Elvis first came into the limelight after performing hit tracks from the late legendary country singer Elvis Presley such as ‘Always on My mind’ at various concerts and indoor-promoted events that propelled him into the public eye.
Speaking to kenyagist.com, the country superstar narrated about his successful journey into the music business in Kenya.
Elvis shared that he had come from a musical background as his father, Jackson Ogutu, aka ‘Jack Ogats’, from Nyamira and his grandmother who were what he described as ‘tight’ singers. His father is still in the business to date.
”My Dad and grandma were very tight musicians. My Dad still sings, my grandma passed away last year. Growing up, my dad would introduce me to his buddies like ‘Meet my son prince Elvis’ and they would go like ‘Elvis The Musician!'” he recounted.
Nyaruri was raised by his mother Agatha Chiru Mwangudza in Kilifi. He went through his primary education at the Carmelvale Catholic School, later joined the Malindi High School, before he concluded his education with a diploma in Cumputerised Clearing & Forwarding from the Nairobi Aviation college.
Professionally, Elvis stated that he got into the music business in 2014 as a rapper. He later discovered the value of the gift in his voice as he was compared to the legendary star, before even knowing of Elvis Presley, which he says sparked his curiosity.
”In 2015, I discovered my icon ‘Elvis Presley’ with whom we have the same tone. Imagine spending three quarters of my life not knowing this guy with whom everybody I met kept on giving him a mention, then on discovering him, I literally discovered my goldmine. ”
The country star said that he uniquely chose country music because it spoke to his soul and highlighted how Kenya is a farming country, the music style resonated a lot with us. Worth noting is that he does his music to worship God.
”I do it mostly for the Lord. I have a great voice. This means I was born to be listened to. I practise a lot to become the very best I could ever be.” he narrated.
Elvis claimed that if he did not do music, his alternative careers would be radio presenting and painting, a dream he claims hw wishes to pursue as a side support system in the near future.
One cheeky response to a question asked about his celebrity female crush, the bachelor dropped ‘Teen Republiks‘ show host Tracy Wanjiru’s name without picking his brain. He claimed that he stood a chance with the lass because people reffered to him as a ”Rock Star”.
Elvis also shared his lowest moment, which was when he performed at the East Africa Got Talent competition where he sang his ‘Elvis Presley’ impersonation. The pannel, however, dismissed his performance. The judges termed his act as one that lacked originality and a knock off of the American cultural icon.
However, towards the close of the year 2019, he picked himself back up and has since bagged several shows, including one of the biggest new year concerts. His most likely collaborations he would like to pursue musically include the likes of Khaligraph, Akothee, Mzee Ngala and Andrea Bocelli,
The 25-year-old, in his 5-year-career, has also rubbed shoulders with VVIP’s who love the country boy’s music and style of performance.
Some of his high-profile fans include Stephen Kalonzo (Kalonzo Musyoka’s son), Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, The Late Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore, Former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, celebrated TV journalist Jeff Koinange, Jan Verwiel, Ali Hussein and Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
”The feeling is always amazing. Nothing happens coincidentally and luckily I am a very social individual. Plus I believe the things your looking for are also looking for you.”
