In the early 2000s, Deux Vultures was a household name in Kenya’s music scene, known for their unique fusion of hip hop and pop. Comprising Colonel Mustapha (Mustapha Mohammed) and Nasty Thomas (Thomas Konzanga), the duo captured the hearts of many with their catchy tunes, slick rhymes, and authentic vibe. Despite growing up in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Deux Vultures were Kenyan artists through and through, representing the diverse and rich music culture of East Africa.
The Beginnings: From “Desert Vultures” to “Deux Vultures”
Deux Vultures didn’t start as the two-man show we remember today. Originally known as Desert Vultures, the group had as many as 20 members, but over time, the group narrowed down to Mustapha and Nasty Thomas, and they rebranded as Deux Vultures. Like many Kenyan artists of that era, the duo honed their craft at Florida 2000 nightclub jam sessions in Nairobi, a popular launching pad for aspiring musicians.
Their breakout hit “Mona Lisa” became a national sensation in Kenya, marking their entry into the mainstream. The song’s infectious beat and romantic theme captured the hearts of many, making it one of the most memorable hits of its time.
Success and Collaborations
Deux Vultures’ success continued with the release of their album “Katika” in 2004, which further solidified their place in the Kenyan music industry. They also ventured into collaborations, one of the most notable being with Benga musician Dola Kabarry on the track “Adhiambo C.” This song, which fused hip hop with traditional Benga, was a massive hit, showcasing their versatility and appeal across different genres.
Another of their notable tracks, “Kinyaunyau,” became popular for its catchy and witty lyrics, maintaining their status as one of Kenya’s top music groups of the time.
Challenges and Label Changes
In 2003, Deux Vultures made a bold move by leaving Ogopa Deejays, a record label that had been instrumental in shaping their early success. Alongside other artists like Longombas and Mr. Googz & Vinnie Banton, they formed their own label, Bad Man Camp. However, the music industry is not always smooth sailing, and after some time, Deux Vultures, like Longombas, eventually returned to Ogopa Deejays. Their time away from the powerhouse label was short-lived, but it was a sign of the challenges they faced in navigating the fast-paced music business.
In 2004, Deux Vultures won the Best Group from Tanzania & Uganda category at the Kisima Music Awards, but they were not entirely pleased with the accolade. They publicly expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that they were a Kenyan group and should not have been awarded in that category, which highlighted the complexities of their identity and upbringing between Tanzania and Kenya.
The Downfall and Separate Paths
As with many successful duos, cracks began to appear, and by 2010, Nasty Thomas parted ways with Colonel Mustapha to pursue a solo career. Unfortunately, this marked the beginning of a downward spiral for the group. While Mustapha remained in the music scene, Nasty Thomas faded from the public eye.
Nasty Thomas relocated to Norway, where he left his music career behind and pursued a new path as a fitness instructor. He settled into a quieter life with his Norwegian wife, embracing a completely different lifestyle than his days as one-half of Deux Vultures.
For Colonel Mustapha, the story was different. He tried to maintain his presence in the music industry, but it became increasingly difficult as the duo’s popularity faded. Mustapha faced numerous personal challenges, including rumors of alcohol addiction and a struggle to sustain a stable source of income.
Colonel Mustapha’s Struggles and Resilience
In 2022, photos of Colonel Mustapha surfaced online, showing him working on construction sites, doing “mjengo” (manual labor) in Mombasa. The images sparked concern among fans and fellow artists. It was soon revealed that Mustapha was working the job to support his ailing mother, who needed urgent medical treatment. The story touched the hearts of many Kenyans, and several artists, including Jaguar and Nameless, reached out to offer their support.
Mustapha’s candidness about his struggles highlighted the reality faced by many artists who, despite fame, encounter financial instability when the spotlight fades. His story of taking on any job necessary to care for his family resonated deeply with many Kenyans, showcasing the resilience and dedication of a man who was once at the pinnacle of Kenya’s music industry.
While rumors circulated about Mustapha’s alleged struggles with alcohol, his focus has been on picking up the pieces and moving forward. His tenacity and transparency about his personal life have endeared him to fans once again.
The Legacy of Deux Vultures
Despite the challenges they faced, Deux Vultures remains one of Kenya’s most iconic duos. Their hits like “Mona Lisa,” “Adhiambo C,” and “Kinyaunyau” continue to be remembered as classics of the early 2000s Kenyan music scene. The duo’s ability to merge different musical styles, from hip hop to benga, set them apart from their peers and cemented their place in Kenya’s rich musical history.
Though Nasty Thomas has moved on from music, and Colonel Mustapha continues to face personal battles, their impact on the Kenyan music industry is undeniable. Deux Vultures was a symbol of musical innovation and cultural fusion, and their contributions will always be celebrated.
Conclusion
Deux Vultures had a meteoric rise in the Kenyan music industry, and while their journey was filled with highs and lows, they made a significant impact during their time together. From their early days as part of a larger group to becoming one of Kenya’s top duos, their music captured the essence of early 2000s Kenyan pop and hip hop.
As we look back on their legacy, we remember the hits, the challenges, and the resilience of both Colonel Mustapha and Nasty Thomas. While their paths have diverged, their music will always remain a testament to their talent and creativity.
Big salute to Deux Vultures—the legends who helped shape Kenyan music.
 and Nasty Thomas (Thomas Konzanga), the duo captured the hearts of many with their catchy tunes, slick rhymes, and authentic vibe.){kind=link}