Otile Brown Hits Back at Jovial After Interview Claims

Kenyan singer Otile Brown has responded to allegations made by fellow musician Jovial regarding their past working relationship, addressing claims that she was not paid for their musical collaborations and that he did not support her growth in the industry.

The response followed remarks made by Jovial during an interview with Alex Mwakideu, where she reflected on her early career.

She claimed that despite the widespread success of their hit collaboration Such Kinda Love, she was struggling financially and living in modest conditions in Mirema.

According to Jovial, she was not receiving her share of the earnings generated by the song.

“Nilikua nalala chini Mirema “Such Kind of Love” ikitoka kwa sababu tumefanya kazi ila kuna split shit but I don’t get anything.”

Industry Illiteracy and Regional Royalties

In a series of Instagram Stories, Otile disputed the allegations, explaining that he also spent several years without receiving publishing royalties because he lacked adequate knowledge of the music business.

He said he has only recently worked with professionals who have helped him begin recovering some of the money owed to him.

Otile further stated that royalty collection and music distribution systems across Africa remain underdeveloped, making it difficult for artists to rely solely on publishing income.

He said that, in many cases, musicians exchange songs and collaborate without expecting immediate royalty payments, adding that he would send Jovial money whenever their songs generated income.

“Kwa taarifa yenu mimi sijawahi kukusanya mapato yangu ya publishing toka nimeanza kuimba maana sikua na elimu yakutosha ya biashara ya mziki, sahii ndio nimepata watu ambao wana nisaidia kujisajili na makampuni nzuri zinazoweza kufatilia mapato,,,”

Personal Grievances and Unsanctioned Releases

The singer also detailed the role he says he played in Jovial's career, claiming he wrote most of the songs they worked on together.

He further alleged that he paid her hospital bills when she gave birth and arranged VIP transport for her after delivery.

Otile also claimed that a DNA test confirmed he was not the father of her child and accused Jovial of releasing a song he had written without his permission.

“Sasa mimi sitaki ufaulu aje na ata wimbo wa ulinihukumu unao leta shida ni wimbo nimekuandikia mimi wote. Uliamua kutoa wimbo wakati mimi sijaridhia,,”

Attitude Problems and Missed Potential

Addressing Jovial's career, Otile claimed that her attitude and decision-making had affected her progress in the music industry.

He said she had ignored advice that could have helped her advance and maintained that she had the potential to achieve greater success.

“ Ukweli ni kwamba wewe ni jeuri, mbishi na huna busara kabisa, uswahili mwingi unatumia hisia kufanya waamuzi.”

He further alleged that Jovial had not written any of the songs that continue to earn her performance income and claimed he was the person who suggested that Tanzanian artist Marioo include a female vocalist in one of their collaborations.

Otile maintained that he consistently supported Jovial's career, adding that while he could offer guidance and opportunities, he could not determine the outcome of her career on her behalf.