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Guns and mics: Meet the singing cop – Raymond Wambua aka Ray Bwoy

Tuesday, August 24th, 2021 00:00 | By
Artiste Ray Bwoy. Photo/PD/MWANGI ALBERTO

How and when did you develop your love for music?

I discovered my love for music when I was still very young, as I was really passionate about music, especially in church.

In 2004, I used to entertain my classmates in primary school, and while in secondary school, I also used to perform during church services and other events.

Basically, this is a talent I have grown up with and loved for a long time. 

What influenced you to pursue this craft?

I used to listen on radio, and watch on TV a lot of music done by legendary musicians. They really inspired me to even venture into writing music.

Not forgetting the love and support I received from friends and family. They encouraged me to go for it!

Besides doing rap music, I diversify in other genres, including bongo and reggae.

At what point did you decide to go at it like a pro?

That has to be in 2017. I have since released five songs with quality music videos.

It has been challenging, but with me putting more effort and doing  a lot of research and consultations, I have been able to get it going.

As a flourishing artiste, what are the challenges you face and how do you overcome them, especially being a police officer?

Raymond Wambua aka Ray Bwoy.

One of the challenges is getting studio time since I work far away from locations that I can easily access studios.

This limits my consistency in music production. But I try as much as possible to utilise any free time, especially my off days, to record and give my fans some good stuff.

What are some of your music projects?

They include Preach Peace and Bible Reader, both released in 2017, Cheza  in 2018, Soldier in 2019, and my most recent is titled Bless Me. They are all available on YouTube.

Who are your music idols?

Honestly I’d say Juliani, Guardian Angel and Otile Brown.

How do you balance being in the police force and doing music?

People have always wondered how, but like I said earlier, I make good use of my off days. And by doing so, I have been able to record many songs.

I have quite a good number of them awaiting release. My bosses have also been very supportive of my talent, so when I get an opportunity, I make use of it wisely.

I am also a committed and hardworking police officer, and I guess that makes my bosses supportive.

The police service has always given me an opportunity to exploit what I got. 

The police have recently been receiving a lot of flak, because of increasing extrajudicial killings across the country. What are you doing as an artiste in the service to change the negative perspectives?

As a police officer and an artiste, I’d encourage my fans to know and understand that askari ni binadamu (police are human beings).

Not all cops are bad; we still got many of them who are friendly and have families. So, people should change their perspectives and support us to serve right. 

Anything else you would liketo add....

I’d tell every Kenyan to maintain peace, love and unity. Let’s support each other, and above all, God is always there to trust in.

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