Sauti Soul

Age

20

Your talent

An artist and musician, although I mainly play the guitar.

Where you're from?

I am from Nairobi... a city boy. The other guys from the band are also from Nairobi, but we all have our upcountry places.

Why did you get interested in music?

I got interested in music after high school in church. They were giving singing lessons there so I joined.

What are you up to now?

I am working on my first album with my group "Sauti Soul". We are four members (three vocalists and one guitarist). We met after high school. We had a natural chemistry; it is a passion for all of us. We are also students at the university too!

Do you feel that Kenya is part of your music?

Kenya is ALL OVER our music. It's our inspiration...

What was your best gig and why?

Our concert at the Alliance Francaise in April this year was great. A lot of people came and loved the music. It was our first solo concert!!

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

"Alliance Francaise" - That's where we make music in the garden and where we always meet...

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

The Masai Mara, because of the wildebeast migration.

What do you love about the Kenyan people?

Their hospitality and their ambition...

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

I would take India Arie. Her music is very soulful and she's a good writer. I love her style and it would be fun to take her on a safari. Maybe also Lokua Kanza - he has a great style of music too - and he is humble, as the celebrity thing doesn't get to his head (so I hear!).

Your best track and why?

"Dunia" it's on our new album - to be released very soon!!!!

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

The major attraction is the wildebeest migration...

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?

"You'll have the most fun that you've ever had here!" I would take them to the slums, as I would want them to see all "sides" of Kenya. Don't just come as a tourist and go to good hotels when the majority of people live like those in the slums.

"Must have" phrases for adventurers in Kenya?

"Niaje?" "Vipi?" and "Mambo?" (all meaning wassup?).

You can contact Polycarp Otieno Ochieng, from the band "Sauti Soul" at:
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» www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=593424594
» www.uptoyoutoo.org