Veteran gospel musician Daddy Owen has shared fresh insights into his views on marriage, relationships and personal growth after spending more than two decades in the limelight.
Speaking during an interview on the Lessons at 30 podcast hosted by Dr Ofweneke, the celebrated singer offered a rare glimpse into his private life, describing marriage as a “kisima kirefu” – a very deep well whose complexities many people only understand after entering it.
The candid conversation saw the award-winning gospel artist reflect on love, family, career success and the lessons he has learned throughout his remarkable journey in Kenya’s entertainment industry.
Marriage Is Beautiful but Complex
During the interview, Daddy Owen emphasized that he remains a strong believer in marriage despite his personal experiences.
The gospel star described marriage as one of life’s most beautiful institutions but acknowledged that it comes with challenges that many people often underestimate.
“Marriage is a very beautiful thing, and I’m always pro-marriage,” he said.
However, he explained that maturity and personal responsibility are crucial ingredients for a successful union.
According to Owen, many people blame circumstances or other individuals when relationships fail, yet choosing a life partner is a personal decision that comes with consequences.
The singer noted that he has learned valuable lessons from both marriage and life outside marriage, giving him a broader perspective on relationships.
Why He Calls Marriage a ‘Deep Well’
One of the most memorable moments from the interview came when Daddy Owen referenced a popular teaching by a Tanzanian pastor who compared marriage to a very deep well.
According to the analogy, those who are inside the well desperately want to get out, while those who are outside are doing everything possible to get in.
The gospel musician said the illustration perfectly captures the realities of marriage and the expectations people often have before entering it.
“I’ve lived both. I’ve lived in marriage and I’ve lived outside marriage and I can tell you for free marriage is one of those things that is just good to have. It’s not a must but it’s something good to have,” he explained.
While maintaining his support for marriage, Owen stressed that it should not be viewed as the only path to happiness or fulfillment.
Instead, he believes it becomes worthwhile when two mature people genuinely connect and commit to building a life together.
Building the Family Dream
Daddy Owen revealed that throughout his twenties, one of his biggest ambitions was creating a stable and comfortable life for his future family.
He worked tirelessly to establish his music career and achieve financial stability with the hope of providing a solid foundation for his wife and children.
“I really worked so hard to make sure that I achieve a lot of things just to make sure that I set up a very good family for my kids, for my wife and everything. That was my dream,” he said.
Like many young men, he envisioned marriage and family life as central components of his future.
Although life did not unfold exactly as planned, the singer says those experiences have shaped his current understanding of relationships and personal growth.
From Eastlands Streets to Gospel Stardom
The interview also revisited Daddy Owen’s inspiring life story.
Long before becoming one of Kenya’s most successful gospel artists, Owen lived a vastly different life in Nairobi’s Eastlands.
He openly admitted that he was once involved in gang activities and street culture, a period he now describes as one of the darkest chapters of his life.
A tragic incident eventually changed everything.
The singer lost one of his eyes during a violent confrontation, an event that became a turning point in his life.
Rather than allowing the tragedy to define him, he embraced faith and began a journey that would eventually transform him into one of the most recognizable names in gospel music.
Since releasing his first song in 2002, Daddy Owen has built a career spanning more than 25 years, producing numerous hits and earning widespread recognition across East Africa.
Protecting His Private Life
Another major revelation from the interview was Owen’s decision to keep his future relationships away from the public eye.
The musician admitted that handling romantic relationships under intense public scrutiny has been one of his greatest challenges.
He described himself as “very poor” when it comes to managing public relationships and said he has learned the importance of protecting his peace.
As a result, he has decided that any future relationship or marriage will remain entirely private.
Whether he chooses to stay single or eventually remarry, Owen says the public will not know about it.
The singer believes that excessive public attention can turn personal matters into unnecessary controversies and complications.
Choosing Peace Over Public Attention
For Daddy Owen, privacy has become a valuable shield against criticism and speculation.
Having spent years in the spotlight, he understands the pressures that come with celebrity status and the impact public opinion can have on personal relationships.
His decision reflects a growing trend among public figures who are increasingly choosing to separate their professional lives from their personal affairs.
By keeping future relationships private, Owen hopes to focus on what truly matters without the distractions that often accompany fame.
A Message of Growth and Maturity
Beyond discussions about marriage, Daddy Owen’s interview offered a powerful message about growth, accountability and self-awareness.
His reflections highlighted the importance of learning from past experiences while remaining open to new opportunities and perspectives.
After more than two decades in the public eye, the gospel singer continues to inspire many through both his music and his personal journey.
For Owen, marriage remains a beautiful institution, but one that requires wisdom, maturity and realistic expectations.
And while he may choose to keep future relationships out of the spotlight, his lessons on love, responsibility and personal growth continue to resonate with fans across Kenya and beyond.