In a candid interview with Eve Mungai on her newly launched podcast, Hey Girl, Kenyan singer and songwriter Willy Paul opened up about a range of personal and professional topics that have shaped his career and life. From dealing with social media controversies to navigating the harsh realities of betrayal within the music industry, Willy Paul didn’t shy away from addressing the tough questions.
The conversation began with Willy Paul commenting on the recent trend of “kugongewa” a term that has been circulating on social media, often associated with infidelity in relationships. The singer, known for his outspoken nature, had strong views on the issue. “I can’t support that; it’s disgusting. It’s wrong, especially since people are normalizing it,” he shared. His words resonated with many listeners, especially as societal trends often glamorize cheating, with some even making light of its consequences. For Willy Paul, such behavior goes against his principles, and he firmly believes that infidelity should not be accepted as part of normal relationships.
Eve Mungai also brought up the sensitive topic of past rape accusations that severely impacted Willy Paul’s career, leading to a significant loss of endorsements and public support. The singer admitted that dealing with the aftermath of those allegations was incredibly difficult, but he tried to maintain a positive mindset throughout the turmoil. “I generally have a forgiving heart, but this has been a struggle,” he confessed. “People have advised me not to retaliate. I lost what I lost, but I trust God has His reasons.” His response reflected a deep sense of resilience, and he emphasized that he had chosen to let go of the pain and trust that everything happens for a reason.
Willy Paul’s frustration with the accusations was palpable as he reflected on the lack of empathy from those who made the claims. “They didn’t care that I have family relying on me,” he said, highlighting the emotional toll the situation took on him. The accusations not only hurt his reputation but also put additional pressure on him as a father and provider. “I won’t lie I lost everything. I’m just a strong man, and no one saw my tears,” he added. This vulnerability showcased a side of Willy Paul that fans rarely see, offering insight into the mental and emotional toll of the public scrutiny.
Despite the hardship, Willy Paul chose not to pursue legal action. “I could go through with a case, but I asked myself, what would it solve? Who would care for my kids if I took that path? I decided to let it go and leave it in God’s hands.” This decision speaks volumes about his character and priorities, choosing peace over further conflict, and focusing on the well-being of his family above all else.
As the conversation progressed, Willy Paul delved into the theme of betrayal within the music industry. He shared how trust is a critical factor in his relationships with others, both personally and professionally. “When someone breaks my trust, I distance myself,” he said. For Willy Paul, maintaining clear boundaries and knowing who is truly in his corner has been essential to surviving in the often cutthroat entertainment world.
The topic of the music industry also led Willy Paul to reflect on his own place in it. He expressed frustration with the lack of support among Kenyan artists, noting that many are hesitant to show solidarity for fear of losing out. “In Kenya, I’m rarely invited to shows or events because they know I’d outshine them at their own events, and that hurts some artists,” he revealed. However, he maintained that artists should support each other, arguing that there is nothing to lose by lifting one another up. “But what do you lose by supporting a fellow Kenyan? Nothing. You’d be raising our flag, and if one Kenyan makes it globally, we all rise together.” His words served as a call for unity within the local music scene, underscoring the importance of collaboration and collective success.
Willy Paul’s interview with Eve Mungai was an honest and raw exploration of the challenges he has faced in his career and personal life. Through it all, he has maintained his focus on his family and his faith, trusting that the struggles are part of a larger plan. In a world where betrayal and infidelity are often normalized, Willy Paul’s stand against these issues offers a refreshing perspective, urging others to consider the true cost of such behavior and to support one another in the pursuit of collective success.
