Colonel Mustafa on why it is hard for veterans to make comebacks as he addresses dating rumours

As the Kenyan industry continues to evolve, veteran Kenyan rapper Colonel Mustafa has laid bare on the challenges faced by veterans trying to make a successful comeback in an ever-changing scene. In an exclusive interview with TNX, the artiste opens up about his new release, the struggles of staying relevant, and his thoughts on the shifting dynamics of the Kenyan music industry.

Mustafa, who first rose to prominence during the heydays of Ogopa Deejays, is no stranger to the highs and lows of the music business. "It's been a journey of growth," Mustafa says. "My new music reflects the evolution I've gone through both as an artiste and as a person. I’ve learned a lot, and I want my fans to feel that growth in the tracks."

He has already recorded two pieces at Mainswitch Studios one featuring a foreign artiste, who he says is very talented. The teasers as usual, have been typical of the "Monalisa" hitmaker causing a buzz on Instagram after he shared the Behind The Scenes (BTS) photos.

 “People started asking me if I was dating her but I just laugh at these things. Kiki kama hizi ziliisha (We no longer use such stunts to get attention),” he added.  Ricky Bekko is the man tasked to deliver the video, shot in Malindi.

Even with his revitalized musical endeavors, Mustafa is acutely aware of the challenges that many seasoned artists encounter when attempting to make a comeback in the music industry. "The landscape is always changing," he notes. "Today's artists bring a fresh sound and a unique perspective. The audience has transformed as well—what was popular a few years back might not resonate now. With the rise of new technology, social media trends, and a younger demographic whose preferences shift quickly, maintaining relevance has become increasingly difficult," he shares.

Mustafa elaborates, "When you’ve been around for years, it becomes difficult to capture the attention of an audience that’s always looking for something new. You can’t just rely on your past successes. You have to reinvent yourself and stay connected to your roots. This is what I am trying to do in my new projects. I have recorded a number of songs with some names I won’t drop today but once we are ready to release them, I know it will be a good surprise,” he concludes.