation. This group helps those with physical challenges. His work has touched many lives in Kenya and beyond.
In his career, he has won many awards. These include Groove Awards and an MTV Africa Music Award. His songs play on radio and in churches across Kenya. People like his style because it blends fun rhythms with deep spiritual words. This biography will cover his early days, school years, job path, music releases, hit tracks, honors, private matters, and a wrap-up. It aims to teach readers about his journey in an easy way.
Daddy Owen’s life shows how faith can change a person. He turned bad experiences into positive actions. Readers can learn from his strength and kindness. His story reminds us that anyone can rise from tough starts with hard work and belief.
Daddy Owen Early Life
Daddy Owen grew up in Kakamega County. He was the second child in a family of four brothers and one sister. All his brothers love music, just like him. His older brother, Rufftone, is also a famous gospel artist. Their family did not have much money. This made life hard for them as kids.
As a young boy, Owen lived in a rural area. He saw the struggles of village life. His parents worked hard to feed the family. Music was always around him. His brothers sang at home and in church. This sparked his interest in songs early on.
When he finished high school, he moved to Nairobi. The city was new and scary for him. He looked for work to survive. At first, he took small jobs. He worked as a matatu tout, helping passengers on buses. He also sold clothes in markets like Gikomba and Mutindwa. These jobs were tough and paid little.
One big event changed his life. In the early 2000s, he got into petty crime, like pickpocketing. A mob caught him once and attacked him. This left him with a scar on his left eye. He lost sight in that eye. He spent a week in Kikuyu Eye Hospital. This painful time made him think about his choices. It pushed him toward a better path with faith and music.
His early struggles taught him about hardship. He uses these stories in his songs to help others. Today, he speaks about avoiding crime and finding purpose. His foundation in Kakamega and Nairobi built his strong character.
Daddy Owen Education
Daddy Owen went to Eshihiru Secondary School in Kakamega. He finished high school there. School was important for him, but money issues made it hard. He could not go to university right away.
After high school, he did a diploma course in travel and ticketing. This was a short program to learn about jobs in tourism. He hoped it would help him find work. But life in Nairobi led him to other paths first.
Education gave him basic skills. He learned to read and write well. This helps him write song lyrics now. He also values learning for his children. In interviews, he talks about the need for good schools in Kenya.
Though his formal schooling ended early, he keeps learning. He studies music and business on his own. His story shows that education comes in many forms, not just classrooms.
Daddy Owen Career
Daddy Owen started his music career in the early 2000s. His brother Rufftone helped him a lot. Rufftone was already singing gospel songs. Owen joined church choirs in Nairobi. He sang at praise and worship events.
His first big step was recording demo tapes. He saved money from odd jobs to pay for studio time. In 2003 or 2004, he released his debut album. This marked his entry into professional music. He signed with labels like Beats and Blessings.
A key breakthrough came with his unique style. He created “Kapungala,” a mix of Kapuka beats and Lingala rhythms. This sound made him stand out. Songs like “Mbona” got played on radio. He performed at church events and then national tours.
By the late 2000s, he was famous. He went to international stages. His nickname “Papa Fololo” came from his Congolese music influences. He worked with other artists like Denno.
In recent years, he expanded beyond music. In 2025, he runs a tech venture called Schoolyfy. He also plans to enter politics in 2027. He wants to focus on disability rights. His career shows growth from singer to leader.
He faced setbacks, like taking seven years to earn from music. But he kept going. His work inspires young artists in Kenya.
Daddy Owen Albums
Daddy Owen has released several albums over his career. Each one shows his growth as an artist. Here is a list of his main works:
- Haijalishi (2003): This was his first album. It talked about not giving up. The songs focused on redemption and faith.
- Son of Man (2006): This release went deeper into spiritual topics. It helped him gain more fans.
- System ya Kapungala (2008): This album defined his style. It mixed fun beats with Christian messages.
- Vanity (2016): A mature work about life’s short nature. It included hit tracks that won awards.
- Chapter IV (mentioned in sources): This collection has more recent songs.
- Other releases: He has EPs like MobileSawa and singles over the years.
He designs some album covers himself. His music moved from analog to digital formats. Fans can find his work on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
These albums have sold well in Kenya. They play in churches and homes. Each one ties to Bible verses for deeper meaning.
Daddy Owen Popular Songs
Daddy Owen has many hit songs that people love. His tracks mix energy with faith words. Here is a list of some top ones:
- Saluti: This song won three Groove Award nominations. It means greetings from God.
- Vanity: Released in 2015, it talks about life’s empty things. The video has millions of views.
- Tobina: A dance track from 2010. It won an MTV award.
- Wewe Ni Mungu (featuring Rigan Sarkozi): From 2015, it praises God. It has over 17 million YouTube views.
- Kazi ya Msalaba: A worship song used in churches.
- Foundation (featuring others): Uses building ideas for strong faith.
- Mbona: An early hit co-written with Denno.
- Kupe De Kalle (Tobina remix): Fun version with Dunco and Kerah.
His style uses Sheng language and African rhythms. This appeals to young people. Songs like these heal and uplift listeners. They play at events and on radio.
Daddy Owen Awards
Daddy Owen has won many honors for his music. These show his impact in gospel. Here is a list of key achievements:
- Groove Awards Male Artist of the Year: Won in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
- MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) Best Anglophone: Won in 2010 for Tobina.
- Kisima Music Awards Artist of the Year: Won in 2012.
- Groove Awards: Total of over 20 wins, including Song of the Year.
- Malaika Tribute Awards: He founded this to honor disabled artists.
His awards cover music, media, and activism. In 2021, he hosted events for disability awareness. These honors cement his legacy in Kenyan CCM.
Daddy Owen Personal Life
Daddy Owen’s private life has had ups and downs. He married Farida Wambui on April 2, 2016. Their wedding was big news in Kenya. They had two children. A son was born in July 2018. They also have a daughter.
In 2021, they separated. The divorce was hard for him. Rumors said infidelity and money issues caused it. But he does not speak badly about his ex-wife. He focuses on co-parenting. In interviews in 2025, he said he regrets marrying after fame. He wishes he started a family earlier.
He vows never to shame his children’s mother. He advises men to respect ex-partners. His faith helps him heal. He still believes in love but takes time now.
He lives in Nairobi. He keeps his family private. His eye injury from the past makes him wear sunglasses often. This adds to his style.
Conclusion
Daddy Owen’s journey is one of change and impact. From Kakamega streets to gospel stages, he shows resilience. His music spreads faith to millions. Awards prove his talent. His foundation helps people with disabilities.
In 2025, he looks to new goals like politics. His story teaches that scars can become strengths. He mentors young singers. His legacy will last in Kenyan music.
FAQs
What is Daddy Owen’s real name?
His real name is Owen Mwatia.
How did Daddy Owen lose his eye?
In the early 2000s, a mob attacked him during a petty crime incident. This caused permanent damage to his left eye.
Who is Daddy Owen’s wife?
He was married to Farida Wambui from 2016 to 2021. They are now divorced.
Does Daddy Owen have children?
Yes, he has two children: a son born in 2018 and a daughter.
What is Daddy Owen’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but his earnings come from music, tours, and endorsements. Specific figures are not public.
What is the Malaika Disability Foundation?
It is a group he founded to support people with disabilities through awards and awareness events.
Is Daddy Owen entering politics?
He plans to join government in 2027, focusing on disability rights.
What are Daddy Owen’s influences?
His brother Rufftone, church music, and African rhythms like Lingala.
How did Daddy Owen start his career?
He began singing in church choirs and recorded demos with help from his brother.
What is Kapungala?
It is his music style, a fusion of Kapuka and Lingala beats.