Crazy About Kenya - Mike Kwambo

I was born and raised in Nairobi, but my ancestral home is Bunyore in Western Kenya, the heart of Luhyaland.

Why did you get interested in music?

I have always loved music, and as I grew older I realised that I also love expressing my sentiments on life through poetry.

What are you up to now?

I am working on my debut music album and feel that Kenya is part of music, typified in the track "Asante," which is a song of thanks to the almighty God for the gift of life, something that we should cherish, especially in the wake of the post election violence that rocked the country. Another track "I'm Not Retreatin'," is not only a love song, it is also a song of loyalty, "I'm not retreatin' from Kenya!"

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

It doesn't get much more diverse than Kenya - so why not take a broader perspective on Acacia Adventure Holidays' 7-day Kenyan Wildlife Safari, the small group safari covering Samburu, Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara.

What was your best gig and why?

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

My ancestral home in Bunyore, it is so serene and beautiful and is definitely an inspiration to my soul.

What do you love about the Kenyan people?

Of course the Kenyan people are warm and friendly, that's pretty obvious. What I love most about the Kenyans though is their versatility. They can cope in all situations.

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

Mount Kenya National Park - I would climb Mount Kenya and would give a loud shout once on the summit.

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

Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott, and Floetry, because they would use their lyrical and poetic prowess to capture the beauty of Kenya, in the most unique and descriptive manner.

Your best track and why?

"Asante," it was composed and recorded within minutes; no lyrics had been written beforehand. It is a very sincere, heartfelt track.

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

It has always felt good to be in Kenya, but now it feels great - so come and enjoy Kenya. I can promise you, once you've visited here, you'll want to return.

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

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 say "hello" and then take them to Maasai Market to get mementos at really good rates. Alternatively, I would take them to the local food joints to sample great Kenyan delicacies - namely, Ugali and Nyama Choma (roast meat) - that is, if they are not vegetarians and can eat red meat! It's a crazy world you know.

You can also check in with the Maasai tribe on Acacia Adventure Holidays' 18-day Mountain Gorillas to the Mara overland tour. A vast territory extending into Tanzania you'll see various Maasai villages and red robed herdsmen in and around the reserve.

Mike Kwambo

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