Controversial Kenyan gospel artist Ringtone Apoko has once again sparked conversation after revealing the staggering sums he earned during a previous political season.
Speaking in a candid interview with Radio Generation, the musician detailed his financial journey, claiming he was paid KSh 1 million per day for nearly seven weeks.
The artist, known for his flashy lifestyle and frequent headlines, explained that the payments were for his work during a campaign for former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He told the hosts that he was tasked with leading road shows to drum up support across the country.
The Million-Shilling-a-Day Deal
According to Ringtone, the lucrative contract lasted for 48 days. This period alone allegedly earned him KSh 48 million, a figure he says laid the foundation for his current wealth.
“I was being paid 1 million a day for the campaigns. I was leading those road shows for 48 days, and that is where the money started coming in,” Apoko stated during the interview.
The musician noted that while some people find his wealth suspicious or undeserved, he views it as a blessing from God. He also clarified that he has diversified his income over the years, often working as a land broker to maintain his opulent lifestyle.
From the Streets to Runda
The interview also touched on Ringtone’s humble beginnings. He shared that he grew up as a street boy in Mombasa and worked several manual jobs, including being a manamba (tout) and selling second-hand clothes.
His first major financial breakthrough came from his music ministry. He described travelling to schools across Kenya to sell VCDs of his songs for KSh 100 each.
This grassroots effort allowed him to save KSh 1.8 million, which he used to buy his first major vehicle, a Nissan Patrol.
“I used my brain to diversify. I used to sell those VCDs in schools… and I made 1.8 million,” he recalled.
New Music Born in the Cells
The singer’s life continues to be a mix of faith and legal drama. He recently spent over a week in police custody at the Capitol Hill Police Station following a land-related dispute. Far from being a setback, Ringtone says the experience inspired his latest track, titled Neema.
He explained that being taken out of his “comfort zone” in Runda and placed in a police cell gave him the perspective needed to write the song. The music video for Neema has already garnered over 1 million views on YouTube within its first week of release.
Ringtone remains a divisive figure in the Kenyan entertainment industry. While he has faced criticism for his “controversial” methods, he maintains that his path is inspired by his faith. He told the interviewers that he is now focused on his ministry and hopes to use his platform to touch every generation.
