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Ringtone Apoko on why he returned to his school outreach mission
24th May, 2026 12:57 PM
Veteran gospel musician Alex Nyachonga Apoko, widely known as Ringtone, has opened up about his decision to return to school outreach ministry and inspirition behind his latest hit song dubbed Neema.
In a candid interview with Milele FM, Ringtone said that his journey back to preaching was shaped by personal struggles, reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Speaking about his experience, Ringtone recalled a period when he was briefly held in a police custody for nearly a week, revealing that he was initially denied cash bail before eventually being released.
He said that while in custody, he had time to reflect deeply on his life and even began writing his song Neema, inspired by what he described as God’s grace in his journey.
“Nilikuwa niko kizimbani for almost a week, nilikuwa nimenyimwa cash bail mwanzoni, so wakati nilikuwa niko kizimbani ndio niliweza kuandika Neema,” Ringtone revealed.
Journey of reflection and faith
Ringtone said his story begins from humble beginnings, noting that he is an orphan who grew up on the streets and has gone through many challenges in life. He emphasised that he sees his current success as a result of God’s grace, saying it is what has brought him to where he is today.
He added that after his release, he made a personal commitment to return fully to God and his earlier calling of preaching in schools.
“Niliweza kukumbuka mahali mungu amenitoa, mimi ni yatima mbaye nilikuwa kwa streets,nimepitia mambo mengi na nikaweza kuangalia ni neema ya mungu ndio imenifikisha mahali nimefika. Nilisema nikitoka pale nitamurudia mungu,” he added.
School outreach mission
The musician further explained that he had previously been active in school outreach missions but stepped away at some point.
He said success and sudden financial gain led him to lose focus, admitting that he was tempted by lifestyle changes and distractions that pulled him away from ministry work.
Additionally, Ringtone noted that since his return, some people have questioned his renewed involvement in school outreach, with others assuming that his relevance or influence had declined. However, he insisted that his decision is rooted in obedience to what he believes is God’s calling.
“Nilikuwa naendanga kwa mashule kuhubiri kitambo lakini ilifika wakati nikawacha shetani alinidanganya nimepata pesa mingi, imagine uko kijana unaamka asubuhi unapata account yako imefika one million, inafika wakati unaona ata kuhubiria watoto wanakupigia kelele,” Ringtone explained.
“Lakini baada ya kutoka kizimbani nilianza kuhubiri tena kwa mashule, watu hawaelewi ni kwa nini ninaenda tena kwa mashule, wenginbe wanafikiri ni nyota yangu imeshuka lakini naenda ni kwa sababu najaribu kuambia mungu uliniita .”
