I Think I Had Instrumentalists in Mind When Typing This

Eye adaba, eye adaba, timfolokeloke…

Every time I listen to this song it takes me back to my freshman days in music and in the company of musicians who knew what they were doing. I do not come from a Pentecostal background and that means my understanding then was limited to choral music. Not to say choral music is not…you get the point. In Pentecostal worship music instruments play a large role. Pop music and most genres recorded have instruments. My statement above should only be understood in this context: that people are considered musicians when they play instruments or understand what instruments do or work in an instrumental context.

So, the song.

I meet these two guitarists who were creating material I have never had a Kenyan create. They adored ‘great guitarists’ who make serious arrangements in their music. Slash.Hendrix.Presnyakov.Andy Mckee. Truth be told some part of me felt inferior coming from this ‘I love Afro music’ bubble I had always lived in when I met them. That means any mention of Rhumba was meant with stares. Oliver was known only as far as ‘Todii’ was concerned. These are the people who introduced me to John Mayer, Kings of Leon, Creed,Coldplay etc.

Hendrix Jimi

They would go on and on about how sijui nani changed sijui which chord or changed the fingering and would write songs with guitars tuned in DADGADs and such. I had no idea what a DADGAD was then. Refer to disclaimer above.

It was therefore a great surprise to people who seemed to silently scoff at my ‘old, boring, African music which was done without imagination’ try playing Asa’s Eye Adaba and fail. Okay, maybe not fail. But struggle. And the person never did learn. I was curious. I asked why. He told me that the chord changes with every note she sings so it is not your standard riff. Imagine how happy (and validated) I felt!

Yes, I know. The tag African music, like African writing, is one worthy of a book full of essays arguing its existence and definition by minds considered great both in their understanding of culture and/or music in the world. Be that as it may, I was glad that ‘African’ music could be complex. It could be taken ‘seriously’ by these young rockers out to change the world through their music. Whatever that meant.

Why do I go on and on about this ‘ooo African music’ manenos? Simple. I love it. I cannot define it satisfactorily but I love it. I love the rhythm, the happy major chords. I just love. Makes my being warm when I hear ‘Rail On’ start to play. Every single time.

Dear instrumentalist, instead of trying to ape whoever you consider the guitar god, seeking to sound just like them, why not create your own style that says this came from Kenya or ‘Africa’? Have you heard Isaiah Katumwa play? Have you heard Dlu Dlu on guitar?

I asked Kevo some time back, what makes a certain riff ‘African’? This was his answer. Whether it is correct or not is another story but it makes sense. Rhythm. I have heard Isaiah explain his playing and again it’s down to rhythm.

Apparently (and I can’t confirm this) Ayub Ogada of Kothbiro came up with his own way of playing the nyatiti that was unique to himself.

It is a matter of purpose and commitment. Purpose - setting out to recreate something. Purpose is what Jimi Hendrix did to guitar. Commitment-over and over till the instrument bends towards something it may never have done. Over and over. Years and hours – but with a purpose. What is your purpose?

P.S. The self bashing herein tarnishes the writer's self image as it portrays him as having self esteem problems. Kindly note that he is aware of this.

Image: http://topwalls.net/jimi-hendrix/

Let's Do Random

The reason we have doubts about the existence of God are many and vary. One of the greatest argument against His existence by both the man on the street and the one with the papers (the 'freed' and 'enlightened') is the presence of evil in the world.

If you ask a woman out and she says, 'but you don't drive', she means get a blue Subaru and we are on. She is not refusing you. She is just setting a condition to be with you.

In the same way the atheist then is saying I would believe in God if it wasn't for this. That is a lie. Disbelief in God is beyond a cognitive rational state, seeing as it generates to contempt for those who call on Him day and night. There is an emotional element to it.

If God were to come down and take away all evil, would the atheist then say 'This is what I had been waiting for God, I now worship, love and adore you because well, you fulfilled the only condition I set'? If they were to say this, would they mean it? If that girl were to love you after the car, would it be true love?

But does the atheist only have one problem with this God? No. He can't see how He created this universe. He also does not see why He demands respect and an exclusive relationship.

Point? If God were to answer all the rational reasons given by unbelievers, they'd still walk away and say, 'Just because you've proved that you make sense does not mean I will follow you'. And this means, the problem is not a matter of cogent logical arguments and Paul is right, "It will never makes sense with your human mind."

When I started typing this I had two things in my mind. The other is gone.

Let's see...

Watching Makadem on Youtube...

Music...

True authentic African music is found in rural Africa. Truth be told. If one grew up in Nairobi and the music they listened to was hiphop then they can only compose something that sounds like that 'hiphop'.

These are loose threads of thought usijali. Ah yes...I've remembered the other item...

Rock musicians in Kenya put an effort to identify as Kenyan. You'll have the random Swahili words thrown in the verse or chorus. These are the people who did not grow up listening to Swahili Rock. Yet they put the effort.

Hiphopers, even new cats, will put the effort to point at local brands in their music...or again the random '254'. It's an effort. The effort means people can relate.

But we have young Afroneosoulful  girls and boys singing Old American music with the hope of winning Grammys singing a language that will make sense to an American (from a distance) and not a Kenyan. Twangs and twengs sound funny when sung by a Kenyan.

They have teachers who tell them this is the way to go. You really wonder who they are singing for. Most importantly you wonder why everything has to sound imitated, including the instrumental foundation of their music.

Don't get me wrong. As I type this I'm listening to Wangechi and Karun on Soundcloud. But even they (Wangechi/Karun) but even they know who they are singing to/for-urban Kenyans who speak Swanglish and Sheng. My fascination (stopped being a beef) is with the type that grew up in muchadha, Eastlando and Ngumo but wamejikaza na kuimbia walami with kilami accents and kilami metaphors and kilami imagery (of snow and winter). Unashangaa sasa wewe tukusaidiaje? This is the reason it sounds contrived, imitated and I dare say...fake. One day one hopes eyes and ears will open.

Who are you singing for?

My List of Kenya's Top Five Male Vocalists

This post was inspired by this post and the ensuing back and forth.Caution: Long post ahead.

Like any other response, whether in academia, the dailies or a case at the chief's, we'll start off with disclaimers. Such as the fact that I've never met the writer of the said article. When someone lauds you in public, how does one respond? This is different from the postconcert 'you guys are awesome' statements in that someone published it on a website with thousands of readers and probably did not qualify that this was their personal opinion or why it was their opinion.

Speaking of opinions, I have sung the praises of other vocalists on this blog for years now. I have decided to come up with my own list of vocalists I look up to, with reasons why I look up to them. Does it mean I am not good? Really tricky question right there. It depends on whether you want to know my opinion regarding my abilities or my opinion of other people's opinions regarding my abilities (e.g. the article). I will reply to whatever's going on at Zuckerberg's after posting this.

The order is not representative of a hierarchy in my head. These are some of the people who keep me working and practicing.

1. Nicco

The gospel singer/worship pastor at Nairobi Chapel is a vocal powerhouse (in case I use that word more than twice on this post please refer to this disclaimer) whose mastery of vocal use is without question. I have heard him live and the guy belts at the edge of his range without getting weak at all. If you get to listen to their latest DVD, check out his rendition of  Atawale and keep in mind the range he is singing at-and that he has been singing throughout the concert. He is a sought after vocal trainer as well.

Like Robe below, Nicco believes only lazy vocalists resort to falsetto when singing. That means according to him, your range must grow if you are serious about this singing thing.

Here is a video of a song he did with Mercy Wairegi

2. Bien-aime Baraza

You knew this was coming. But you see, you have never been outside Alliance Francaise Nairobi with Barbra and Koech when Bien walks out and grabbing a guitar sings for you this song he has been working on. No, you haven't been moved by another person's voice-it's silkiness but most of all clarity of tone. You have no idea what that is.

But this is what you know, the runs in their Sautisol, P-Unit collabo-gentleman. You know harmonies in Bowane Lelisu. You do not know that this guy practices more than most 'artistes' out there. Last time I checked, he used to do kedo 5 hours daily.

I'll have to add Chimano to this list or risk being lynched. And yes, he deserves to be part of it as well. Again, there's a Wyclef thing he does at the end of his verse in Sofia. Forget the ad libs in Still the One and Sura Yako, next time you listen to Nishike, listen to Chimano's verse-and not what he says, his voice. Just the voice.

3. Josh Simani

I mentioned Josh as a vocalist extraordinaire about 3 years ago when, having performed at Deliverance Church Umoja, on Kate's invite, I walked up to him and told him I could not-and still cannot-do the maneuvers he does with his voice. He said he thought I was amazing, I thought he was being a Christian.

To be honest, I did not think much of Amos when they auditioned for TPF. But I have had to change my position on that. Thing is this, if you are comparing the two of them, Amos can play around with scales like PLO Lumumba with words. But listen to Josh's tone. For some reason, the man can run from here to kingdom come but prefers to sing straight (akin to a drummer keeping a groove).

Now that I'm done showing off, here's what you should do-listen to Josh in Baadaye, this gig with Kanji and most of all, the stark difference in vocal sweetness when he comes in after Bien on Nerea. Jeso!

4. Bethu

The voice leading HPB (Highest Praise Band) at ICC is also another previous mention here.

The people mentioned on this list have vocal stamina, clarity and a rich tone honed over time. They also have technique that means they can pull off anything in front of a world renowned vocalist and stand their own. In my opinion. Lastly, they can ad lib, trill, smoke, bend their notes in a scale without going flat/sharp and while the instrumental foundation is complicated-without sounding showy. They always stay true to the feeling/emotion that was meant to be expressed. Their voices can make you cry or fall in love-I say this to exclude brilliantly trained people who can only make you clap.

I will not say more about Bethu but if you have been to Aflewo or any of his concerts, you will concur. Here's a link to one of their two songs released last year

5. Robe

Robert Kiveu is a renowned vocal trainer in the country. He has performed with the people you see on Joyous Celebration and WOW DVDs. He knows them personally. He travels to perform up to now. Before I continue it is important that I inform you of his being able to hit an F5 in full voice effortlessly and louder than anyone you've ever heard or listened to.

Since he is a trainer, he knows the different qualities his voice has and how to utilize them. Since he can play keys and has a heavy Black American influence/preference, he can growl or glide on an augmented 5th or any of those heavy chords where knowing the root leaves you with a headache. Yep!

Met him at Mamlaka Hill Chapel working with kina Joyce (another one) in preparation for an upcoming concert. He'd tell girls to sing a note they were straining on by singing it himself, without sounding shrill or faltering. He later came to train us, Lele Ngoma, for a month or so. I am yet to meet anyone who can sing better than Robe. Bring me one and I'll pay you. Bei ya jioni.

Special mentions: Ado Vuvuzela of Inka is one of the best talents around. For him, it's about the feel he brings to a song and how he chooses to play with a simple melody to make it sweet. There's a rock band called Rash. I've heard the vocalist on a recording (never met him) and remember telling Ronjey that he has it.

Others will include Harry Kimani because he has an amazing ear that allows him to sing different notes on whatever is being played. Dempsey will be added here.  I've met people with potential to sing but who restrict themselves to one octave in a song, which means they cannot do more, which means they don't put in the work. This is not a list of popular singers or people whose music is loved. Just skilled and talented fellows.

P.S. Didn't use powerhouse twice :-)

When Someone Silently Snips Off a Year

Like a thief in the night. Photo/oyster.ignimgs.com

Some not-so-hostile strangers passed by last night and relieved us of some of our sentimental possessions, which needed replacing anyway. 

I float into this wakeful state of sleep, thanks to the vibration from my phone. Since I had a deadline to beat, I push my joints, sinews and tendons to not just get up but change and prepare to leave the house before 7.00 a.m. As I stagger into the sitting room, I first notice that the laptop isn’t where it was the previous night. Next thing I notice is that the door is ajar, curtain hem swaying in the morning breeze. Shouldn’t I have noticed the door first? Good question. We should discuss that over tea some time.

You know when that first drop of awareness first hits your mind? Then you shake it off and decide that being rational should serve you better at this point. That’s what I do. So, let’s think...

The guy I live with might have taken the laptop/gone for a jog early in the morning and not necessarily left the door open, but loose enough to swing open. I decide not to close it, either for dramatic effect or to allow everyone the joy of a memorable image, intact. I don’t know.

I cajole...no,not cajole. I forcefully nudge my mind to ignore the sight of missing instruments that lay there the night before and focus on the one thing our brand of burglars are unique for: The Meko Gas Cooker. I head to the kitchen. This is probably minute 3 since I woke up. My eyes sweep through the rest of the room, admiring the cushions (intact) as I head to the kitchen door. I reach it and there it is!

At this point I tell myself in a sage-like voice, hoarse from years of living (and probably drinking whisky)

‘It is time.’ 

My brain then scans through the most dramatic, brief, concise phrases that won’t cause panic but enough curiosity to make everyone else wake up.

‘Hey! You guys should come and see this...’ 

I’m not waiting. I’m still taking it all in. I realize the keyboard’s missing too. They step out of the room. I’m standing where the speakers, DVD player and external hard disc were. I watch them go through the motions even as I explain my discovery amid chuckles. That is how I deal immediately after anything. I’m not hysterical, just light. It will sink, for now there is no need to look distressed.

As the rest ponder, investigate and finally express their loss I’m thinking...6 hours ago this place looked almost exactly the same, with everything intact. I have a perfect image in my head of the house at 11 p.m. on Monday. 6 hours. Crap!

Oh, the headline? I, we have spent a year accumulating all that-laptop, what was/is on the laptop, guitars (3 of them), keyboard (birthday gift from mathe), meko (long story), external dvd drive, external hard disc, everything on my laptop (articles, second design of my mag, resources, photos, movies...life). A year that will have to be gathered up again, in scraps.

That is how my 2013 was snipped off from me.

2 years later, I've recovered-almost everything actually. My roommate Kevin too. Life is beautiful, innit?

A Lame Post

Hey,

I haven't gotten around to posting anything since...errr...January. Meeting a friend who tells you on how they want to sort of stop blogging when you're chastising yourself for not having posted in a while is not good motivation.

The thin line between dreams and reality. Photo/Dims Video Photography

Anyway, so I decided to go back to school. Most people never get the chance to study something simply for the sake of curiosity. Don't get me wrong. There is money going into this. However, the point is I am doing something I love. I am figuring out stuff I have always wanted to figure out. Will I end up a marketing executive/acrobat/manager/director/guru? Not necessarily. Will I feel good having an idea what consumer behaviour is all about? Mos' definitely.

Fred was around. Fascinating how he chats up the folks. He thinks highly of them. I find that fascinating as well. Kindly note that the word fascinating is a substitute for an amorphous feeling covering a wide spectrum of subfeelings that are yet to be sorted out in my brain. He enjoyed breakfast. Cool. I enjoyed watching them converse. I enjoy being in a room where I don't have to say a word to enjoy myself. I do not mean any of Churchill shows-raw,herbal or flavored. No. I mean I will one day (and many more after that first one) walk into a restaurant, sit at a vantage point, staring intermittently at a novel, with the sole purpose of watching human interaction. I think it is really cool.

The gig at Choices was good. I have come to learn that my criteria for a good gig sometimes (many) varies from that of the audience. Of course with different expectations come different experiences and after-tastes. I don't know why I added that after-taste part. I just thought it felt right. Anyway, was glad to see Joe Mwenda, Sharon, Orato, Liz Neke and Raquel there. True friends, they say, are made of such substance. Not like if you got them and mashed them up for a wonder drug for a fake friend it would make them...aki that was lame. Hata mimi nimekubali

Now it's too late to review/reflect on le gig, Lele Live! But there is this photo of Ian 'sketch' Arunga, Abigail Arunga and Magunga...aki it's a coincidence. The 'unga' is not intentional. You have to believe....anyway, that made me happy. For Lele Live the campaign included the Trend-with Larry madowo, Magunga's story and ads and finally a Facebook run that started off with individual band members' banners and a buildup that made me happy.

Day of event, my voice (thanks to practice two days to and the Way of the Cross at noon) took a walk after the second song. The rest was some brilliant winging it. Brilliant because the good Lord and honey made sure all my high notes were hit and sustained as required by ze music.

This was my best moment in the concert. The lady with the head wrap, our bassist's mother, got on stage to show us how one dances 'Dodo'. Photo/Quaint Photography

Let's see what we can do with all this. Was told today morning (it's past midnight, I know but work with me) that Fun played for 10 years before recognition. I don't want recognition as awesome as it is. I want the money that comes with it. The money that allows you to do what you love without having to look over your shoulder every time you get your payslip.

Goodnight

Psst!
Hisia Zangu, a bunch of seemingly snorty poets and writers meet every so often to, and this is the best part, tear at each other's material and pat newbies for their confidence in joining the circle. I lie. There is a poetry/writing workshop this Sunday. Come check out what guys will have submitted under the theme: Fire and Ice. If you click on the word click just before this one, you will end up at the event page where you will get more details.

A Fistful of Air

Yearning is like

A voiceless call,

Warm and humid, then hot and dry,

A Sirocco to a Harmattan

The longer you wait,

The louder it gets.

The harsher.

Yearning is

Groping once, twice

And finally grasping

A fistful of air;

Repeating the same questions-

When? Soon? Ever?

Ever heard of

The drawn-out longing that

Tugs and pulls

Savors then severs

The leap of the eager heart,

And with sinews and veins hanging

Like frayed ends,

Gives it flight-

Where it sees the moon

But never touches it?

Do you know of it?

Then you haven't loved.

bodo.2014