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SNAPPY 7: Frasha – A girl once grabbed my crotch and she refused to let go


For a long time he has been known as the guy who hides himself behind dark glasses. This he did to protect his identity, as his other job demanded.

Frasha has since quit his Physiotherapist job and is no longer shy to remove the glasses for the cameras.

The P-Unit member, whose real name is Francis Amisi, spoke to Nairobi News about his family and his career in music.

1. Is it true that your song ‘Wabe’ was banned? – I don’t know when things are banned, if the authorities are supposed to send us a letter because I have no idea how it works. There has been a lot of talk about the song but I am happy because it is being played everywhere. Only the video is not being broadcast locally but other stations outside Kenya are playing the video. Our music style represents what is out there on the streets.

2. Tell us about yourself and your background? – Frasha is a father, a husband, a physiotherapist, a musician and a strong believer of giving back to the society. I was born in Machakos, schooled in Machakos then I moved to Athi River but still went to school in Machakos.

My dad used to be a promoter back in the days He used to bring in musicians like Zaiko Langa Langa to perform in Kenya. When I was born, I was named Franco. My dad just sat down and decided to name me Franco of all the names out there. One weird thing is I have met a few kids named after me.

3. Has fatherhood and marriage changed you? – I have three kids, my first born is 14 years, second born is 12 years and our third born just turned two years; two girls and a boy. Everything I do I do it for them. Back in the day we used to play a lot but once you become a father you have to get your priorities straight.

I was in the same class in collage with my wife and it took three years for her to agree to go out with me. I think God talked to her and she eventually agreed to go out with me.

4. Where did P- Unit come from? – When I first started singing I was in a group called Undercover with Wyre and another friend called Snoop. Then I decided to go back to school.

All this time I was with Bone Eye who is also a member of P-Unit and a childhood friend. I’m the one who taught him how to comb his hair. We formed a group called BEAF Bone- Eye and Frasha – our songs never left the bathroom. Things were tough, we couldn’t even afford to buy a CD back then.

Later we met Gabu through his mother who used to work at Kenyatta Hospital. Next was Nonini and after releasing our first hit single the chemistry came together and we formed P-Unit.

5. Why did you hide your identity at the beginning of your career? – It was because I used to work at Aga Khan Hospital and I didn’t want my employer and clients to know it was me who was singing those songs. I did not want it to rub people he wrong way. My boss supported me but the person who I was reporting to did not get it. I had to be more professional because it was work.

I was hiding because I didn’t want people to find out who the real me was. I also had to protect the most important thing in my life, my family. I always have to distinguish who Frasha is and who Francis is. When I get home I am a father first and all what you are seeing now comes off.

6. What is your most embarrassing moment? – There was a show we were to do at a University in Eldoret and the students were eagerly waiting for us. When I was getting on the stage to perform a girl just grabbed my crotch and she wouldn’t let go. She squeezed me so that I nearly cried. I screamed so loud. The show had to be canceled because I could not perform. It was the shortest show I have ever done. I was in pain.

7. Tell us about your charity organisation – I have an organisation called I Am Frasha Foundation. I have been to different counties doing charitable activities with a few people who help me out. We have a few partners who have come on board, but sometimes when something becomes successful you will find people coming in to start tarnishing your name.

I’m very sincere with what I do and our foundation is very credible. We welcome anybody who wants to join us. So far, we have been able to donate more than 30 wheelchairs and a tuk tuk. I would like to urge Kenyans to help out because I believe we came into this world to lift up the person who is lower than you. If you lift someone, it creates space for someone else and they also push you up.