Gospel singer Ringtone visits Maddox at rehab, shares his journey from street life to success
By Valerian Khakayi, August 4, 2026Gospel singer Alex Apoko, widely known as Ringtone, has paid a visit to Gengetone musician Maddox at a rehabilitation centre, where he encouraged him by sharing his own inspiring journey from street life to success.
Speaking to Maddox on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Ringtone told the musician that although their circumstances may be different, he believes God has a purpose for everything happening in his life.
He added that God was preparing Maddox to become an example to others who may be going through similar struggles.
“Nataka nikuambie mahali umefika, situation yako na yangu si different lakini kuna reason kwa nini God ametaka ihappen vile imehappen, it is because you are going to be a great person,” Ringtone said.
“Mungu anakuongoza na alitaka ikuwe hivi ndio ukuwe example.”
Ringtone of his childhood
To encourage Maddox, Ringtone recounted his own difficult childhood, revealing that he lost both his parents before he had the chance to know them.
“Mimi baba yangu alikufa kabla nimwone, mimi mama yangu alikufa kabla nimwone, nikiwa seven years nilikuwa street boy, nilikuwa navuta gum, na lala kwa street na kula kwa pipa,” he added.
Despite his hardships, Ringtone said he held on to four dreams that kept him going. He wanted to board an aeroplane, travel to America, live in a permanent house instead of the mud house where he was born, and become wealthy.
“Lakini nilikuwa na ndoto nne; nilikuwa nataka kabla ni kufe nipande ndege, niende America, niishi kwa nyumba iko cemented; nilizaliwa kwa nyumba ya matope, dream yangu ya nne nilikuwa nataka kabla nikufe nikuwe sonko,” he stated.
Ringtone revealed that his desire to change his life led him to Mombasa after hearing stories that elderly foreign tourists could help people financially.
However, instead of finding the financial breakthrough he expected, he met a born-again Christian who asked why he was searching for an elderly foreigner. After listening to Ringtone’s story, the man shared the gospel with him and encouraged him to put his trust in God.
“Mimi nilianza kutafuta safari vile nitakuwa sonko na nikakuwa vitu mingi sana mbaka mwishowe nikasikia Mombasa kunakuwanga na wanyanya wazungu wazee so nilienda kutafuta mzungu mzee Mombasa, Kufika huko God akacreate scnerio; ule mtu nilienda kumuuliza vile nitapata mzungu akaniuliza mbona na tafuta mzungu,” Ringtone revealed.
“Nilimwambia story yangu ndio anihurumie lakini alikuwa ameokoka akaweza kunihubiria na akaniambia nijaribu Mungu. Kujaribu Mungu ni mbaka ni mahali nimefika.”
He urged Maddox not to lose hope, assuring him that his current challenges do not define his future and encouraging him to remain faithful because better days lie ahead.