Well, I decided to sound different. I wanted to do something that guys didn't expect; an unpredictable thing that would even raise questions. I also wanted to be real - that's my style. I also wanted everyone to be able to listen to my album; my pops, my bro, my mom, anyone. My next album has more Swahili though, I call it Swahili Neo-Soul. I've already started writing it.

Cool man, so how did you start doing music?

At the tender age of 11 my mom introduced me to someone who would later become my best friend. Her name is "the guitar". I used to do music in high school, where I did grade 1 to grade 4. After high school I came to Nairobi to do music. I started teaching music in 2003. Currently I'm teaching music at Joy Music and Creative Arts School.

I met the Votaries when they were starting to record their first album, Faithfulness. I played guitar on two songs in their album. This is when I met Steve-O, producer and owner of Soulchild Records. The way I came into contact with Steve-O and the votaries was sort of like a divine thing. These guys were willing to bring out the potential in me. They were honest with me. When they felt that I could do better they would tell me to take a week off and practice. We formed a brotherly relationship which I think formed a strong base for my music career.

Gittx has an R&B touch that no one has. He produced stuff exactly the way I wanted them to be if not better. He helped me develop my voice. If you listen to my album title song "Outside my window", you will notice that there are some high vocals, high keys and stuff. It took me one and a half months to record this song alone, WHAT?... Enyewe when you listen to that joint you can see that it was worth it.

My album is called "Outside my window". I call my style "R&B Inspirational Music." However, I've featured acts like Kiki, Votaries, Steve-O and Holydave so it has abit of soft rock, neo-soul, raga and hip-hop. I played guitar on ALL my songs and also additional piano. WHAT! Gifted hands, nice. Well, I have drums on all my songs, haha. My album is full of my experiences. I go through something, I write about it then I sing about it with the help of my best friend, the guitar. Outside my window means outside my situation. You don't get a solution by staring at the problem. Outside the box is where the solutions are. You get solutions from seeking answers from outside the box.

Sometimes I get nervous when on stage coz I have to coordinate between playing the guitar and singing. About the industry, one thing is that I would like to see the industry grow more. I'm looking forward to a day when artistes will have more airplay. I would also like to see piracy decline or come to and end. Lastly, I would like to see the remuneration of artistes.

My family is a musical family. They support me greatly. They vote for me, attend my shows and pray for me. My mom even sells my albums for me. WHAAT! Imagine my mom pushing units for me, I don't think so, hahaha! My aunt Joy (musician and owner of Joy Music School) supports me very much too.

I was talking about kisima with my producer n we were like past the deadline. I submitted my stuff, it wasn't even packaged nicely. After the vetting I heard that I had been nominated in two categories; most promising artiste and the R&B category. I was up against big secular acts like Niki, Nyota ndogo, VUC, STL, Wawesh, Wyre among others. Kisima gave me publicity. Guys started asking who Webi is. It took my career to another level. After Kisima I got the passion to do my album. I want to do a live launch concert. I don't want pressure so I won't say the exact date but it's coming.

I strongly believe in dreams. I strongly believe in trusting in God. In 2 or 3 years I see myself breaking the borders, being used throughout the world. I also see myself married!

 

HolyDave
KenyanGospel.com