Willy Paul is a songwriter, singer, and model. He is the CEO of Saldido International Entertainment.
Basic Information
Real name: Wilson Abubakar Radido
Date of birth: September 1, 1993
Hometown: Mathare North, Kenya
Parents: The late Paul Opondo Radido and Salome Radido
Nationality: Kenyan
Siblings: 2
Status: Not married
Occupation: Muslim
Early Life
Willy Paul’s real name is Wilson Abubakar Radido. He was born on 1 September 1993 to Salome and Paul Opondo Radido.
His Ugandan father was a carpenter while his mother an immigrant from Tanzania was a salonist.
In 2010, Willy’s father Paul Opondo passed away leaving his mother as the sole breadwinner. However, his mother later died. He was left to feed his other siblings.
Eduaction
Willy attended a public school for his primary education. After sitting for his K.C.P.E exams, he joined Brainhouse School in the Mathare area for his secondary education. Unfortunately, Willy Paul was forced to drop out of school in 2011 while at form three due to financial constraints.
He then resumed classes and sat for his KSCE exams in 2013. After the results, he expressed his interest in further education in Us. He is yet to disclose whether he has enrolled or not.
Read More:Willy Paul Advises His Fellow Artists To Avoid Clout Chasing and Work Hard
Music Career
Willy paul’s music journey started when he went to perform in a local hotel in Mathare. J-blessings who was in the area was drawn to his performance and offered him a production deal. Initially, J Blessing was charging him to record but stopped after Willy’s mum told him that his son was struggling to raise money for the sessions.
in 2010 he co-authored with Gloria Muliro and released the hit song “Sitolia”.
The song reflected the story of his life struggles and the hardships he faced growing up in the slums and God’s faithfulness in the most trying times.
In 2011, he released Rabuka which propelled him into the limelight. Rabuka is a song that acknowledges God’sworkg in his life.
He then did several songs such as ‘you never know’ and launched his first album on December 5, 2013.
The album launch was at the KICC and featured other established gospel acts such as Daddy Owen, Solomon Mkubwa, Gloria Muliro, Christina Shusho, Juliani, Betty Bayo, and Size 8. The album was a success, and he was even able to tour the US. Willy performed in about 12 states in the US.
In 2017 Willy Paul jumped ship and abandoned gospel music, to go fully into secular with hit songs like ‘Jigi Jigi’. He got massive criticism from his gospel fans but his new genre of music made him an even bigger fan base. In 2017 his ‘I Do’ track with Alaine gave his new career as a secular artist more recognition and acceptance.
Willy Paul has done several single and collabo songs with high-profile artists such as Harmonize, Rayvanny, and Alaine that have ranked him among the best musicians in Kenya.
Relationships
Willy Paul’s former lover is Michelle who is now dating comedian Fred Omondi. Michelle, after a nasty break-up with the controversial singer, accused him of being violent and overly insecure, allegations that were denied by Willy Paul.
Willy was suspected of having snatched Victor Wanyama’s ‘yellow-yellow’ girlfriend Tracey. It all started when Willy Paul was pictured with Tracey in his house and she was spotted wearing his clothes, a clear indication that their friendship was beyond ‘the ordinary’.
There was also talk of Willy Paul having “tied the knot” with Jamaican reggae artist Alaine Laughton. It was later confirmed not to be true. The two went on to make five more songs together, one of which was leaked without their consent.
Family
Willy Paul’s son is called King Damian but the name of Damian’s mother is unclear.
Later in 2020, Willy Paul’s Instagram feed hinted that he was dating a beautiful Mzungu lady. She delivered a baby girl in December 2020 whom they named Sonya.
Cars
Willy Pozze is one of the wealthiest musicians in Kenya. His car collection includes a Mercedes Benz S- Class and a Range Rover Sport.
House
Willy Paul’s house is a luxurious mansion located in Syokimau. It cost him 13 million and he recently showed it off in a recent YouTube video.
Awards& Recognition
2012- Groove Awards winner the best new act
2013- Groove Awards winner male artist of the year
2014- Talanta Awards winner Best performer, Mwafaka Awards winner Male artist of the Year 2014- Mwafaka Awards winner collabo of the Year (Kitanzi featuring Gloria Muliro)
2015- Mwafaka Awards winner collabo of the year (Tam Tam featuring size 8)
2016- Mwafaka Awards winner Male artist of the Year and AFRIMMA Awards winner Best gospel act, Africa
2017- Pulse Music Awards Winner Male Video of the year , Pulse Music Awards Winner Most Viewed Video (Jigi Jigi) , Mdundo Awards winner Most downloaded single.
Songs
- Umeme
- Tamu Walai
- Liar
- Njiwa
- I Do
- Lenga
- Moyo
- Lalala
- Chocolate
- My Woman
Net Worth
As of now, Willy Paul’s net worth is estimated to be between $100,000 and $1 million.
