Full Name: Jacob Obunga
Stage Name: Otile Brown
Date of Birth: March 21, 1994
Place of Birth: Kisumu, Kenya
Genres: R&B, Afrobeat, Bongo
Notable Collaborations: Khaligraph Jones, King Kaka, Sanaipei Tande, Ali Kiba, Jux, Meddy
Record Label: Independent
Debut Album: Best of Otile Brown (2017)
Latest Album: Just in Love (2020)
Early Life and Background
Born on March 21, 1994, in Kisumu, Kenya, Otile Brown, whose real name is Jacob Obunga, is the youngest of four siblings—three brothers and a sister. He was raised in Miritini, Mombasa, where his musical journey began at the age of 13. From an early age, Otile showed an affinity for music, both singing and writing his own songs, which laid the foundation for his successful career.
Growing up in a humble family, Otile’s passion for music helped him overcome challenges and remain focused on honing his talent. His love for R&B and the guitar led him to develop a unique sound that blends soulful melodies with East African rhythms, captivating audiences across the region.
Musical Career and Breakthrough
Otile Brown burst onto the Kenyan music scene with his debut single, “Imaginary Love” in 2016, featuring prominent rapper Khaligraph Jones. The track was an instant hit and catapulted Otile into the spotlight. His smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics earned him recognition as one of Kenya’s leading R&B artists.
In April 2017, Otile Brown released his debut album, Best of Otile Brown, which featured hit singles like “Basi,” “Alivyonipenda,” “Shujaa Wako,” and “DeJavu.” These songs solidified his position in the industry, earning him radio airplay and a loyal fanbase. Some of his early collaborations with well-known artists like King Kaka, Sanaipei Tande, and Barakah The Prince helped expand his reach across East Africa.
Otile’s career took a pivotal turn when he parted ways with Dreamland Music label in 2017 and chose to pursue music independently. This decision allowed him greater creative freedom, and his music began to resonate even more with his growing fanbase. His ability to blend Afrobeat, R&B, and Bongo Flava made his sound stand out in Kenya’s dynamic music scene.
Best of Otile Brown and Notable Singles
Otile Brown’s debut album, Best of Otile Brown, released in 2017, was a collection of soulful R&B tracks that showcased his lyrical prowess and emotional depth. The lead single “Imaginary Love”, featuring Khaligraph Jones, became one of the most played songs on Kenyan radio at the time.
Other notable singles from the album include:
- “Basi” (2016)
- “DeJavu” (2016)
- “Alivyonipenda” featuring King Kaka (2016)
- “Shujaa Wako” (2016)
- “Aiyolela” (2017)
In addition to his music, Otile is also known for his emotional love songs that touch on themes of romance, heartbreak, and life experiences, allowing him to connect deeply with his listeners.
Just in Love Album (2020)
In 2020, Otile released his second studio album, Just in Love, which further cemented his status as Kenya’s premier R&B artist. The album featured 11 tracks and included collaborations with various top artists from Kenya and Tanzania. The album was launched on Boomplay and received widespread praise for its production, lyrical content, and Otile’s ability to merge different musical styles seamlessly.
Key tracks from the Just in Love album include:
- “Regina” featuring Jux
- “Dusuma” featuring Meddy
- “Leila” featuring Kidum
- “Hit & Run” featuring Khaligraph Jones
- “Watoto na Pombe” featuring Mejja
- “Pretty Girls”
The album showcased Otile’s growth as an artist, blending Afrobeat with contemporary R&B while maintaining his signature sound. His collaboration with Tanzanian artist Meddy on “Dusuma” was particularly popular, garnering millions of streams and dominating East African charts.
Awards and Achievements
Otile Brown’s music has earned him numerous accolades and nominations over the years. Some of his notable recognitions include:
- 2018 Pulse Music Awards – “Male Video of the Year” for his single “Baby Love”
- 2019 HiPipo Music Awards – Nomination for “East Africa Song of the Year” with “Baby Love”
His achievements highlight his contribution to the Kenyan music industry and his role in popularizing modern R&B in East Africa.
Personal Life
Otile Brown’s personal life has also garnered media attention, especially his high-profile relationship with Kenyan socialite Vera Sidika. Their relationship was highly publicized and ultimately ended in August 2018, which sparked a significant amount of online conversation and media coverage.
Despite the spotlight on his personal life, Otile Brown has remained focused on his music, using personal experiences to craft songs that resonate deeply with his audience.
Discography
Albums:
- Best of Otile Brown (2017)
- Just in Love (2020)
Notable Singles:
- “Imaginary Love” featuring Khaligraph Jones (2016)
- “Basi” (2016)
- “Alivyonipenda” featuring King Kaka (2016)
- “DeJavu” (2016)
- “Shujaa Wako” (2016)
- “Chaguo la Moyo” featuring Sanaipei Tande (2018)
- “Baby Love” (2018)
- “Dusuma” featuring Meddy (2020)
- “Regina” featuring Jux (2020)
- “Hit & Run” featuring Khaligraph Jones (2020)
- “Pretty Girls” (2020)
- “Nabayet” (2019)
- “In Love” featuring Ali Kiba (2021)
Otile Brown’s Legacy and Influence
Otile Brown has firmly established himself as one of Kenya’s most beloved R&B artists. His ability to merge the emotional depth of R&B with the vibrant, danceable beats of Afrobeat and Bongo Flava has made him a versatile and influential figure in the East African music scene.
As an independent artist, Otile has demonstrated his determination and resilience, taking full control of his career and building a strong brand. His consistent release of hit singles and successful albums have not only earned him awards but also helped shape the sound of modern Kenyan R&B.
YouTube Links to Otile Brown’s Music
For fans who want to dive into Otile’s soulful music, here are some popular tracks:
- Otile Brown – Baby Love (Official Video)
- Otile Brown – Dusuma ft. Meddy (Official Video)
- Otile Brown – Just in Love Album (Official Audio)
Conclusion
Otile Brown continues to redefine R&B in Kenya with his heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable melodies. From his humble beginnings in Mombasa to his rise as an independent artist, Otile’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and undeniable talent. As he continues to release new music and collaborate with top artists, Otile Brown remains a key figure in shaping the future of East African music.
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