JAGUAR: Am More than a Musician

His hit Kigeugeu has been a hot item on Tanzania’s airwaves, and two weeks ago Jaguar, aka Charles Njagua, proved that he has what it takes to rule the region when he beat off competition in the East African Category at the Kilimanjaro Music awards.

Apart from his success in music, he is believed to be one of the richest young musicians in Kenya. This week he spoke with The Beat’s John Muchiri on his meteoric rise and the industry’s beef. Congratulations. Was this your first Kili award? Thank you and yes, it was my first Kilimanjaro Award. However, I have received other awards in Kenya and I was nominated last year in the Channel O Awards. Why didn’t you show up to pick your award? I would have loved to, but I was performing in South Sudan, I sent my fellow musician Fundi Frank to represent me. Can you say something about the beef between you and fellow musicians? I’ve only had a beef with Prezzo, nobody else. What’s the beef about? Prezzo is not a musician.

I look at him as a model since he won an award in the Best Dressed category in Chaguo La Teeniez Awards once. That’s it. Are you sure it’s not about money as it has been reported? Prezzo cannot talk about money, because I will embarrass him in that department, that is in case we are to declare our wealth. You say you are rich, what’s the source of this income? I’m an accomplished businessman; I don’t rely on music alone. What businesses are you talking about? I have a state-of-the-art garage called Jagz Auto in Nairobi’s industrial area, a fleet of taxis called Jagz cabs and a security firm called Jagz Security. A security firm? Yes, I supply guards to different companies and homes, too. Where did you get all this cash to do these businesses? I have struggled from scratch to acquire what I have. I once had to become a Matatu (DalaDala) tout just to pay for my school fees. I first wore a pair of shoes when I was 14 years old. What was the main problem? My mother died when I was a young boy and my father was never there for us. We had to fend for ourselves . I did all sorts of jobs to make ends meet and to get the education that got me where I am today. So what can you call your moment of breakthrough? When I first started doing music, it was hard but when I got the opportunity to go to the US, I was able to save money and bought my first car. I used the car as a taxi and that’s how my businesses started growing.

Do you own a house? Yes, I bought one three years ago. I couldn’t stand building one from the scratch. Why do you have bodyguards? My bodyguards are not meant to keep my fans away, but to make sure my enemies don’t touch me. I use a Range Rover Sport and my motorcade also includes a Mercedes Benz and a BMW 7 Series, which carries my people. So what’s your music plan? I’m about to release a new song (Watch this space) What’s your take on your Tanzanian fans? They are adorable. I have performed in Tanzania four times and I really like the energy in them whenever I perform there. I have had a good relationship with most Bongo artistes too; I have even recorded a song with AY. TOA MAONI YAKO HAPA CHINI