Back in 2013, singing duo Amos and Josh stole Kenyans’ hearts right after finishing up among the top 3 finalists in the coveted Tusker Project Fame singing competition.
Although they didn’t win the Sh5 million from the competition, the platform launched them onto the Kenyan music scene, winning hearts with their melodic records and performances.
What followed was a run that many young artists only dream of. The duo dropped hit after hit, including Nerea, Baadaye, and Promised Land, songs that dominated airwaves and cemented their place in the music industry.
But just three years into what looked like a long, glittering journey, the dream abruptly stalled. Amos and Josh split.
Looking back, Joshua Simani, alias Josh Manio, says the breakup was fueled by a mix of personal missteps, industry pressure, and the dizzying weight of fame.
He takes the blame, saying the cracks began with a drastic lifestyle change that slowly spiralled out of control.
“Lifestyle change was our major undoing. I got into alcoholism and sheesha, and it got really bad. I would drink the whole night, to the point I was always the last person to leave the club. I was always blacking out.”
At their peak, Josh says they made a lot of money, and opportunities were endless. Yet handling fame proved far more difficult than expected.
“The brand Amos and Josh only existed for three years. The fame that came with it was tiring and confusing. No school teaches you how to handle fame. When we got into the industry, we started listening to too many people. We abandoned our vision board and got lost in the industry mayhem.”
After the fall, a period he describes as swinging like a pendulum between pain and pleasure, Josh began amending his mistakes.
He became a radio host at Perl FM, a Christian station, and later managed an entertainment joint in Nairobi. Eventually, he found his way back to faith.
“I am now back in ministry. I’m now a pastor at Life Pool Chapel, where I lead the worship team and the youth.”
As for his relationship with Amos, time and distance have created a quiet gap.
“We have been out of touch. But from what I see on social media, I think he’s doing okay. If you ask why we aren’t in touch, I’ll tell you it’s a personal decision. Everyone chose to take a different path.”
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