Kenyan musician and songwriter Okello Max has revealed that Congolese music superstar Fally Ipupa played a major role in inspiring him to pursue a music career.
Okello made the revelation on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a press briefing in Nairobi, where he reflected on his connection with the celebrated Congolese artiste.
According to the musician, a friend introduced him to Fally Ipupa’s music, and the experience eventually influenced his decision to take music seriously.
“I started music because of Fally Ipupa. My friend was the one who introduced me to his music,” Okello said.
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The revelation comes at a significant point in Okello’s career as he prepares to share the stage with the artiste who inspired him to pursue music in the first place.
A Full-Circle Moment
Fally Ipupa is currently in Kenya ahead of his highly anticipated concert scheduled for Saturday, September 5, at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
Okello Max is among the Kenyan artistes expected to perform alongside the Congolese superstar.
Speaking about the opportunity, Okello expressed his excitement at finally being able to perform alongside someone whose music had influenced his own artistic journey.
“So sitting next to him is an honour. I love your work, sir. I am also honoured to be sharing a stage with him,” he added.
For Okello, the upcoming performance represents more than just another appearance at a major concert. It allows him to share a platform with an artiste whose music played a part in shaping his ambitions.
Okello Max’s Musical Journey
Okello Max’s journey in music began long before he became a familiar name in Kenya’s entertainment scene.
The musician previously revealed that his late uncle played an important role in introducing him to music by taking him to church choir sessions, where he discovered his vocal abilities.
He also grew up in a household where music was constantly played, while his upbringing in Lamu exposed him to genres such as rhumba and taarab.
His professional journey later saw him work as a background vocalist before stepping out as a solo artiste.
Okello came into the spotlight in 2019 after appearing as a background singer on Sauti Sol’s hit song ‘Extravaganza’. The same year, he released his debut single, ‘Kiss’, marking the beginning of his journey as a solo musician.
Over the years, he has developed a distinctive sound by blending contemporary genres with Luo influences and other African musical styles.
Preparing to Share the Stage
Now, years after beginning his musical journey, Okello finds himself preparing to share a stage with one of the artistes who helped inspire that journey.
The upcoming performance could therefore mark a full-circle moment for the Kenyan musician, who once discovered Fally Ipupa’s music through a friend and was inspired enough to pursue music himself.
Fally Ipupa landed in Nairobi on Thursday and is expected to headline the concert at Uhuru Gardens on Saturday.
For Okello Max, however, the concert will carry an added significance: performing alongside an artiste he credits as one of the reasons he chose music as his career.
