Mother-in-law actor Jeff Okello, popularly known as Jeff Ninja, has turned to the music scene with the release of his new single, Leo.
The song is a vibrant project that puts his energetic stage presence and dancing flair on full display.
Ninja’s 3:26-minute video, shot and directed by Ville Pohjonen, blends indoor and outdoor scenes to create striking imagery that complements the song’s upbeat tone.
Through emotive performances and subtle symbolism, the video is centred on joy, togetherness, and living in the moment, with Ninja leading the charge through confident choreography and expressive movement.
Speaking in an interview with TNX.Africa, Ninja explained that the inspiration behind Leo stemmed from a desire to offer a different kind of feel-good music.
“You see, everybody out here is singing about women and club partying. But in the spirit of putting people in a happy mood, I realised there was a dire need to put the mood of happiness and sharing good moments with brothers and sisters in every place that we are having this kind of fun,” said Ninja.
He added, “And so, I emphasised what this happiness should be like, ‘Leo,’ which is today, and so happiness should come today and not tomorrow. Happiness should not be delayed for more than one day.”
Ninja noted that his decision to sing in Kiswahili rather than fully embracing English or Finnish was driven by his audience.
“I chose to sing in Swahili because most of my fan base is in East Africa, Kenya in particular, and they are more conversant in Swahili than they are in English and Finnish. But it’s just a starting project, and so in the future I am hoping to do songs in Finnish and English and the Afro-pop music genre,” explained Ninja.
On the production side, the entertainer disclosed that the video was completed on a not-so-modest budget.
“I don’t want to sound like a braggadocio, but the song cost me Sh450,000 (3,800 euros), if I may be precise,” Ninja said.
The video also features Ninja’s wife and children, a decision he said was closely tied to the song’s message.
“My wife and family are featured in the song because it is a happy song that brings happy feelings, and I know that my wife and kids are part of the happiness that comes to my life and the people that we inspire, and that is why I featured them in this particular video,” added Ninja.