Otile Brown: Why I hid my Luo roots

16 July 2022

• Otile is an orphan having lost his mum at age 14 and his dad a few years earlier.

• He is the last born in a family of four.

Mombasa-born Kenyan artist Otile Brown has revealed why he was never proud of his Luo roots. Otile was born to Luon parents but grew up in Mombasa.

Speaking during an interview with Massawe Japanni, he explained,

"I used to hide that I am a Luo because of how proud they are. I sent someone Mpesa and they made sure that everybody knew I am Luo."

Adding,

"Having been born in a Swahili community I did not want to associate with them because of tribalism and my talent is greater than that. We are five siblings, my parents are deceased."

Would he sing in Luo?

"I feel for me to sing in Luo I must have a good understanding of the language."

In a past message he shared online, the Baby Love hitmaker revealed to fans the last words his dying mother told him.

Otile opened up and wrote,

"When I was 14, a day before my mama passed on, She looked into my eyes and said, 'I am not worried about you, you will be okay.'"

Otile added,

"She had so much confidence in me that I just had to believe in myself even more. We will always celebrate you mommy. R.I.P Totoo."

Otile says that his siblings are legends in their own rights hence there has never been a battle on who is the most famous.

Also being the last born Otile says his siblings let him do what he wants.

"When my mum dies my sister who is the firstborn helped take care of me and my brothers. The community also helped educate me something I am grateful for."