Thursday, 5 November 2026
Kenyan Digest

Tallie, 'I started singing as a punishment!'

3 min read
Published

Tallie

When a school punishment leads to undiscovered talent, that’s plain kismet!

It couldn’t be more clear for the then 13-year-old Tallie arriving late to mass one morning, is what propelled her into discovering her singing abilities.

We must acknowledge the teacher that forced her to lead the Psalms for this wonderful fate.

Tallie is ready to take centre stage. Named as one to watch, she is a highly driven brand new talent with some upbeat collaborations under her belt including ‘Hautawezana’ ft Uxleslie & Goonjoe and ‘Good Love’ with Obinna.

Despite her singing “accident”, Tallie is determined and confident and not afraid of pulling in audiences around Kenya and exporting her success internationally.

‘Babe, such things break marriages,’ Bahati tells Diana

Never one for stage fright, she has had a wide number of live gigs to boast of. But the most significant thus far has been performing at the peace concerts in Nairobi and Mombasa during the 2018 presidential elections, empowering Kenyans to vote in harmony. Simply inspiring.

Tallie

Here is a one on one with Tallie to get to know her better.

When did you get into music?
I got into professional music in 2016 and had to take a break because I just started school and juggling the two was a bit of a challenge then. I got back to music in 2018 with my song “Good love’ featuring Obinna

Meet Mbosso’s son with mystery Kenyan bae from Malindi

Which famous musicians do you admire?
Tiwa Savage, Atemi, Beyonce

What is your fondest musical memory?
It has to be rapping to Khaligraph’s part on Biashara Remix while he was on stage. He was so impressed that I could rap his part word for word. The recognition was a highlight for me.

If you could be a fruit, which one would you be?
A banana or apple

How did you get into music?
I started singing as a punishment. We have mass once a week and everyone was required to attend without fail. I was a few minutes late on one day and my teacher punished me by asking me to sing the Psalm during the service. After this, my friends complimented me and I began looking at music as a career option.

How do you balance your music career and other obligations?
I simply plan my time better. In school, we have the option of choosing schedules that one is comfortable with. I chose classes that allow me to focus on school and also give adequate time for my music

‘I have forgiven Ivy Wangechi’s killer,’ says Shosh Beatrice

If you were not a musician, what would you be doing now?
I would definitely be a journalist or a news anchor

What do you think about the trending ‘play Kenyan Music’ hashtag?
It is such a great initiative. Charity begins at home and I believe it’s about time we focused on growing the Kenyan entertainment industry using our own talent.

Tallie

‘Don’t take yourself to the slaughter house,’ City girl warning goes viral

What is the weirdest question that you have been asked on an interview?
A presenter once asked me ‘What is the best compliment that you have been given after sex?’

If you could date any musician or celebrity, who would it be?
Locally, KRG the Don, internationally, Rotimi

What is your creative process?
Sometimes I get inspired to write before I even have a beat. My inspiration comes from the day to day activities I indulge in or just random memories that I feel should be shared through a song.

What inspires you?
Change: I aim to be able to inspire change with my followership

Message to your fans?
I am just getting started! I have so much that I want to share with everyone and I am excited about this journey.