Veteran gospel musician Daddy Owen has opened up about his perspective on love and life after 25 years in the spotlight. Speaking on the Lessons at 30 podcast with Dr Ofweneke, the singer-songwriter shared why he views marriage as a "kisima kirefu" — a very deep well.
The interview offered a rare, candid look into the personal life of the man often called the 'King of Kapangala.'Owen, who rose to fame with hits like TobinaandSystem ya Kapungala, reflected on his journey from a troubled youth to becoming a pillar of Kenya's gospel industry.
The Depth of the Well
When discussing relationships, Owen described marriage as a beautiful but complex setup. He noted that while he remains "pro-marriage," he now understands the depth and mystery of the institution.
Owen explained that many outcomes in life, including the success or failure of a union, stem from personal choices. He took responsibility for his past, stating that it is difficult to blame others when one chooses their own partner.
“Marriage is a very beautiful thing, and I’m always pro-marriage,” he said.
He believes marriage is a "good to have" rather than a strict "must" for every man. He suggested that when two people truly connect, they can build something exceptional, but the process requires significant maturity.
“I really worked so hard to make sure that I achieve a lot of things just to make sure that I set up a very good family for my kids for my wife and everything that was that was my dream ofcourse in my late 20s early 20s mid20s even late 20s,” he added.
Owen referenced a Tanzanian pastor’s preaching that marriage is like a very deep well whereby those inside are trying hard to get out in vein while those outside are rushing and yearning to enter into the institution of marriage.
“I've lived both. I've lived in marriage and I've lived outside marriage and I can tell you for free marriage is one of those things that is just good to have. It's not a must but it's something good to have,” he added.
A Journey of 25 Years
Daddy Owen’s career began in 2002 with his first song. Over more than two decades, he has transitioned from a self-described "street doctor" to an award-winning artist. However, his path was not always smooth.
Before his musical success, Owen was involved in gang culture in Nairobi's Eastlands. A life-altering moment occurred when he lost his eye during a violent incident, a tragedy that eventually led him to find faith and pursue gospel music.
"I really worked so hard to make sure that I achieve a lot of things just to make sure that I set up a very good family."
The Shield of Privacy
One of Owen's biggest realisations is his own struggle with public relationships. He admitted that he is "very poor" at handling his private life in the eyes of the media.
Because of this, the singer has made a firm decision to keep his future romantic endeavours entirely secret. Whether he stays single or chooses to wed again, he stated that "no one will ever know". This move is a strategic effort to protect his peace and avoid the "monster" that public scrutiny can become.
