What makes a Kenyan music artist successful? Is it the language, the message, business acumen, luck … Mwaka Utanje OWINO has recently been nominated for ‘best Female Gospel Artist’ at the Nzumari Music Awards in Mombasa. It’s not the first time she’s getting recognized; she’s been on the list at the 2003 Kora Awards before, plus she’s shared a stage with the likes of Lucky Dube, and Joe [the R&B musician]. I wanted some insight as to whether Kenyan gospel musicians struggle as much as the rest do.

MWIWA MULI: What has been your biggest inspiration to sing?

MWAKA: Ever since I was a child, I had always wanted to be a singer. In those days I would hear Luther Vandross and say, One day I will sing like that. I practiced daily trying to sing like him but then in December of 1989 at age 14, I gave my life to Jesus. The January that followed, I moved to Kambui Girls School and here I and my friends formed a group. I have never looked back since. I can therefore say that my biggest inspiration to sing is my faith in Christ, love, life and what is going on around me.

MWIWA MULI: Your songs are in English, French, Swahili, and even Luo. Is it purely to get at a bigger audience, or do you find certain messages easier to convey in particular languages?

MWAKA: Well, I prefer to sing in different languages because I understand the languages and find it easier to convey certain messages this way as they sound sweeter to both myself and the listener. And yes, I like to reach to a larger audience. By the way, I also sing Kikuyu.

MWIWA MULI: Have you ever used Sheng in your lyrics?

MWAKA: No. I have however collaborated with artistes who use Sheng but when it comes to my part I just use ordinary English or Swahili. I just don’t know why. Maybe its because of my age... haha!

MWIWA MULI: Should artists have the freedom to use derogatory words in music, like the ‘N-word’, or does social responsibility trump this?

MWAKA: Artistes need to be very careful because people look up to them. Music is used to convey a message and I think its only good if the message is positive. I do not think that artistes should use derogatory words in music. People should speak against this. Music is more like teaching.

MWIWA MULI: Do you go through the same challenges as secular music artists do, for your music to be appreciated?

MWAKA: Oh yes, We go through a lot of challenges in the gospel industry. You have to hustle to get your music and video played on air. There is also the issue of piracy. Some stations do not think that they should play gospel. So we are sometimes limited to gospel stations. It's not easy to get sponsorships or signed up by a label when you are doing gospel because some think that the music is one sided and has a limited audience. I remember once going to request for assistance to complete my second album, and was told they can only assist if I change my music/lyrics and call myself an R&B artiste coz this is what I sound like! Well, I declined but, suggested they help a fellow artiste and friend who sings about social responsibility and who I have worked with. You are a gospel music artist.

MWIWA MULI: Does this title feel restrictive? Do all your songs revolve around a religious theme?

MWAKA: Yes I’m a gospel artistes and do not feel like its restrictive because this is what I wanted to do. My music talks about Jesus but it also talks about love, life and what is going on around me. I talk of what love means, careful speech, good governance, war in Africa etc. I believe that as a follower of Christ, I have a MWIWA MULI: responsibility to speak out about issues without neglecting what I have been called to do which is minister.

MWIWA MULI: Why do you prefer singing with a live band, compared to studio manicured performances?

MWAKA: When I was a new artiste, I used studio manicured performance but when I saw so many artistes doing the mime or sing on a track that is complete and not blank, I decided that I want to do something different. I’m part of a choir too and I just love to sing backed by a live band. It sounds more interactive because we are all displaying our skills. I do however sometimes use tracks, especially if I’m only singing one or two songs at a function.

Have you considered any shows in North America?

No, I have not considered any shows in North America but would be glad to do them if invited.

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