Octopizzo manager and close friend, Victor Ongaya, passed away after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (photo courtesyOctopizzo/Facebook).
Octopizzo is mourning the loss of his longtime manager and close friend, Victor Ongaya, who passed away after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
In a tribute shared on his socials, Octopizzo revealed the pain of losing the man he described as the “creative genius behind my brand” and a true brother.
In a separate heartfelt post, the Kibera-born rapper reminisced about their journey, recalling how Ongaya believed in him long before fame came calling.
“He was the only person who saw potential in me when many, not even myself, thought this rap thing would work for us,” Octopizzo wrote.
Their partnership dates back to 2009, a period Octopizzo describes as the beginning of his transformation—both artistically and personally.
“Since then, he has been my creative force, mentor, and backbone. His faith in me shaped not only my career but also the person I’ve become,” he continued. “Losing him feels like losing a part of myself. His loss leaves me deeply heartbroken, as I mourn not just a manager but a true confidant and big brother.”
The artiste also revealed that Ongaya’s family and friends are holding meetings at his Woodley home to plan the funeral. Ongaya is set to be laid to rest in Kakamega on October 25.
Octopizzo appealed to the public to assist Ongaya’s family in raising funds for funeral expenses, which currently stand at Sh5 million.
Ongaya’s passing marks the end of an era for Octopizzo, whose career and image were closely shaped by his manager’s vision and resilience, a bond that defined one of Kenya’s most enduring hip-hop success stories.