For those people that haven’t heard of you could you tell us a bit about yourself your story?
I am a producer, sometimes singer, occasional rapper, and everyday creative from Nairobi, Kenya, currently residing in Bloemfontein, South Africa. I mix my inspiration and experiences to blend genres and ideas both instrumentally and lyrically. Intertwining my love and influences of indie and jazz-influenced music to create songs that need to be felt. I think my first steps towards music as a profession was starting the music group/collective Rozzi@Work which I managed and performed with for about two years. I then moved to South Africa where I decided to focus on my solo career.
How have all the lockdowns affected you creatively?
It gave me a lot of space to finish songs and ideas I’d usually put off till later. I also got to experiment a lot and create just for the sake of creating and enjoying what I do. I did experience a lot of burnout which means there were sometimes massive gaps between my creative moments but this taught me that I need to learn how to work in a healthier manner – giving myself space to just relax and enjoy other aspects of life.
Who inspired you to get on stage and perform?
Funnily enough no one, it just made sense to. It was a natural progression from the YouTube videos we were doing (covers) for the group I managed (Rozzi@Work),
Are there any particular artists or albums that have stuck with you and influenced your style?
Yeah, they’re quite a few – music really does a lot for me. I think the most influential ones are “Soul – Jordan Rakei”, “Beat Tape 1 & 2 – Tom Misch”, “Channel Orange – Frank Ocean”, “Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas” and “Do You Want More – The Roots”.
Do you have any songwriting rituals; a particular time, space, mood that is more effective?
Not really, I do music on the side so it’s very much a thing of taking and fully utilizing the time I get.
Could you tell us a bit about the writing/recording of the Songdew Competiton winning track “Daima”?
I started putting it together last year November and I really consider it one of the major turning points for the musical direction I’m going in. I wasn’t in the best place mentally and I think it shows in the lyrics. I have a habit of planning things out so the sessions are very chill – the artists come to the studio we chat for a bit, record the song, chat some more and then they leave.
What are some of the most interesting venues you have performed at?
The GalleryHouse, they host songwriters session which provides a space for artists to perform original songs and speak on the songs themselves. I put a lot in my lyrics so I really enjoy performing at them.
Here at Artistic Echoes, we are always on the lookout for new artists do you have anyone to recommend?
If you’re looking for some dope Hip-hop I’d say KiliHippie and B.O.M. If you want something more indie thewrathofsponge and Nawekulo have got you covered
What plans do you have for the rest of the year?
I have a few performances lined up and a few releases on the way. I actually just released my second single of the year “Wonder” with the amazing singer-songwriter Nawekulo, it dropped on the 28th of May.
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