Muthoni

Age

25.

Your talent

Musician and artist.

Where you're from?

Nairobi.

Why did you get interested in art & music?

I got interested in art and music because it's my way to claim space in the universe. Making music is also fun and fulfilling, plus sharing it is such a high! My teachers are all jazz musicians in Nairobi, the likes of Joseph Hellon. Other people that have influenced me are probably Lauryn Hill and Ms. Alicia Keys from America. Definitely! Because they have been able to ride the middle line, by making really soulful music, but packaging it lightly so it gets into the mainstream. I think that's very important for brand recognition, so that you sustain cash flow, while maintaining the integrity of your art.

I've also been influenced by Magic System (Ivory Coast), Yunasi (Kenya), Mafikizolo (South Africa), Freshly Ground (South Africa) and Di Barge (Nigeria). They represent the diversity of African music and have the tenacity and determination to keep being in an industry, that is mostly a guesswork industry, producing fun, urban styles of African expression and content.

What are you up to now?

I've been hitting the circuit with Fusion Soul (my genre of music), so I'm pretty swamped with live shows in Uptown bars, at private parties and corporate functions, as well as consolidating the monthly concert I host. As you can see, I'm very active with the events element. I'm also filming my second video at the end of this month and am set to record my full-length album in early October.

What was your best gig and why?

I got to tour five African capitals, including Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Addis Ababa, Yaoundé and Nairobi, as well as London, with a group of musicians from Africa and the UK, as part of the Africa 2008 "Bring The Noise" collaborative project, organised by the British Council. We were all different acts from Africa, some rappers, some singers and a renowned UK based producer (Ian Grant). We got together to write and perform original pieces, as a group, focused on what the African experience is in relation to Europe. It was timely, given that 2007-marked 200 years of the ban on slave trade, and also 50 years of independence for Ghana (and thus Africa). The biggest of the shows was the Sauti Za Busara Festival in Zanzibar where there were at least 2,000 people.

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

I love the coast of Kenya - alternative recreation like deep sea diving and coral watching. It's an expensive hobby, but it brings you another perspective on creation, and that's how I feel my genre of music-fusion soul comes across - plus I love the water. However, I also like the tucked away locations like Meru, where you have to actively walk around to see God in nature!

What do you love about the Kenyan people?

They have stories! Have you ever been in a matatu (local bus) and just listened to people's conversations? I love that Kenyans have stories and that they will happily share them with you! That and the fact that on the whole, they don't care too much about how well they know you. Also the Food! You can eat something new everyday if you put your mind to it.

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

I'd be under water. The magic of light on coral, and all that underwater wildlife! I would literally live in the ocean if I could. I enjoyed Kakamega very much - especially the long walks to actively look for the animals. I would probably try to size up a warthog!

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

Tough one. I would say Freshly Ground - a great South African band. They won Best African Act at Europe MTV Awards last year. If a band from South Africa can be mixed, they must be some pretty open minded people, which makes for good fun in case the animal watching gets slow.

Your best track and why?

There is no such thing as your best song. Every song is great for its own purpose. Listen to my tracks and you tell me.

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

The weather is sometimes unpredictable, but it's always balmy which is great! I think its wonderful being in a society where regular people are actually making a life for themselves doing the things they do. It's good to see more Kenyans moving away from politics and focusing on the personal and their country's development. It feels optimistic to be Kenyan right now.

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

Good negotiation skills for anything (bus fare etc.) together with the phrase "Pesa Ngapi" (How much) and a digital camera because some things need to be captured spontaneously like Mathere (this huge slum) behind Muthaiga (the richest neighbourhood in Nairobi) and the sunset on the Kericho tea farms. A friend! Life is better shared, as is Kenya! It's really something else!

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?

"Hi, is this your first time here? (to check if they are total newbies!) Do you have a plan for the day? Are you game for a little walking around and education?" I would take them to the studios where artists record in Downtown River Road. We'd be able to watch a live set recording plus indulge in some legitimate Kenyan music. It's a lot of fun to watch live recordings, plus walking downtown, dodging buses and hand carts, and trying to get into some public transport - it really gives another perspective to the city! The bars and food downtown are another ball game completely, but they would also be on my list!

"Must have" phrases for adventurers in Kenya?

"Pesa Ngapi?" or "Shillingi Ngapi?" (How much) - you should always try to get a bargain
"Sasa" (Slang for Hi) - Say it with confidence and a smile, and then you won't feel so new.

You can contact Muthoni Ndonga, who headlines under the name "Muthoni" at:
» www.myspace.com/muthonimusic
» www.facebook.com/pages/MUTHONI/11760652297
» www.muthonimusic.com
» www.youtube.com/muthonimusic