WINYO EXPLAINS HOW HIS HIT COLLABORATION WITH DJ SURAJ ALMOST DIDN’T HAPPEN

Popular Kenyan artist Winyo Shiphton has revealed how he nearly passed up the opportunity to collaborate with popular electronic DJ Suraj, a partnership that ultimately led to chart-topping success. 

Speaking exclusively to Cheptoek Boyo on Buzz Central, Winyo shared the surprising backstory of their unexpected hit and how it reshaped his perspective on electronic music. What started as a series of ignored phone calls turned into one of Winyo’s most successful musical ventures.

“It’s a funny story, to be honest,” Winyo admitted. “Musician Kato Change and Suraj kept calling me, but I didn’t have time mainly because I didn’t think we’d create anything meaningful. I didn’t even know DJs could compose music. In my mind, DJs just mixed tracks; I had no idea they could create original work.“

After initially brushing off the idea, Winyo finally gave in and the result was beyond anything he expected. “One day, I was bored and decided to show up at the studio. We made ‘Abiro,’ I went home, and the song blew up massively. Next thing I knew, Grammy-winning artist Black Coffee was playing it. That’s when I realized, ‘Wow, DJs really do create.’ It opened my mind to a whole new world of music.“

The success of Abiro led to their Sazile EP, a five-track project that further cemented their creative synergy. Winyo, known for his soulful Afro-fusion sound, acknowledged the unique appeal of electronic music and its dedicated fanbase. “It’s a very different world with its own unique audience. I’m grateful I didn’t miss out on this experience. Now, I’m more open to exploring new sounds and collaborations.”