In this second part of our interview with Astar, the Kisima award winner continues to shed light on his June 15 interview with Buzz, this time tackling his recovery from depression, beginnings in music and his plans for the future.

[To read part one of the interview, CLICK HERE]

M: What happened after Coast? Muchiri talks about you following Kanjii from a gig.
A: That’s not what I said. After I came back, I started hustling, moving from studio to studio. Things were not working out with Bmac either and I was just trying to make things work. That’s when Nimechoka was written. Jibu Kilio was written in response to all the trouble I’d had, from June to December of that year. I was still drinking, still struggling to let go of old habits. On December 31^st 2005, I went for a concert at Nairobi Baptist, and after seeing Gospel Fathers perform Ni Wewe, that’s when I realized I was doing (music) for my fame. That’s when I decided I’m all for Christ, no matter what happens. Five days later, my pals came to pick me up, and I told them I’d made a decision to follow Christ and wouldn’t party with them anymore. That same day, I took all my clad, used the final twenty bob I had and went for the Milele concert, donated all my clothes.

M: What happened at the gig?
A: Two things happened on that day. One, as I was entering, I was given a ticket for something called Talentmania Awards. I stood there and said to myself; I’m winning this thing. Secondly, I went in and watched Milele perform and for two reasons, I told God, I want to join these guys. First was because I just felt the presence of God around them, and secondly, I knew that they would help me grow both musically and spiritually. At that time, I’d just spoken to Ennovator, and I was actually supposed to meet him the next day, and I was sure he was going to sign me. But I just gave that up. After the gig I went to talk to Pastor Majjid, who told me about Kijiji, and where it was. I went looking for them that same Tuesday, and for like two months, I’d go everyday and just sit there until Kanjii gave me studio time. I was so sure God had sent me there, and I had so much faith that even though I didn’t have a single shilling, I never gave up. That’s the power of faith – faith is not a hunch! I explained all this (to Muchiri), what each song means. I even gave him two copies of my album and asked him to give one away.

M: Why?
A: I believe my album is a Bible for guys who are not saved. I also believe its message speaks to a certain clique of guys – guys who’ve lived a life like the one I’ve lived. Guys who are well-off, but are addicted to stuff like alcohol, their friends, partying, guys who think they don’t need God because they have it all - ‘babis’, so to speak. When these guys listen to my album, they don’t like it, because it touches their lives.

M: Talking about your album, Muchiri records you as saying that you feature secular acts ‘like’ Pam on it – I certainly haven’t heard any secular acts on The Light. Where did that come from?
A: He obviously got it wrong. After I told him about my album, he asked what else I was up to, and I told him about a new (package) that I’m figuring out, and what message I want to give. So that’s how the conversation turned to the new song I’ve recorded with Pam, it’s called Rap Game. I believe that I can use this to talk to guys who are going through the same things I went through, and influence their path. Then he asked me about whether I would cross over and go secular, or backslide. I told him the only thing that can prevent me from falling is my one on one relationship with God. In addition to that, because I’m human, I’ve surrounded myself with guys who warn me and watch out for me.

M: Thanks man, for clearing all this up. Final words?
A: I think the interview really (rankled) me because I thought it didn’t get the real message I wanted to send. I want guys to look at me and see, this guy had a really messed up life, but look at the hope that his life has become. To paint a picture of where I’ve been, and what’s yet to come. Not the conceited and shallow Gospel artist I think the article brought me out as.

M: One more thing – would you like to amend your answer to the ‘are you in a relationship’ question?
A: (Laughing) I actually told him, but I figure he decided not to write it. Yes, I am in a relationship. I’m very proud of my girlfriend, even though I can’t let you publish her name!

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