Colonel Mustafa Opens Up on How Producer R Kay Changed His Life & Career

Musician Colonel Mustafa has shared the untold story of how gospel producer Robert Kamanzi, popularly known as R Kay, transformed his life and music career.

In a revelation, the Katika hitmaker recounted the early days before fame, before the tours, and before the spotlight. At the time, Mustapha, alongside Vinny Banton, Mr Googz and Longombas, were navigating personal struggles and laying the foundation for what would later become Badman Camp. Many dismissed their vision, questioning the logic of creating secular hits with a gospel music producer.

“Most people thought we were crazy doing secular hits with a gospel producer,” Mustapha recalled. “But guess what? R Kay said, ‘Let’s do it.’ The result was ‘IN.’ And that is when life changed.“

According to Mustapha, that collaboration marked a turning point. Suddenly, the group was touring the entire country, doors swung open, promoters flooded their phones with calls, and every weekend brought a new show.

Katika, the breakout hit, not only became a national anthem but also brought immense attention. He admitted that the song impacted his personal life from dating the daughter of former Police Commissioner Edwin Nyaseda to later ending up with Noti Flow. “Sometimes I ask R Kay if he is supposed to be given relationship royalties,” he joked.

“My controversial opinion? R Kay is Top 3. Not Kenya. Not East Africa. The world. Others have hype, R Kay has legacy. Others have noise, R Kay has classics. Others love politics, R Kay loved work,” Mustapha stated.

He further credited R Kay for the memories created by Katika, dancing, singing, relationships formed, and the moments cherished by millions. “If you ever danced to ‘Katika,’ sang it, got a girlfriend because of it, got a boyfriend because of it, or created memories because of it, then part of that credit belongs to R Kay.”

Mustapha concluded by paying homage to the producer he described as a game-changer who does not receive enough recognition. “R Kay, you are my hero. Respect.”

He has now called on fans and fellow musicians to acknowledge the unsung heroes behind Kenya’s greatest hits, asking the public, “Which other producer has changed the lives of so many artists yet is not given credit?“