Photo Credits:
Ousman Maregwa
Ousman's full name is Ousmane Wanjohi Maregwa. Born into a family of seven (four sons; three daughters) in Mombasa (the major coastal city in East Africa), on August 30, 1980, he is the son of a retired senior superintendent of Kenya prisons. He attended high school at St. Columbus High School, Nakuru (a major town in Rift Valley, Kenya).
His interest in music started at the age of nine, when soul music was rocking the show. He used to find himself imitating Bobby Brown and Jimmy Cliff. He really wished he could sing like them, but being a shy boy, he didn't let anyone know for fear of being laughed at. Once in high school though, his longing for attention lead him to start pursuing his interest in music. He attended talent searches organized in school and occasionally even won prizes. People were amazed by his unique voice, and he started becoming popular. After completing his secondary education, he started chasing his dream of music.
He first secured a recording deal at Scratch Records in Nairobi in October 2002, and released his first single "Jaribu tena," which means "try again," but it didn't receive the air play he hoped for. In April 2003 he recorded his first hit song called "Dundaa," meaning "bounce." And later that year he did a video for it, which scooped a C.H.A.T. award. Also, competing against other established artists like Prezzo, Tattuu and Wakimbizi in the best new artist category, he came on top of the pile. In July 2004, he released his second and third songs "Rising Sun" and "V.I.P. Love," which later became hit songs in August.
The "Rising Sun" video managed to reach the top ten charts and was on the national radio (K.B.C.) call-in charts for two months.
His major inspirers are Jimmy Cliff, Bobby Brown, the late reggae icon Dennis Brown and Wycleff Jean. One of his core beliefs is that nothing can beat talent, hard work and commitment to achieve one's career goals.
— Courtesy Calabash Music