Kenyan rapper Octopizzo is in mourning following the death of his longtime manager and close confidant, Victor Ongaya, who succumbed to complications related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disease. The news, confirmed by Octopizzo on social media, has sent waves of grief through the Kenyan music industry, where Ongaya was respected as one of the most quietly influential figures behind the success of many artists.
In a heartfelt tribute, Octopizzo described Ongaya as “the creative genius behind my brand and the brother I never had.” The pair had worked together for over 15 years, a partnership that began in 2009 when Octopizzo was still a struggling rapper from Kibera trying to find his voice in Nairobi’s competitive hip-hop scene. Ongaya saw potential where few others did. He took on the role of mentor, manager, and business strategist, shaping not just Octopizzo’s music but his identity as a socially conscious and globally recognized artist.
Their relationship went far beyond the typical artist-manager dynamic. It was a brotherhood forged in long studio nights, tight budgets, and relentless ambition. Octopizzo has often credited Ongaya for helping him transition from street rap battles to the main stages of Kenya’s entertainment industry. From his early breakout singles like Namba Nane and Voices of Kibera to later hits such as Something for You and Lamu Nights, Ongaya’s fingerprints were everywhere — from production choices and video concepts to brand partnerships and global outreach.
News of Ongaya’s passing spread quickly across social media, with fans and fellow artists sending condolences and tributes. The rapper shared that Ongaya had been battling ALS for some time but kept his illness private, determined to continue working behind the scenes even as his health deteriorated. ALS affects the brain’s ability to control voluntary muscles, leading to progressive weakness, paralysis, and ultimately respiratory failure. It’s a disease that demands immense courage — and those close to Ongaya say he fought it with dignity and grace until the very end.
“He was still checking on me, still sending me ideas even when he could barely type,” Octopizzo shared in one post. “That’s how committed he was.”
Plans for Ongaya’s funeral are already underway, with a memorial service scheduled before his burial in Kakamega on October 25. Octopizzo has appealed to friends, fans, and the public for support to give his manager a dignified send-off, noting that Ongaya’s contributions to Kenya’s music scene deserve to be remembered and celebrated.
Beyond his managerial role with Octopizzo, Victor Ongaya was known in creative circles as a visionary with a deep understanding of branding and narrative in music. He was among the early proponents of what he called “art with purpose”, encouraging musicians to use their platforms for social change. It’s a philosophy that became central to Octopizzo’s own career and humanitarian work, including his outreach to refugees through the Refugeenius Project and his partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).