Fathermoh, The King of Crafting Catchy Hooks, Unplanned Hits, and Revolutionizing TikTok

17 January 2024

[Fathermoh/Pulse Kenya]

Written by Pharis Kinyua

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Fathermoh, a rising star in the Kenyan music scene, in just about two years, has taken the industry by storm with his knack for creating infectious hooks, unplanned hits, and an uncanny ability to ride the TikTok wave.

Fathermoh A Humble Beginning

Would you believe that Fathermoh's very first foray into songwriting resulted in a viral sensation? His debut track, 'Wagithomo,' became an instant hit, garnering over 2 million views on YouTube. It's a remarkable journey that began not with dreams of musical stardom, but with the inspiration sparked by an unexpected encounter.

Before his musical breakthrough, Fathermoh was leading a simple life, selling slippers and smokies in Nairobi's Komarock area. However, a pivotal moment occurred when he witnessed Swat of Ethic Entertainment filming a music video. That experience proved to be the catalyst for Fathermoh's entry into the world of music.

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The idea of becoming famous through music started to take shape in Fathermoh's mind, and he decided to give it a try. 'Wagithomo' was the result of this newfound aspiration. At the time, he didn't even own a mobile phone, and he relied on friends to keep him updated about the song's reception.

However, his journey had only just begun. His next track, 'Shamra Shamra,' was a revelation. He wrote it one morning at 9:00 am without a beat, and it became an even bigger hit, amassing over 10 million views. The songwriting magic had truly begun.

Fathermoh And The Art of Crafting Catchy Hooks

His success can be attributed to his unique approach to songwriting. His process often starts with a melody that plays in his head. The melody serves as the foundation, and from there, he begins to weave the lyrics that will complete the song. This process, where music begins with a mental tune, is the essence of his creative prowess.

But it's not just the traditional music industry that has propelled Fathermoh to stardom. TikTok played a pivotal role in the spread of his music. He shared snippets of his songs on the platform, and the result was a groundswell of enthusiasm from users who couldn't get enough of his catchy tunes.

For instance, the hit song 'Kaskie Vibaya' took an unexpected turn. Fathermoh and Ssaru, another talented artist, were in the studio exchanging banter at 10:00 a.m. Initially, the song didn't capture the vibe they were looking for, and they decided to explore other ideas. However, he took the initiative to post a TikTok video featuring 'Kaskie Vibaya' as the background sound, and the video went viral. Fans clamored for the full song.

"After it blew up on TikTok and for two months people were demanding we release the song. We linked up with Ssaru again to complete it because it was just the chorus at the time," he explained. This pattern, of TikTok virality leading to mainstream success, is a testament to the changing dynamics of the music industry in the digital age.

Fathermoh Unplanned Hits and Collaborative Magic

His journey is a testament to the serendipity of the music world. His involvement in the hit song 'Miss Behaviour' alongside Boutross and Savara happened entirely by accident. He was initially invited by Vic West, the song's producer, to accompany him to a studio session with Boutross, Savara, and Harry Craze.
As the artists in the studio worked on the song, Fathermoh sat on the sidelines, not actively participating. However, creativity often strikes when least expected. A melody popped into Fathermoh's mind, and he started jotting down lyrics. Initially, he contemplated keeping the idea to himself for a future paid collaboration.

Yet, fate had other plans. Vic West managed to share the demo with Boutross and Savara, who were immediately impressed by Fathermoh's catchy hook. That fortuitous moment marked his inclusion in the song, highlighting the unpredictability of the music industry and the power of collaboration.

Fathermoh's journey, from a street vendor to a viral sensation and talented songwriter, is a testament to the potential that lies within the hearts of aspiring artists. In just a couple of years, he's achieved certified hits, TikTok fame, and a burgeoning career. His story underlines the fact that in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, talent and innovation are the keys to success. He continues to craft catchy hooks and ride the waves of unplanned hits.