Alex Nyachonga Apoko, popularly known as Ringtone, is a Kenyan gospel musician, entrepreneur, and sometimes a controversial public figure.
Born in Kisii County, Kenya, he rose to fame with his 2009 hit single “Pamela” and has collaborated with prominent gospel artists like Daddy Owen, Gloria Muliro, and Rose Muhando.
His music has gained significant popularity in Kenya’s gospel scene.
The Gospel artist has a turbulent background, having been abandoned by his mother as a child and raised by his grandmother, who sold illicit brew to support him.
He later faced hardships after her death, living on the streets before pursuing music.
In a media interview earlier on Ringtone Apoko said that he struggled with life so much after his grandmother, who took care of him, died, he had to run to the streets of Nairobi for survival before finding his way into the music industry.
Ringtone growth and songs
Later on, Rington Apoko discovered his passion for music, he began singing and training and eventually broke into Kenya’s gospel music scene, collaborating with various gospel artists.
His notable songs include Pamela, Tenda Wema, Rudi Nyumbani Jubilation, Wanadamu, Ni Yesu tu, Nakupenda Bwana Wangu, among others.
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His unique blend of gospel and pop influences resonated with audiences, making him more famous. An encounter with a local producer significantly boosted his career, leading to widespread recognition.
Wealth and performance
Ringtone’s success in music translated into substantial wealth. He earned handsomely from gospel music and political campaigns, notably during the 2013 presidential campaign of Uhuru Kenyatta, where he was a key artist.
He invested in real estate, acquiring a mansion in Runda Estate and a six-acre property in Karen. His car collection includes luxury vehicles like a Land Cruiser V8 and a Range Rover Evoque.
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He even publicly claimed that he was worth about Ksh.50 billion in a media interview.
Ringtone was always flexing and flaunting money, his opulent lifestyle inspired gospel artist, because he was the only gospel musician in Kenya who owns a mansion in both Karen and Runda
Scandals and Controversies
However, his career has not been without controversy. In 2018, he made headlines by offering Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan a brand-new Range Rover as a marriage proposal, a gesture that was widely publicized but ultimately unsuccessful.
In July 2022, Ringtone announced his departure from gospel music, expressing gratitude to his supporters and indicating a desire to explore other music genres.
On May 16, 2025, he was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on charges related to an alleged Ksh50 million land scam.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations – DCI, “Ringtone is accused of conspiracy to defraud, false swearing, and perjury, stemming from an attempt to unlawfully claim a 0.1908-hectare parcel of land in Runda.”
The artist was denied bail and remanded at the Industrial Area prison awaiting hearing of his bail application.
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