This archive report was first published on 19 July 2020.
On Sunday, July 19, 2020, Paul Wekesa, a little-known gospel singer, became an instant sensation as thousands of Kenyans rallied to support him.
Wekesa's journey to fame began when he approached online comedian and influencer King Kalala, real name Prudence Tonui, by the roadside and asked her to subscribe to his YouTube channel. Kalala, who had a significant online following, shared details of their encounter and challenged Kenyans to help Wekesa reach his goal of 1,000 subscribers.
Thanks to Kalala's appeal, Wekesa gained over 1,600 subscribers in a matter of hours, surpassing his target. The surge in subscribers put Wekesa in a better position to monetize his content, as YouTube requires creators to have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours on their videos within the past twelve months to qualify for monetization.
As Wekesa continued to gain popularity, Kalala advised him to make the most of the opportunity. "I appreciate the support you've shown him. Thank you very much. I hope he makes the best of the opportunity he has and be the best he can be," she wrote.
Wekesa's newfound fans also streamed and shared his singles, including 'Anania na Safira', 'Mletee Bwana', and 'Mungu Alinena Na Musa'. The singer's dedication truly paid off, and he received support from notable figures, including Ryan Leslie, who wrote, "Do your thing sasa. Now you have a new fan base now. God bless you," on 'Anania na Safira'.
Many who supported Wekesa noted that it was commendable that Kenyans came together to take him one step closer to his dreams.
