Liz Ogumbo

Age

30.

Your talent

Fashion designer, model and musician.

Where you're from?

I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. My hometown is in Seme, in Kisumu.

Why did you get interested in art and music?

I developed an interest in art and music, naturally, at a very young age, but did not get an opportunity to pursue it based on my family background at the time. As I grew up, I tried to divert away from that, but to no avail. When I finally started modeling about 10 years ago, my passion was rekindled once again and that stirred up in me the realisation that the arts field was what I really wanted to pursue. I went for it, and got into both the fashion industry, as well as the music industry, concurrently. It has been hard to create a balance amongst the two arts; however, I have managed to devote time for self-growth and development within both industries.

What are you up to now?

I have recorded some music, however, I prefer to perform in lounges and clubs for jazz nights, which I do once in a while. Fusion in music is what I admire the most, as when the sound finally comes out it creates something that has never existed. I have collaborated with, amongst other artists, "Wakamba Wawili," a local group based in Kenya, to create a new, fresh sound. Despite the fact that I have no album, I have a lot of music that I have recorded and continue to record or perform, and some of my music plays on radio. I feel there is a lot of potential within the arts/music industry and I believe that more doors will open for that art to be finally showcased to the world.

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

Yes definitely. The art and music from my hometown in Kisumu, referred to as ohangla, is very rich, cultural and original. This music is complemented by instruments such as theOrutu and Nyatiti, which do not exist anywhere else in this world.

What was your best gig and why?

I jazzed my heart away at the UN Brasserie in Gigiri, Nairobi for the first time ever, and the audience was happy. I sang past the time indicated on the flyers, but no one was in the mood to leave. It was an audience of about 40 people that night.

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

WAPI at the British Council is definitely my first inspiration; The French Cultural Center is the other inspiration locally. It is in these places that I actually get to watch performances that exude good quality-music, beautiful voices and culture.

What do you love about the Kenyan people?

I love their hospitality and general attitude towards life.

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

I would pick the Mara any day, especially during the animal migration period as a larger number of people from all over the world go there at that time, and from that point of view, the Mara experience would be much more fun. I would ensure that my band had a spot at the restaurant every night and after game driving, I would entertain all the tourists with some soft jazz.

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

American soul/R&B singer-songwriter, poet, and actress, Jill Scott. She loves life, nature and wildlife and has a positive approach towards life.

Your best track and why?

I think I'd probably choose a favourite artist. Mr. Man by Alicia Keys and Jimmy Cozier. I like it because I can relate to this song and it brings me back to reality.

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

It always feels great to be in Kenya. The travellers who are not here now are definitely missing out on the safari and wildlife, the beautiful beaches on the coast, the great Lake Victoria and the fresh fish that comes from the fresh water lakes. The snow-capped mountains, the beautiful climate, despite "global warming'" which interferes with the weather; the hospitable people, the great cuisine, the night life that goes on till you stop on your own and the Maasai markets with very affordable artifacts and jewelry. The list is endless.

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

I would recommend that the travellers bring themselves to Kenya and leave their worries behind them. We will take good care of them when they get here, as everything they will need locally is available locally.

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?

I would try to figure out where they are from and say hello in English or French and maybe try a few other languages, based on what I know. I would take them to the "Masaai Market," in downtown Nairobi. I believe that it would be a different experience for them, yet unique, based on the affordable artifacts and jewelry that they will find there.

"Must have" phrases for adventurers in Kenya?

"Habri yako?" (How are you?)
"Mzuri" (I'm fine)
"Asante sana" (Thank you very much)
"Ndio" (Yes)
"Hapana" (No)
"Tafadhali" (Please)
"Chakula" (Food)

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

You can contact Liz Ogumba at:
» www.myspace.com/lizogumbo
» www.baobabconnections.com
» www.just-a-band.com
» www.imanimodels.com
» www.imanihseoffashion.com