Crazy About Kenya - Grandmaster Masese

People also call me Grand Duster, Grand Rasta, Grand Coalition, Grand Opposition, and even Grand Regency. (Spark Africa Management)

Age

Your talent

Where you're from?

Why did you get interested in music?

I had a special interest in the arts from an early age and went to my distant grandfathers home to learn how to play the Obokano - an eight stringed harp/lyre from the Kisii community. I was motivated by the fact that I could preserve my culture and express myself beyond borders, while talking on issues that touch on our lives. The beauty of any language and its words, whether oral or written, is that it offers beautiful sounds that define moments.

What are you up to now?

I have been involved in contemporary dance and also mime and poetry with various groups/individuals in Nairobi. I've also completed a soundtrack for a short Kenyan film - I was the second Kenyan, after Ayub Ogada, to use a traditional stringed instrument on a movie - shown on MNET a satelite tv station in Africa. I'm currently revising some of my poetry and story manuscripts to take to a publisher and I'm working towards establishing a monthly poetry night that will celebrate all forms of poetry from Kenya including indigenous poetry. In between all that you'll find me working in the studio on some tracks.

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

Yes, Kenya is like an abstract piece of art or a mural - you have to be there to enjoy this beautiful natural art.

What was your best gig and why?

There are so many! My best gig was when I performed to about 300 refugees in Kuresoi, Molo before the elections. The people were sad and wounded, and each time they heard the sound of someone approaching they came with sacks to get food. As soon as I started performing, they started dancing in a big circle and forgetting about their sacks. I was really humbled and touched. The people were from different communities and I just admired how they came together in hard times and in music.

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

I am inspired by life in Kenya as a whole, but more importantly, Nairobi, the Kisii highlands, the matatus (local buses) and the diverse cultures in Kenya.

Find your inspiration on a matatu and spend a few days in Kenya's vibrant capital on the 39-day Ultimate African Overlander.

What do you love about the Kenyan people?

I love the hospitality of Kenyans, their diverse cultures and different backgrounds. They are each a source of inspiration in many ways. They are hard working and committed, wherever they work.

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

It would be great to catch up with the wildebeests in the Maasai Mara, watching the lions and other animals scavenging and trying to survive. I think you can learn a lot of life's lessons from the wild.

You can catch up with the wildebeests in the Maasai Mara on the 18-day Mountain Gorillas to the Mara overland trip

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

UB 40, because of the music they make. I would definitely talk of a possible collaboration. Mr. Bean. Yes I know that might surprise you, but it would be great to see what he could come up with in that environment. I'm sure he would entertain both me, and the animals. Nyota Ndogo, because of her ability to call to the animals in Swahili, and of course, to tempt them out of the wilderness with those Swahili ballads. Common and Dead Prez have some great messages to share, so my 4X4 might be a bit cramped!

Your best track and why?

You'll have to watch this space, as it's the track I'm working on right now - I'll keep you posted.

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

It is very good to be in Kenya now. There is peace and there is even snow in Central Kenya. The wildebeest migration at the Mara, new tourist attractions and bull fighting in Western Kenya. There's a great diversity on offer for tourists in Kenya.

You can capture the diversity of Kenya and game drive through numerous parks and reserves on the 6-day Amboseli, Lakes and Mara adventure - taking in the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli and Nairobi.

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

Travellers coming to Kenya should bring cameras to archive their memories and their loved ones so they can enjoy their travels through nature together. They should also come with a welcoming smile.

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?

If I met a new tourist, first of all I would say "Jambo," or "welcome to Kenya and I hope you enjoy your stay here ("Karibu Kenya"). After that I'd definitely take them to Kosewe's for some fish and traditional Kenyan style vegetables. We'd have a great time indulging in the best of Kenyan music and food.

"Must have" phrases for adventurers in Kenya

To book this artist please contact Spark Africa Management at: blaze@sparkafrica.com or telephone +254 721 219 564.

Grandmaster Masese

Aliases:

Age