Meet Producer Kash (Charles Ndungu), the founder and producer of Sura Nne Records based in Nairobi's Jericho Estate. He's one of the many gospel artistes and producers bubbling under (just about to explode) and we will be highlighting more of these stories from the gospel scene regularly. Kash gives us some insight into his trade and his take on the industry as a rising producer. Having lived in Jericho for a long time he believes it is a high time someone opened a studio or record company to tap young talent. The accountant turned producer swapped his cash books for the guitar and keyboard world. It was also quite hard for Kash to convince his parents to support his music career but says he was tired of "pretending" to be an accountant yet he wanted to be a music producer. Read his story below and also listen to one of the tracks he produced called Jemedari by Gee and Dee feat Klay.
Gee and Dee - Jemedari feat Klay
When did you start producing? I started two years ago but I have been active for one year now.
What music do you specialize in?
I really dont have a specialty. When you listen to my productions you will notice that there is some reggae, hiphop, raga (kapuka), crunk among others. I am trying to be the best in everything.
Which artistes have you worked with? I have signed Gee na Dee, Klay and Jacquiz. I'm also working with Squadi sauti and others.
What would you say about Kenyan gospel music producers?
I think we are trying. Personally I enjoy local music more than international music. Kenyan gospel producers are on top of the game that's why even secular artistes are approaching some gospel producers these days.
What are the challenges you are facing?
I think we need more unity in the gospel scene. I have had the chance of interacting with secular producers, video producers and stuff and they have this unity going on. For example, Capital FM works hand in hand with Homeboyz, Ogopa Deejays, Calif Records and other companies and therefore things are easier for the artistes involved and at the end of the day the industry grows. On the other hand, on the gospel scene I don't see that unity. Every artiste, producer, DJ, radio station and clique seems to be working alone in isolation and at the end of the day no one or no clique will realize its full potential if this goes on. You take your song to some Christian show and they don't play it because you are not part of their clique. The next week you take the same song to Kiss FM and they play it. That doesn't make sense.
I think artistes should be deeper and address issues instead of working with the usual "Praise God" or "Halleluiah" theme. I'm not saying these are bad themes but we need to be more creative.
Setting up a studio is quite expensive as in equipment, software and stuff but so far so good.
About the song Jemedari
I don't like living in the box that the many people find themselves in so I'm staying alert and watching out for new ideas and concepts. I love Crunk and it's the newest thing in town, I've tried it and it has worked so I'm going to do more and more crunk songs. Jemedari is the first crunk song I have done. Its a song of encouragement. I am amused at the airplay we have received so far. I especially want to thank Arthur K (Producer of the Stomp) for the massive airplay he has given this song. Clearly, this song has given us a breakthrough.
Any closing remarks?
My desire is to be one of the people who will bring a positive change in the Kenyan music industry. I know it's hard to change the industry alone but if everyone plays their part we will achieve a lot.
