Exclusive: The late Magufuli helped me build my restaurant – Atommy Sifa
By George OdiwuorHoma Bay’s finest Benga star Atommy Sifa compares himself to Congolese musician Fally Ipupa and other successful artists.
Sifa runs a bar and restaurant about five kilometres from Adiedo trading centre in Kanyaluo ward, Homa Bay County.
He owns Rock City Jungle Resort, which he built with funds he says he received from former Tanzanian president, the late John Magufuli.
“While I was in exile – after composing a song for pr, I composed a song for the late president. He paid me and I decided to use the money to invest in the entertainment industry,” Sifa said.
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He employs eight people at the bar, including a security guard, a cashier, waiters and a manager.
At his peak, Sifa, a father of six, composed a number of songs, including some praising Mr Odinga.
Other notable personalities in some of his songs include Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga, former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero and former Homa Bay governor Cyprian Awiti.
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However, he said the songs have not meant much to him as most people, especially politicians, only use him to gain fame but later dump him.
According to the musician, he instead received threatening messages on his life when one of the songs received more attention than the other.
“The other group perceived me as an enemy when a song they said was against them trended. I had to do the same for the other group to save my life, but I didn’t get paid for either,” said Sifa.
He prays for politicians who have risen partly because of the songs he has composed, praising them to pay for the services.
Sifa said he would use the money to finish the construction of his restaurant.
“My restaurant has a part that is not finished. The payment for the songs I composed will enable me to complete the project,” he said.
Also read: Exclusive: Politicians used and dumped me! – Atommy Sifa