VJ Patelo speaks for first time after his viral wedding

Eastlands-born rapper VJ Patelo has spoken for the first time after clips of his recent wedding with long-time partner Diana went viral, stirring divided opinion online over what many described as a dramatic affair.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Oga Obinna on Monday, July 28, 2025, Patelo pushed back against such sentiments, maintaining that what people saw was only a toned-down version of what they are truly capable of.

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Patelo, who says he has always loved flamboyant expressions, especially through fashion and celebration, revealed that he and his entourage were calm throughout the day.

He insisted that those who felt the celebration was over the top did not witness their full potential, and if they had decided to go all in, it would have left people completely stunned.

“That chaos people are talking about was just a fraction. We were actually very calm. That was not even full-blown. If we really wanted to go all out and you were not ready for it, it would have been a disaster for you to witness,” he said.

He added that what most critics failed to understand was the deeper meaning and personal significance behind the wedding entourage.

 According to him, the groups of young men seen in viral clips were not just guests but close friends from his upbringing in Nairobi’s Eastlands, whom he considers lifelong companions.

“People also need to understand something about the crowd of my friends from the ghetto who were at the wedding. Most of them are morticians. That day felt like a party for them as well, but it was still my wedding. These are my lifelong friends, they are with me for eternity,” he added.

Wedding attire

Patelo also addressed his choice of fashion during the wedding, which drew plenty of attention, particularly the long silver chains he wore.

He explained that the accessories were not a sudden choice but a reflection of his style, as he has always had a deep love for silver chains and rings, even long before the wedding.

He noted that as an artiste, his fashion and flair stem from his identity and his roots in the streets, which he says inspire both his music and public persona.

“The silver chains I wore at the wedding were that long because I love them that way. I have always loved silver chains and rings. That is the inspiration behind my look,” he explained.

Artiste

Patelo further identified himself as a musician who has collaborated with groups like Mbogi Genje.

He said that he deeply relates to their lyrical content, especially as someone who grew up experiencing the same life that the group often sings about.

“I am also an artiste and I have worked with Mbogi Genje, who I really respect. They are artistes who sing about the real experiences we go through in the ghetto, and I relate with that,” he noted.

Speaking on his upbringing, Patelo said he cannot point to one exact neighbourhood where he was raised because his childhood was spread across different parts of Eastlands.

He recalled having memories in areas like Kiamaiko, Dandora, Buruburu, Kayole and several others, saying that even his schooling happened in different places.

He, however, said that he has now upgraded and lives in Utawala with his wife.

“I cannot say I was born or raised in one exact place here in Nairobi. I have grown up everywhere across Eastlands. I have lived in Kiamaiko, Dandora, Buruburu, and almost every side. Even my schooling was scattered all over. If you go to Kayole, I have memories there, too, everywhere. But currently, I live in Utawala with my beautiful wife,” he stated.

Diana’s life

On her part, his wife Diana also shared a few details about her life, momentarily shocking interviewer Obinna when she mentioned that she grew up in Lavington.

“I grew up in Lavington. I studied at South C, and I am now in the real estate business,” she said.

However, Patelo was quick to step in and clarify that although Lavington is where she currently resides, her true upbringing was in Pipeline’s Fedha estate.

He insisted that she, too, has her roots in the ghetto and that their story is one of shared humility and hustle.

“No, she actually grew up in Fedha Pipeline. Lavington is just where she lives now. She is also a ghetto girl. She was raised in Fedha. I am now managing her real estate business,” he corrected.