Rejected but resilient: Ezekiel Munyoki's journey to success

Also known as Brown Qaki, Ezekiel faced rejection early in his music career when a producer dismissed him as talentless. He tells Silas Nyamweya how he defied all odds to become an award-winning musician.

Briefly tell us about yourself

My artist name, Brown Qaki, comes from Brown Queens and Kings, which reflects my identity and the message I want to convey through my music. Growing up as a brown-skinned child in the slums, I was often seen as weak by my peers, but I believe my music can inspire boys and girls to succeed in whatever profession they aspire to pursue.

Tell us about your experience being raised by a single mother.

My mother has always been my pillar of strength. Whenever I felt like giving up, I thought of her determination to give me a better life. She never gave up on ensuring I received a good education and nurtured my musical talent, often through church. We moved a lot after she lost her job and we were evicted from our home. My first year of high school was funded by the community in Kawangware. Later, when I joined boarding school in Mombasa, my relatives helped cover my fees, though I had to do house chores in return. During this tough period, I was introduced to weed and alcohol. At one point, I resorted to selling weed at school to survive, and during the holidays, I washed cars for older friends to earn some money.

You auditioned for a recording deal but were dismissed for “lack of talent.” Tell us more about that.

After completing my Form Four exams, I joined my mother in Mathare slums. As an adult, I chose to live with friends rather than with her. They noticed my passion for singing and referred me to someone who helped develop young talents. At 18, I went for an audition, but the producer dismissed me, saying I had no talent. However, he offered me a job to stay and help in the office. I became the office messenger, running errands and doing small tasks around the centre.

Despite setbacks, how did you end up achieving great success in music?

Yes, I did! I became a successful musician and music trainer, helping others reach their potential. I’ve released two EPs and several singles on major platforms. Currently, I’m working on a song about SDG 4: Education, collaborating with a student choir in Wales. I’m also the co-founder of Ecstasy Band KE, one of the fastest-rising bands from the East. As the Programmes Coordinator at Billian Music Foundation, I teach children music, including singing, instruments, and dance. Over the past five years, 100 new students each year have benefited from our Edutainment programmes, which blend education with entertainment.

Any awards won?

Yes, in 2022, I won my first award at the E360 Awards, where I was recognised as Best Songwriter of the Year for a song I wrote on SDG 13: Climate Action to combat climate change. That same year, my students also won Best Choir Performance at the Schools of Hope Mathare Got Talent competition.

What else do you do outside of your music career?

I am very involved in community work. Growing up in the Billian Music Foundation exposed me to the importance of community mobilisation and humanitarian efforts. I’ve initiated a number of programmes, including Ng’arisha Mtaa, which focuses on combating climate change. I also host football tournaments for children and have founded a music event called Serenation, where young artists in music, art, and fashion design can showcase their talent.