Why I broke up with singer Amani – ‘Zigo’ star AY finally opens up

Legendary Tanzanian rapper Ambwene Yessaya (AY) has finally opened up about his relationship with Kenyan singer Cecilia Wairimu (Amani).

In a Tanzanian newspaper (Amani) column, AY says he had promised his fans he will spill the beans as to why his relationship with the Without You singer failed. True to his word, he did.

“I met Amani in 2005. We became close friends and later, lovers. We loved and respected each other. In 2007, we split. (Contrary to what many speculated), misunderstanding and quarrel did not contribute to the break up. The distance and expenses incurred (in making the relationship work) were the main reasons we went our separate ways. Neither I nor Amani was ready to relocate to the other’s native country; patriotism played a part in our stance,” he explained.

According to the Zigo hitmaker, Amani is fiercely patriotic: “Everyone loves his or her country; you never tell Amani anything negative about Kenya; she loves her (Kenya) very much. I am also a proud Tanzanian.”

Despite going their separate ways, AY still holds Amani in high esteem.

“I will live to respect Amani, her decisions and her choice to love another man. During our dating stint, Amani taught me something – that Kenyan women are very decisive and firm! I appreciate Amani because she never mixed business with pleasure,” he said.

“After breaking up with Amani, I got into a relationship with popular designer Asia Idarous’ daughter Dida Idarous. We dated for two years but separated due to irreconcilable ideological differences.”

Though his relationships didn’t work out, his music was successful.

“Away from matters love, I continued with doing music. I became very successful – I got opportunities to perform in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Dubai, India, South Africa, Malaysia, Russia, England, and USA among other nations. I thank God life continued normally and I even put up my own production company called Mkasi. It produces television programmes and media commercials.”

However, one thing that he still desires is a family.

“With all that success God has granted me, I have never been lucky to have my own baby. It is purely out of choice though. I, however, will like to have two children once I get a worthy woman for a wife.”

In addition to music, AY has tried his hand at acting.

“Before hooking up with Amani, I featured in a movie called Girlfriend. It is a film that mirrors the lives of musicians. It boasts of a star-studded cast. The actors and actresses include Khaleed Mohamed ‘TID’, Gwamaka Kaihula ‘King Crazy GK’, Juma Mohamed ‘Jay Moe’, Ambwene Yessaya ‘AY’, Yvonne Otieno ‘Monalisa’ , Beatrice Morris ‘Nina’, Sultan Tamba among others.”

“I have never thought of casting in another film production since starring in Girlfriend. However, my voice and image have continuously been used by corporate in Tanzania and beyond for commercial purposes,” said the Vuka Border hit-maker.