Musician Otile Brown revealed he is of Luo descent despite being raised in Mombasa.
During an interview with Massawe Japanni on Radio Jambo, Otile Brown opened up about his Luo background, something he rarely discusses. Though widely known as a Mombasa-born artist, Otile clarified that his roots trace back to Kisumu County.
The star admitted he was not always proud of his Luo heritage. He explained that negative stereotypes portraying Luos as arrogant and showy made him reluctant to associate himself with the community. Otile even recalled a moment when he sent money through M-Pesa, only for the recipient to loudly announce his ethnicity.
Despite being raised in a Swahili community, Otile stressed that he has never allowed tribalism to define him. According to him, talent is greater than cultural boundaries, and his success in music is proof of that belief.
The singer shared that he has five siblings but has endured the loss of both parents. He said these experiences shaped him and gave him the resilience to keep pursuing his dreams.
When asked if he would consider singing in his mother tongue, Otile responded that he is not fluent in the language. He added that he would only attempt Dholuo songs once he fully understands and masters it.
