Kenya, Sept. 20 -- Mombasa-born artist Masauti, whose real name is Ali Mohamed Said, recently revealed he scored 188 marks in his KCPE exams, a result that shaped his unconventional path to stardom.
Speaking candidly in a September 2025 interview, the Afro-pop sensation shared that his struggles in academics led him to drop out of Form Two, choosing instead to pursue a music career.
Hailing from Kisauni's Magogoni area, Masauti's journey from a challenging school experience to becoming a celebrated Kenyan musician has inspired fans and sparked discussions about alternative paths to success.
Early difficulties marked Masauti's academic journey. Reflecting on his KCPE performance, he admitted to the show host that his 188 score left him surprised to even join high school.
"I was shocked I made it to Form Two," he said, chuckling at the memory. Despite attending multiple schools in Mombasa, he found education unappealing and struggled to keep up.
In Form Two, Masauti realised his true passion lay elsewhere. "Music was calling me," he noted, describing how he left school without regret to chase his dreams in Kisauni's vibrant music scene.
Growing up in Magogoni, a close-knit community in Kisauni, Masauti was exposed to a rich musical culture that influenced his style. He began crafting a unique blend of Bongo Flava, R&B, and Afro-pop, drawing inspiration from artists such as Ali Kiba and Diamond Platnumz.
His breakthrough came in 2019 with the hit "Ipepete", followed by chart-toppers like "Kiboko" and "Sare". These songs, infused with Swahili and English lyrics, resonated with fans across East Africa, cementing his place in Kenya's music industry.
Young Kenyans, particularly in Mombasa where vocational paths like music are gaining traction, have resonated with Masauti's story.
The Imani School of Music in Nyali, a hub for nurturing talent, praised Masauti's rise as an example of how dedication can triumph over academic setbacks. Social media buzz highlights his authenticity, with fans applauding his honesty about his KCPE score and dropout decision.
Now a household name, Masauti encourages youth to pursue their passions fearlessly. "School isn't for everyone, but hard work is," he said. His journey from an 188 KCPE score to music stardom underscores the power of resilience and talent in shaping a brighter future.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.