Kenya’s award-winning musician and songwriter Ian Okwemba Oure, better known as Iyanii, has opened up about the major driving forces behind his successful music career. For Iyanii, the motivation came from two powerful places: growing up in poverty and witnessing the success of a peer, Willy Paul.

In a recent interview on the Mic Cheque podcast, Iyanii revealed how the multitalented musician Willy Paul played a pivotal role in shaping his path.

Iyanii grew up in the tough living conditions of Mathare, Nairobi. He explained that these struggles did not break him, they simply ignited a fierce desire for a better life.

The environment exposed him to hardship.

It also fuelled his hunger for success, and watching those around him succeed became a powerful inspiration.

“Poverty was my biggest motivation. I was looking at the life I grew up in, and I used to check other people.”

The most direct inspiration, Iyanii says, came from watching the transformation of Willy Paul, a fellow Mathare resident.

Iyanii’s brother was close friends with Willy Paul. This gave the budding musician a front-row seat to the singer’s rise to stardom.

Willy Paul, born Wilson Abubakar Radido, is a celebrated Kenyan artist and songwriter who has transitioned from a gospel singer, known for hits like ‘Sitolia’ (with Gloria Muliro) and ‘You Never Know’, to a popular secular act with smash hits such as ‘Jigi Jigi’, ‘I Do’ (with Alaine), and ‘Mmmh’ (with Rayvanny). He is a well-known name across East Africa.

Iyanii watched this journey unfold, from Willy Paul being a high school student to becoming a successful, wealthy artist.

“At that time, my brother used to be a good friend with Willy Paul, so Willy Paul used to come back in the hood, and I used to see Willy Paul ever since he was in high school up to this point where I see how he has transitioned in a very big way.”

He noted that seeing Willy Paul return to the neighbourhood with a car and money sparked a simple, powerful thought.

“He comes back to the estate, he’s bought a car, he has money. I was like, if this thing this person is doing can change his life, why not me?”

Beyond personal inspiration, Iyanii highlighted a strong sense of community among successful artists from Mathare. He suggests that the neighbourhood acts as a fertile ground for talent, where everyone knows one another before achieving fame.

Famous musicians who grew up together in Mathare include: Willy Paul, Bahati, Mr Seed, Vijana Barubaru and Eko Dyda

“One funny thing about Mathare is that no artist who has made it from Mathare didn’t know the other artist… We all grew up together.”