A boy from the dusty village roads of Vihiga, Kenya, who could barely afford school fees, has risen to become a research scientist at one of Europe's most prestigious universities.
And now, Dr. Joseph Alulu, known to music lovers as Dr. Jay Tribbette, is adding gospel artist to his already impressive CV with the release of his brand new single Tembea Nami- Swahili for 'Walk With Me'.
Growing up in humble circumstances, young Joseph faced daily battles just to stay in school.
There were times he was sent home for unpaid fees, yet he never gave up. His relentless determination earned him a government scholarship to the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with First Class Honours – a feat that opened doors he could only dream of.
His hunger for knowledge took him further, securing a German scholarship for a collaborative Master's degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics. But the pinnacle came when he won a doctoral scholarship to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, one of Europe's oldest and most elite institutions.
Today, he serves as a Research Scientist there, holding a status equivalent to a Junior Professor.
But Dr. Tribbette had another calling. Once his PhD was complete, he stepped into the recording studio, launching a gospel music career that carries the same depth and passion as his academic pursuits.
His earlier releases include the powerful Nena Nami and the joyful Tabasamu, tracks that have resonated deeply with fans across continents.
The new single 'Tembea Nami' was birthed in 2025 during a season of intense transition. Fresh from finishing his doctorate and facing the uncertainty of the job market, while his father underwent major heart surgery, the artist found himself crying out for God's presence.
He sings parts of the song in Zulu, inspired by his time in South Africa, and in Luhya, honouring his Kenyan roots.
Looking ahead, he has big plans for his music ministry. Collaborations are in the works, and upcoming projects include Yahweh, The Love Letter, Sitaogopa, and Dhabiti, alongside romantic tracks Deep End and Mapenzi Urban.
From almost dropping out of high school to lecturing in Berlin and releasing inspirational anthems, Dr. Jay Tribbette proves that with faith and hard work, no dream is too big.