It was sometime in 2022 when a major source told me about the need to meet up with Tory Wan - an established Hip Hop artiste making tremendous waves around Mombasa and beyond. Since then, it took me not less than six months before we made contact with the artist with view of documenting a story concerning his music journey and life endeavours.
He is is busy finalising on his track in studio when I show up, welcoming me with a sweaty cold monster energy drink, we finally set up the place for an interview that would last 2 hours. Tory Wan explains that his love for music blossomed from the passion her mother had towards music as a craft. He would notice her mom vibing to music, singing popular songs that were playing on the radio. This was something her mom did with so much passion which then made Tory develop interest in doing rap music.
"It all started with my mum. Being raised in the streets of Mombasa, I grew seeing her singing while doing house chores. Since we didn't have a TV, the radio was our only option. She used to sing alongside the radio whether it was Taarab, Bango, Raggae or HipHop. She did it with passion and I could see it through her eyes," said Tory Wan.
Different from some artistes whose stage names bear no meaning, Tory explains that his stage name emanated from a fusion of his first name and family name. Some short forms here and there left him with the brand name Tory Wan.
"At birth, my parents named me Victor, because they saw victory in me. Therefore Tory is a short form of Victory. Wanyama is a family name and also my third name. In my stage name, Wan is a shortened version of Wanyama. So Tory Wan is a short form of my birth name Victor Wanyama." said Tory Wan expressively.
Tory Wan likes art. Besides music, he is equally fascinated by other artforms including poetry which he has interest in, drawing and sketching. The rapper has got a lot of songs on YouTube and other streaming platforms like Boomplay, Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and Sounds on Tiktok. Some of these songs include unconditional love ft Branjal, Black, Kache ft PMJ Academia, Zone ft Phillips, Honey, Narcos Frestyle, Narcos Freestyle 2, Ukinishika ft Kaka Dave, Best Choice ft Hakx, Baby Mama, I tried ft the Lejah.
"My biggest song right now is a solo project - Lovebirds. It is one of five songs which I released in a series as an EP (Afrocean Extended Playlist) in 2022. The EP which includes other jams namely Kuna Venye ft Tokal Beats, Promise ft Yohan 254, I don't Care ft Panzili Music and Story ft The Lejah became a success since all songs were gaining airplay in radios within the Coast region. As a result, Kuna Venye and Lovebirds are still playing on national TV (Citizen TV, NTV and QTV)" said the rapper.
The Kenyan rapper acknowledges all the artistes he was able to work with hailing them as special simply because they brought new ideas, freshness along with flavour to his music. He explains that he has learnt a lot from working with them and that the teamwork they shared has brought him this far musically.
"I would not limit myself to whom I should collaborate with or whom I shouldn't. My dream is to collaborate with many and different artistes. My openness to collaborate depends on how we approach each other" said Tory Wan.
He clarified that music is a job and pays well with consistency and dedication, royalties are one way he has benefitted giving inspiration to youngsters delving into the industry that monetary returns are handsome in music.
"In terms of money, streams do pay. I don't wait for promoters or shows to pay my bills. Apart from money, music has created bonds and relationships, it has brought happiness and respect. Music has given me purpose and keeps my supporters entertained. Music motivates me. It is my life," opined Tory Wan.
On YouTube as Tory Wan, the rapper currently has 12 videos. His dream is to fill the O2 Arena one day. He anticipates his music to reach the deepest and highest places on earth as well as spread wider on every corner of our planet. Apart from music, Tory Wan works as a barman and waiter at a beach resort. He equally runs some small business of his own.
"Rappers are like preachers. If you're in the game or want to enter the rap game then be a bearer of love and hope to the community. HipHop is not about violence and drugs, it's all about building an image of hope and a better tomorrow for the community and its surroundings. Music gives purpose and music pays," affirmed the rapper.
On social media, fans can follow him on Instagram @iamtorywan, Facebook @Tory Wan. On Boomplay and other streaming platforms, one can follow him as Tory Wan and support his craft. One month shy of present time, fans should expect an album from the artiste which he has been cooking for a while now. According to him, musically, the juice has been worth the squeeze.
