In an industry known for its short memory and fast-changing tides, Colonel Mustafa remains a name that commands respect. Whether you know him from the iconic Deux Vultures era or his solo journey packed with reinvention and resilience, one thing’s for sure, his story isn’t just about survival. It’s about purpose.
Fresh from releasing a new collaboration that’s stirring conversations and playlists alike, the veteran artiste says that after a period of doubt, he is back to enjoying what he loves doing most; making music.
“Music has always been my way of breathing,” he says. “Even when the cameras stop flashing, I’m still creating. It’s who I am.”
He says he is feeling refreshed after from teaming with Mikaal Aaron, an Eritrean-American singer and songwriter from Virginia, USA, to deliver a captivating new single, “Palm Trees.” Originally written by Mikaal Aaron, “Palm Trees” paints a vivid picture of a couple navigating turbulence in their relationship, with the woman finding solace and serenity beneath the swaying palm trees.
Speaking on the collaboration, Colonel Mustafa expressed his enthusiasm: “This song has a vibe that pulls you in – deep emotions, a groove that moves you, and a story so many can relate to. Working with Mikaal was a creative journey I truly enjoyed.” He told TNX.
Recorded and produced at Main Switch Studios in Nairobi, the track offers a mesmerizing fusion of cultures and musical influences.
Mikaal Aaron added: “Palm Trees embodies peace of mind amid troubles. I wrote it from a place of reflection, and collaborating with Colonel Mustafa brought the vision to life in a way that feels authentic and uplifting.”
Colonel Mustafa has lived both the dream and the nightmare of fame and through it all, he says that he kept coming back to the mic not for clout, not for validation, but for the love of the art.
The new collabo, though yet to be given mainstream media saturation, is quietly catching fire for its authenticity.
He also doesn’t shy away from speaking about the lows the silence after the hype, the struggles behind the scenes, the moments when walking away seemed easier.
“After what I went through, I can only be thankful,” Mustafa explains. “At some point I had major doubts on whether I should return to making music or stay away from showbiz because this game can also be brutal if you have too much expectations and at other times, lay luck can smile your way.”
The music scene has shifted dramatically since the days of “Kinyaunyau” and “Adhiambo C.” But for Mustafa, evolution is part of the journey.
“You can’t fake passion. You either have it or you don’t,” he says. “For me, music isn’t about the fame. It’s therapy. It’s legacy. It’s love.”