KAMBUA'S VOCAL STYLE

 

Can you tell us a little about your background and family?

KAMBUA: I am the second born of three children- I have two amazing brothers and an adorable little nephew. My parents are both in ministry, they are the co-founders of Tabibu Ministries.

 

How did you get interested in music and when did you realize you wanted to take up a music career?

KAMBUA: My musical gift was first nurtured by my parents in the confines of our home. Both of them are musical- mom sings, and dad plays the guitar and sings as well. They're not professional musicians, but I believe their musical inclination was passed on to me. They also ensured that during our family devotions every evening, we got to sing songs, and especially hymns in English, Swahili, and Kamba. This is where my love for hymns and music as a whole began. I found myself seeking out opportunities to sing even as a young girl. I got involved in kids choir, teens choir, music festivals, etc. Later on after highschool I joined a praise band known as Eneza from my then home church- Parklands Baptist. At about this time I knew beyond any doubt that I wanted to take up music as a career, but I did not have the resources to get into it. I've come to learn though that provision follows ideas/dreams. I started off by working as a background vocalist for various artists, I got to do jingles for both radio and television, until eventually I embarked into a solo project- Nishikilie, which was my debut album.

 

Which musicians (African and foreign) did you listen to growing up?

KAMBUA: Well, I listened to a mix and blend of everything! My father loved country music and so I got to appreciate the likes of Jim Reeves, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, etc. He also listened to Kabaka, Munishi, and so on. My mother introduced us to the music of Ron Kenoly, Alvin Slaughter, Don Moen, and Brenda, Mary Atieno, the Kassanga's, and many other. My ear was then conditioned to be very open and to date I'm able to appreciate a whole range of musical genres.

 

What was your first big break?

KAMBUA: My first big break came in 2004 when I entered my first song 'Amani' for a peace competition organized by Radio Waumini. I emerged as the best solo artist, and the money I received as an award enabled me to produce more music such as 'Nishikilie' and other songs that were on that album.

 

What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?

KAMBUA: Some highlights have included when I was awarded Afro-fusion Female Artiste 2008 at Kisima Awards. I also received the award for Female Artiste of the Year 2009 at the annual Groove Awards. The best thing about these awards is that I know that they're merely stepping stones to so much more that God has in store for me.

 

Tell us about your current album. What should we expect?

KAMBUA: My current album is NYUMBANI. It is a blend of genres from Kwaito, to Rhumba, some Rn'B, etc. Basically a little bit of this and that to appeal to different ears. It also has more of my own songwriting than the album NISHIKILIE did, so it is a better expression of who I am.

 

What to expect?

KAMBUA: More music for sure!

 

How different is the vibe when performing for Kenyan crowds abroad versus those at home?

KAMBUA: The difference is definitely there but it is a welcome one too. I always say that there's no place like home, then again, it's interesting to sometimes find that artists get a lot more appreciation in foreign countries than they do at home. I am grateful that I've been able to receive a lot of love both ways. I look into venturing more into the African countries though.

 

Which African musicians do you admire and why (presently)?

KAMBUA: I have a lot of respect for Rebecca Malope, Deborah Fraser, and Rose Muhando. I admire their passion and their dedication to what they do.These women are forces to reckon with, and the most amazing thing is the consistency they've been able to maintain as they minister through song.

 

What are your future plans?

KAMBUA:  To use my music as a platform for the voiceless. I believe my calling is mainly towards women and children. I'm still figuring out where my exact place in the bigger picture is.

 

What challenges do you face in the music industry?

KAMBUA: One of the challenges that any artiste will attest to is that of piracy. We invest so much into producing quality music and then it gets pirated and we get close to nothing from it. I encourage people who believe in what we do to insist on purchasing original music. Another challenge is simply knowing that I've been placed as a role model to so many people. There are lots of expectations from all corners, and it becomes very tough when I have struggles of my own to deal with. It's hard when people criticize what you do, not knowing what it's taken for you to get where you are. But all in all, I love what I do and have accepted that the challenges are all part of the package. They have in fact made me a very strong woman.

 

Do you have any present engagements and works other than music?

KAMBUA: Yes, I am currently co-hosting a TV show with a gentleman by the name Njuguna. The name of our show is 'Rauka', and it is aired by Citizen TV. Rauka is swahili for 'wake up'. The show runs every sunday morning from 6.00am to 9.00am. We get people up and ready for Church and the week ahead. I absolutely love being a part of this, and especially connecting with people, and knowing that we are in some small way making a difference in their lives.

 

What is one interesting thing about you that some of us fans don't know?

KAMBUA:  Maybe the fact that I'm terrified of cats? haha. On a more serious note, I may possibly be one of the shy-est people ever! People find this very hard to believe, because I appear to be so confident and especially on stage. But everyday has been a step of faith, trusting that God has given me a gift, I simply need to use it to the best of my ability and the rest is up to Him!

 

What are your hobbies and pastimes?

KAMBUA:  I love to read books, especially Christian literature, biographies, and magazines. I  also love to watch movies. I travel whenever I have an opportunity to. I also

enjoy taking long walks, or just hanging out with family and friends. But mostly my introverted nature causes me to crave for 'alone' time more often than not.

 

Do you have any messages for fans, family, etc?

KAMBUA: To my family and friends, and fans: Thank you for believing in what I do, and for continuing to support me and the gift that God has place in my life!

 

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