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From church choir to hitmaker: Okello Max on his musical roots
28th June, 2025 04:08 AM
Multitalented musician and songwriter Julius Mcrymboh Okello, widely known as Okello Max, has rapidly risen through Kenya’s music ranks, thanks to his soulful fusion of Luo rhythms and modern Afro-soul.
His journey from humble beginnings to musical stardom is a testament to passion, resilience, and cultural pride.
Speaking during an interview on the night of Friday, June 27, 2025, the Nakufa hitmaker credited his late uncle for his musical awakening and for introducing him to church choir sessions that uncovered his vocal gifts.
He added that, besides singing in the church choir, growing up in a household where music was always playing also played a major role in shaping his musical career.
“I started doing music time nilikuwa nko church and my late uncle, yeye ndio alinishikilia kunipeleka church, kuimba choir na wazee and then after that I grew up in a family where music was always playing,” he revealed.
Okello Max added that, beyond singing in the church choir, being raised in a music-filled household and growing up in Lamu with taarab and rhumba constantly in the air deeply influenced his musical path.
“Alafu nimelelewa Lamu so mimi nimelelewa kama nasikiliza muziki, rhumba, taarab,” he added.
Musical journey
His journey in the Kenyan music scene began as a background vocalist for the renowned singer Dela. This early exposure allowed him to showcase his talents to a broader audience.
Max came to the limelight in 2019 when he featured as a background singer in Sauti Sol’s hit song dubbed “Extravaganza”. That same year, he released his debut single, “Kiss“, marking his emergence as a solo artiste.
The Rhumba Japani hitmaker has established himself as a leading figure in East African music throughout his career and has also gained international recognition.
His music is characterised by a fusion of genres, including gengetone, bongo flava, afro soul, rumba congolaise, and afro R&B, often infused with Dholuo flavour, reflecting his cultural heritage.
He is currently a member of Kodong Klan, a dynamic Kenyan music collective that’s reshaping the country’s musical landscape.
The group features notable artists such as Bensoul, Coster Ojwang, Charisma, Mordecai Dex (from H_art the Band), and Watendawili (comprising Ywaya Tajiri and Israel Onyach).
