Blind gospel singer Dennis Kariuki alias Denno is once again making headlines because of financial difficulties, he is flat broke.
Denno shot to fame in May 2012 when Daddy Owen featured him in his hit song ‘Mbona’. It was a big hit being the most downloaded song in 2012 and 2013.
In 2015, Denno caused a big scandal when Bahati who was speaking on his behalf slammed Daddy Owen claiming that he ripped him off.
Bahati claimed that Denno was living in poverty because Daddy Owen didn’t give him revenue generated by ‘Mbona’ hit song. He indicated that Owen owed the blind singer Ksh1 million.
“I appreciate Daddy Owen because he helped me penetrate into the music industry. After we released Mbona, things took a downswing. It reached a point where I vowed to give up in music; that was in 2013. That is the time I met Bahati. He asked me why I have not released any other hit. I told him, I record songs, but they are never given ample airtime because of challenges I would not disclose,” Denno told former Kiss FM presenters Kalekye Mumo and Shaffie Weru.
Denno also claimed that he did receive any royalties for their hit song ‘Mbona’.
Daddy Owen’s brother Rufftone quickly took to social media to counter Denno and Bahati’s allegations.
Rufttone stated that his brother gave Denno Ksh1 million and also established a business venture for him.
“I have seen that Bahati’s article on Denno and I think it is sad. Personally I know many could be pointing fingers at Daddy Owen secretly in their hearts but I am a witness to Daddy Owen starting a business for Denno,” read Rufftone’s Facebook post in part.
“You all remember Daddy Owen giving Denno one million shillings. So many things could have happened but I think new financial systems and investment programmes should be introduced for artists’ empowerment,” he added.
Denno however refuted Rufftone’s claims in a quick rejoinder;
“I am very much saddened when I hear Rufftone saying that I was given Ksh1 million and misused it. I was not given the said Ksh1 million. I don’t know why Rufftone is saying that,” said Denno.
Daddy Owen on his part refused to comment on the issue, he met Denno after the allegations were raised by Bahati.
“I talked to Denno yesterday and agreed to have a meeting with his family. We discussed a few issues. However, the best thing for me is not to comment on what is being rumored out there. My level in ministry, does not allow me to engage in blame games,” said Daddy Owen.
Bahati signed Denno to his EMB records and even collaborated with him to release a song dubbed ‘Story Yangu’ in December 2015.
Fast forward to February 2022, Denno is back to poverty and this time round he can’t blame Daddy Owen or even Bahati.
Denno’s wife Faith Naliaka opened up on being stricken by poverty while speaking during an interview with Chris Baraka.
Naliaka lamented that lack of finances has been a big challenge to her husband’s music career.
Denno’s wife revealed that her husband has been struggling financially ever since he parted ways with Bahati. The blind singer was signed by EMB records which is owned by Bahati before the two went their separate ways.
“From the time they terminated the contract music has been challenging because production is expensive. He has however been busy making music but the songs have not been produced. He is a very good songwriter but most of the time he is stressed because his music does not sell,” Naliaka said.
Naliaka further disclosed that Denno is depressed because his solo projects have failed to take off.
“If you are in a marriage and your partner is stressed we are all affected. When he does solo projects they don’t sell but when he does collabos they fly. I think this is because People feel like he should be helped by other artists so that he can make it. There are times he has almost given up,” said Denno’s wife.
