Goreala

Age

26.

Your talent

Video editor, Director and Rapper/Singer.

Where you're from?

My Mom is from Kakamega and Gatundo, but I grew up in Nairobi and consider myself a Nairobian. I was raised in the Eastland's of Nairobi, in the Kayole Suburb.

Why did you get interested in music?

I want to make good music and art that the audience, irrespective of age, color or creed will appreciate and embrace. I draw my inspiration from the most vulnerable members of the society - hungry children and starving mothers. Having grown up in the Kayole Suburb in Nairobi I got used to violence at a very early age.

What are you up to now?

I continue to draw on my humble life experience in the ghettos, the dramatic backdrop of huge unemployment, hunger and the HIV/AIDS epidemic also featuring in my lyrics. The very fact that I am a rapper comes from the urge to do anything else other than get into crime and staying idle on the streets for endless years. Releasing "Metaphor Za Mtaa," my new album, is a major chance to make my voice heard on the international stage.

Do you feel that Kenya is a part of your music?

Most definitely - my life experience and day-to-day issues for the Kenyan people are all part of my music.

What was your best gig and why?

My best gig was in Roubaix, France. We were jamming and the people loved it. I was running out of air, but still kept it comin'!

Is there any place in Kenya that inspires you in terms of your music?

Nairobi inspires me the most, mainly because I grew up there. I see a lot of different cultures arising out of the city at the same time. The different people I have met are part of my music and my life. It's a constant contrast: polluted and bad in some ways, but on the other hand really beautiful.

If you could pick your dream wildlife destination in Kenya - where would it be and what would you get up to there?

Wow, I guess the Nairobi national park. Again, because of the interesting contrast. It's special, just out of the city and still gives you such a feeling of being in the middle of the bush.

What do you love about the Kenyan people?

They are resilient and they love to party.

Who out of your musical/artistic influences would make the best game viewing partner?

Maybe NAS - he talks about it in his raps so I would like to take him there. I would maybe also invite Obama, because he is my hero. You gotta' admire him. He's revolutionary. He's doing his thing regardless of what people may think. I would also invite KRS-ONE. He basically embodies what hip-hop is about and keeps to his principals. He is consistent. He really feels it, and practices what he preaches. It would be a very interesting game drive.

Your best track and why?

"Princess" - because of the message the song carries and it's very catchy! It inspires me every time I listen to it myself too - and it's reggae.

How does it feel to be in Kenya now - what are travellers missing out on?

It feels great to be in Kenya right now and I feel there are endless opportunities if we make an effort. Perhaps I would even say this is the best time to come to Kenya. The weather is good. We are positive. And contrary to what people may think after what happened earlier this year, things are better in Kenya then before, or back in the days. There is certainly more freedom of expression.

Can you give adventurers the inside track on travel in your home destination - what should they bring with them to Kenya?

A good pair of shoes. A positive attitude. Just keep in mind people are still people and could take advantage. Travel "smart."

What would be the first words you'd utter to a tourist if you hooked up with them on the street, and where's the first place you'd take them to in downtown Nairobi?

"Hey what's up?" is the first thing I would say. I would take them to a place where we could eat fish and ugali during the day. At night would hit a reggae club.

"Must have" phrases for adventurers in Kenya

"Niaje?" (Wassup?)
"Ni ngapi?" (How much?)
"Poa" (Cool)
"Iko sawa" (It's ok)

You can contact Erico Mukunza, who headlines under the name Goreala at:
» www.myspace.com/gorealamusic
» www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=26007917086
» www.uptoyoutoo.org
» www.penyaafrica.com