Story
Wilson Abubakar Radido (born 1 September 1993), known professionally as Willy Paul, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter and businessman from Mathare, Nairobi. He is the head of Saldido International EntertainmentHe takes on the role of a visionary CEO, steering the ship of artistic excellence.
In 2013, the world witnessed the meteoric rise of Willy Paul with his irresistible single, Sicily (Location)conquered the airwaves and captured the hearts of many. Since then, his discography has stretched like a sonic tapestry, weaving stories of emotion and musical enchantment.
From the harmony of the celestial Hallelujah (2015) to the pulsating rhythm of Pozze (2016), the inner journey of Resurrection Time (2018), and the contagious appeal of Dondosha (2020), Willy Paul’s repertoire paints a vivid portrait of his boundless artistry.
The recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Male Artist of the Year at the Groove Awards, Willy Paul is an icon of musical excellence and a symbol of his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Kenyan singer
Willy Paul |
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 Willy Paul: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| First and last name: | Wilson Abubakar Radio |
| Stage Name: | Willy Paul |
| Born: | September 1, 1993 (age 30) |
| Place of birth: | Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Education: | Brainhouse School |
| Nationality: | Kenyan |
| Height: | 1.58 meters |
| Parents: | Salome Radido, Paul Radido |
| Siblings: | Do not have |
| Couple: | Alaine Laughton (married 2017) (rum.) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Nadia Mukami (ex.), Michelle Dyer (ex.), Babezdyer (ex.), Susan Mwaniki (rum.), Awinja Mwaura (eng. 2021), Miss P (ex.), Jovial (ex.), |
| Children: | King Damian, Sonya Radido |
| Job: | Singer • Musician |
| Net asset value: | 2 million dollars |
Early life and education
Willy Paul, born on September 1, 1993 in Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya, has a story that intertwines the hardships of growing up and the pursuit of his dreams. His father, Paul Radido, a skilled carpenter from Uganda, and his mother, Salome Radido, a talented hairdresser from Tanzania, instilled in him a foundation of resilience and creativity.
Tragedy struck in 2010 when Willy Paul’s father passed away, leaving a void in his life. Soon after, his mother fell ill, and as the eldest son, Willy Paul shouldered the responsibility of providing for the family. Although he dropped out of school in 2011, he did not let his circumstances dictate his future. He worked a variety of odd jobs, including carpentry and metalworking, to make ends meet.
Willy Paul’s passion for knowledge has never waned, and he regrets not completing his formal education. He hopes to inspire young people through his music, encouraging them to prioritize their education and pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Inside the living walls of Brainhouse School In Nairobi, Willy Paul was once on the path of education. However, the complexities and responsibilities of life forced him to shift his focus. Nevertheless, he embarked on a remarkable journey of self-improvement, demonstrating his determination by enrolling as a private candidate for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations in 2013. His hard work paid off, resulting in an impressive B+ grade.
Career
Willy Paul, a musical prodigy from Kenya, has carved his name into the annals of artistic creativity. With his debut in 2012, he began an exciting journey that would captivate audiences everywhere. The heavens aligned in 2013 when he released his debut single, the mesmerizing Sicily (Location)This quickly brought him into the spotlight.
Since then, Willy Paul has graced the airwaves with a string of catchy hits. The elegant melodies of Hallelujahrhythmic beat of Pozzesoul-stirring melodies Nikeand the vibrational energy of Dondosha became the heartbeat of his musical talent.
Collaboration has been key to opening up new sonic dimensions for Willy Paul. The convergence of his artistic genius with the talents of other stars like Nandy and Size 8 has created harmonies that push boundaries and resonate with a wide range of audiences.
Accolades have dotted Willy Paul’s journey, with prestigious organizations such as the Groove Awards recognizing his exceptional talent. Named Male Artist of the Year for multiple consecutive years, his artistry shines brightly amidst a dazzling constellation of musical stars.
However, like any star, Willy Paul has faced fierce storms of controversy. Accusations of plagiarism and claims of exploiting women have cast a shadow over his path. Despite these challenges, he remains an enigmatic figure, his magnetic presence and evocative artistry winning the hearts of fans across Kenya and beyond.
Off stage, Willy Paul displays the spirit of an entrepreneur, steering the ship Saldido International Entertainment as a visionary CEO and founder. Through this platform, he nurtures budding talents and creates an environment where dreams are turned into a melodious reality.
The origins of Willy Paul’s musical journey date back to 2010, marked by the resonant vibrations of Cabbage. However, in 2013, his trajectory peaked with the soul-stirring resonance of Sicily (Location)A song that changed his destiny forever, catapulting him into the ranks of Kenya’s most promising music stars.
In 2015, his debut album Hallelujah Audiences were captivated, breathing life into chart-topping singles like Hallelujah, My ladyAnd Ji-Gi-Gi-. The following chapters of his discography include Pozze (2016), Resurrection Time (2018), and Dondosha (2020), cementing his creative legacy, painting vivid, authentic musical landscapes.
With prestigious awards adorning his repertoire, Willy Paul’s musical talents have received much acclaim. Nominations for the BET Awards and MTV Africa Music Awards attest to his international acclaim.
Awards & Nominations
Prize
- Groove Award for Male Artist of the Year (2013, 2015)
- Groove Artist of the Year (Afrima Awards 2012)
- Mdundo Award for Most Downloaded Gospel Artist (2015)
- Mdundo Award for Most Downloaded Male Single (2015)
Nominations
Willy Paul has also been nominated for several other awards, including:
- Kisima Award for Male Artist of the Year (2015)
- Chaguo La Teeniez Award for Male Artist of the Year (2015)
- Coke Studio Africa Award for Best Collaboration (2015)
Social Media
- Instagram: @willy.paul.msafi
- Twitter: @willy.paul.msafi
- Facebook: @willypaul254
- YouTube: @WillyPaulMsafi
Personal life
Willy Paul’s love life has been a whirlwind of emotions, with different chapters intertwining his heart with different women. He has shared intimate relationships with talented individuals like singer Nadia Mukami, their melodies blending harmoniously in a symphony of emotions.
Rumours swirled around Willy Paul’s alleged marriage to American reggae singer Alaine Laughton in 2017, but the truth revealed a deeper friendship than a romantic union. In 2019, his paths crossed with the captivating Michelle Dyer, who transcended cultural boundaries with her charm.
His heart fluttered with Babezdyer in fleeting moments, leaving behind a trail of sweet memories. In 2019, Susan Mwaniki’s soulful notes created a harmonious love melody, resonating with Willy Paul.
In 2021, Willy Paul took a significant step forward, announcing his engagement to his sweetheart Awinja Mwaura, promising a future filled with shared dreams and devotion. Aside from the complexity of love, he cherishes the presence of his son, King Damian, who brings boundless joy to his life.
Willy Paul’s journey is also linked to Miss P, a musician friend whose melody he used to dance with. However, when the rhythm of life changes, their paths diverge, forcing him to seek a new connection, a new muse to light the flame of friendship.
Jovial, whose real name was Juliet Miriam Ayub, held a special place in his heart, their love story echoing with tender moments and shared experiences. The legacy of love continues as his son, King Damian, and daughter, Sonya Radido, fill his world with endless affection and cherished memories.
Net asset value
Willy Paul’s accumulated net worth is estimated at $2 million. He is a Kenyan singer, songwriter and record producer. He is the CEO of Saldido International EntertainmentHe rose to fame after releasing his debut single, Sicily (Location)in 2010.
Willy Paul has released several hit singles, including Diana, My number oneAnd NjiwaHe has also won several awards, including the Groove Award for Male Artist of the Year in 2015. He is one of the most popular musicians in Kenya and East Africa.
Discography
Album
- Toboa (2012)
- You Never Know (2013)
- Kitanzi (2014)
- Vigelele (2015)
- Tam Tam (2016)
- Mother (2017)
- Lala Salama (2018)
- Experience Africa (2021)
Single
- Toboa
- Nimemsaliti
- Kitanzi
- Vigelele
- Tam Tam
- Mother
- Lala Salama
- Um
- Njiwa
- Hallelujah
- Nobody (featuring Yemi Alade)
- Sikireti
- Atoti Jaber
- Sikireti has been reloaded
- Opportunity (Na Ham)
- Nisamehe
- Sicily (Location)
- Malango
- Popo
- Kabisa Office
- Girl
- Name
- Tamu Walahi
- Kanungo
- Uh mom
- PiliPili
- Lamba Nyonyo
- I do
- Shado Mado
- Come back
- Harambee
- Ji-Gi-Gi-
- Chuchuma
- Chocolate
- Nikunue
