https://www.instagram.com/p/CsTtZVgNaji/
On being one of Africa’s Rising Stars on Metas Africa Day campaign
It’s super exciting and it also shows that all the musical work I’ve been doing over the years is now being acknowledged outside the country and on a global stage.
On fusing his cultural heritage into music to create unique sound
I’ve always found that the African element has to be there. One way of doing that is I’ve made it a factor to always use Sheng, Swahili and Luo languages in my music throughout my career, and it will remain the same.
On celebrating Africa Day as an African artist and what it means for global representation
Being an African artist from Kenya alone is enough representation of the culture and the community I come from. On a global scale I think being the only Kenyan that has been twice considered for the Grammys with my album Jungle Fever is a great representation of my culture and my musical adversity as a whole.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CsimtbWuDbq/
Coming from Kibera it’s not easy to make it in Kenya leave alone the rest of the world. I have to always put 200% to get half of what I have
On challenges and opportunities as an African artist and how they have shaped him
The challenges will always be there, I don’t think there’ll ever be a time when there will be no challenges. Coming from Kibera it’s not easy to make it in Kenya leave alone the rest of the world. I have to always put 200% to get half of what I have coz geography does not favour us.
For instance, if I was born in Los Angeles (LA), for instance, there are challenges that I wouldn’t go through like getting good videographers, music labels, top-notch music production etc. Because of these challenges, I made it a habit to travel around the world and meet the right people that fit my sound and style so that I can maintain a global quality of packaging in my music.
On the role his music plays in fostering unity and understanding among diverse audiences, particularly when it comes to breaking stereotypes or misconceptions about Africa
My music has already fostered and changed the narrative of how people used to look at youths in the slums. Through my music, I’ve been able to tell my own stories without fear or without someone else speaking on my behalf and that has broke all the stereotypes that were there previously.
On his most recent album “Lamu Nights” release in 2022
The album features some of the top undiscovered guest vocalists from Kenya, musicians Lisa Oduor, Wendy Kay, Okello Max and Los Angeles RnB sensation Narde.
“Lamu Nights” explores the Afrosoul and Rapsoul cultures of Africa. I’d consider it a summer album that has good chill vibes celebrating different love stories all across the globe while staying rooted in the culture.
If you are someone listening from outside Africa it gives you a feeling of urgency to come to Africa and see the lifestyle, the beautiful Kenyan destination and the luxury.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Crk9hart2w0/
I seek to foster a society that values music both as part of universal education, universal language and as an essential expression of the human feeling
On what the album aims to achieve
With this album, I seek to foster a society that values music both as part of universal education, universal language and as an essential expression of the human feeling and spirit brought to life by culture.
On his creative process
I’m inspired by people’s daily life, fashion, communities and ethos. However, my creative process changes depending on the particular topics my songs are addressing.
On the themes explored in his music
My topics vary depending on specific times or what’s happening in the world or what type of style of music I’m on at that very time, I don’t consider myself a thematic writer, I’m more like a storyteller of my own experiences. Could be politics, fashion, love, crime, poverty etc.
On exploring future stories as an ambassador for Africa
There are so many stories that haven’t been told yet, and there are stories that were told but not by us, so they are more like sci-fi and we are here to correct and give our people the original representation of who we are. You’ll see and hear a lot of the same in my music now and always.
