Kenyan musician Ali Yusuf alias Arrow Bwoy has opened up on the challenges he faced growing up.
Born and raised in Nairobi’s Huruma slums, Arrow Bwoy hails from a humble background as his father had two wives and 12 kids.
“Life was not handed to us on a silver platter. We never knew what we would eat the coming day,” he narrated on a radio interview.
According to the “Lika” singer, their home was plagued with violence as his father often assaulted his mother physically.
“Aged around eight, I witnessed my dad beating up mum on several occasions.
“I believe tough times and a limited income source led to my father getting frustrated, hence the violence,” he said.
The violent episodes he witnessed eventually rubbed off on the singer as he viewed violence as the solution to everything.
“I became violent at some point and would have no problem hitting even girls. I saw violence as the solution to everything.”
Unable to bear the beatings anymore, Arrow Bwoy’s mum relocated to Uganda, severing ties with his father. Arrow Bwoy studied in Uganda for a while before relocating back to Kenya.
The singer however revealed that he has since forgiven his father.
“He had his problems but they were lessons to me. I would never want any child to go through what I went through.
“Uhusiano wangu naye uko freshi after all, he’s my father. We’re not that close but we speak occasionally.
“I don’t like sharing my story since I believe other people are going through worse and I don’t want sympathy,” said the singer.