DJ Pinye, born Peter Chuani, was a household name in Kenya’s entertainment industry. As the host of The Beat on NTV, he played a significant role in shaping the country’s music scene. However, his journey took an unexpected turn in 2018 when he was fired from the show, leading to public criticism and online debates about his relevance.
Struggling with self-doubt, Pinye found himself at a crossroads. Determined to test his abilities once more, he embarked on what he called his “last experiment.” Unlike his previous work mentoring established hip-hop artists, he sought out undiscovered talent someone young, raw, and different.
His search led him to a conversation with filmmaker Sammy D, who mentioned a girl with a remarkable voice. That encounter took Pinye to Eastleigh, where he met 13-year-old Leyla Mohamed. Her living conditions were modest, but her talent was extraordinary. As soon as she began singing a Spanish cover of Havana and a song by Harmonize, Pinye knew he had found someone special.
Determined to nurture her talent, he enlisted Christine, a top vocal coach, to refine her voice. The next challenge was finding the right platform for her. That’s when he had a bold idea Leyla would perform a reimagined version of Wimbo wa Historia, a patriotic song originally composed by Enock Ondego.
With dedication and hard work, Leyla mastered the song, and by Mashujaa Day 2020, she stood before President Uhuru Kenyatta to deliver a moving performance. The moment proved life-changing. The president was so impressed that he pledged to support her education and helped her family relocate to better living conditions.
While the experience transformed Leyla’s life, Pinye revealed that it also renewed his own sense of purpose. Having been on the verge of giving up, Leyla’s success reminded him that talent and determination could create unexpected opportunities.
On Leyla’s birthday, Pinye reflected on their journey, calling it one of the greatest privileges of his career. Through this final experiment, he not only discovered a rising star but also reignited his own passion for mentorship and music.
