James Ongige - Overview

Ongige was born on September 4, 2003, in Nairobi, Kenya, to Gladys Moraa, a businesswoman, and Willy Ongige, a musician. Raised Catholic, he grew up in Kangemi, Nairobi, and attended New Kihumbuini Primary School, Nduru Boys' High School, and later enrolled at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication to study film and pursue a career as a film director.

Adopting the stage name Quafff during his secondary school years, Ongige actively engaged in rap battles and talent showcases, demonstrating his lyrical ability while competing against his peers. He officially began his music career in 2019 with the release of his debut single Outta 23. In 2025, he rebranded and began performing under his birth name, embracing a more personal and authentic artistic identity.

In 2021, he founded The Tragic Studio, a creative outfit focused on music and music video production. He managed the studio until 2025, when it was officially dissolved.

Lohkast

On June 15, 2025, Ongige launched Lohkast, a multidisciplinary creative collective encompassing three divisions:

Lohkast Pictures – film and video production

Lohkast Records – music creation and production

Lohkast Audio – sound design and post-production

Filmmaking

Before venturing into film direction, Ongige was actively involved in theatre, performing in school drama festivals and local stage plays held in community social halls across Kangemi, Nairobi. In 2024, while studying at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, he made his directorial debut with the horror short film I Know Whatcha Did. In 2025, he wrote and directed the thriller-crime film The Holy Requiem and documentaries Harambee: The Weight of Division and Weekend in Hell.