Former gospel music producer Nelson Ominde, better known as Director Tiger, has come out to narrate his financial struggles that left him homeless and sleeping in the streets of Nairobi.
Once the most sought-after gospel producers, Tiger’s name was synonymous with excellence and success in the industry. He worked with some of East Africa’s biggest gospel stars, including Bahati, Willy Paul, Christina Shusho, Shiru wa GP, and Janet Atieno.
Among his most notable contributions was Bahati’s hit song Mama, which he produced free of charge after being moved by the young artist’s story of growing up without parents.
“Bahati told me he lost his mother at a young age and never knew his father. Since I have parents, I had mercy on him and decided to support him,” Tiger recalled in a past interview.
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But years after shaping chart-topping hits, the man who once dined with stars now lives in stark contrast to his former glory, homeless and sleeping in a stall at Gikomba market.
Tiger’s career began on a high note at the age of 20 when he landed a government documentary project that earned him his first million shillings. However, sudden wealth came with reckless indulgence. He admits to having squandered his earnings on alcohol and fleeting pleasures, losing focus and straining ties with his family.
“From 2010 to 2016, my career was at its peak; however, it became shaky in sometime in 2016 when I began dating. I had been single while focusing on projects, but now I had to balance work and relationships. I wouldn’t want to point a finger, but I feel several artists were uncomfortable with me dating and still being on their projects,” he said.
Media reports have it that he later fell into depression due to failed relationship and joblessness, completely bringing his career to a halt.
Now 37, Tiger says he has overcome his past struggles but continues to live without a stable source of income. His plight has worsened after a recent attack by thugs who mistakenly believed he still had money. Despite the setbacks, he insists he has grown wiser through hardship.
“I’ve learned a lot from my mistakes. I am a better person now, and I know I can do better,” he said in a recent interview.
He has called on well-wishers to help him get a house and a phone to reconnect with opportunities.
