Passionate about music

Jacob Otieno aka JACKY B, 27, is a music producer although he still hopes to be a radio presenter some day. He spoke to Shirley Genga

What do you do for a living?

I am a music producer, I also sing and deejay part time. The interesting thing is that I grew up dreaming of becoming a radio presenter but my love for music won me over and I ended up becoming a music producer.

Jacky B

Though I love being a music producer. I still want to be a radio presenter some day.

Where did you study music?

I studied music production at Groove Ryders Entertainment, a branch of Wynton House of Music in Nairobi, Kenya. I also had many mentors who helped me be where I am. I joined Groove Ryders Entertainment in 2008 and completed the course in 2010.

Is it important to go to school to do music or is it all about talent?

It is important that aspiring music producers go to school. Music production entails a lot of technical knowledge that you can only learn in school.

What is your work history?

As soon as I completed my course in 2009, Wynton House of Music realised the talent in me and gave me a job as a tutor in music production and deejaying at the school. That marked the beginning of my career.

With time, I began recording my own music at the school studio and many artists began liking my work. I only record gospel music and I have had the opportunity to work with the best in the gospel music industry.

 I have recorded big hits including:? Psalms 23, Furi Furi (both original and remix), Press on, and many more. Currently, I work at Lodwar

Records, a professional music recording studio, located at Kileleshwa, Nairobi.

What do you love about your job?

I love my job because I am passionate about music. I also love creativity and that makes my job enjoyable. I love to spend time in the studio — it is hard to get me off music as my job revolves around music and that makes me love my job for real.

What are some of the challenges you face as a producer?

When you are starting out as a new producer, the biggest challenge is convincing artistes to give you a chance to produce their music. Lack of proper studio equipment and software is also a major hurdle, especially in Kenya. Handling artistes can also prove to be difficult sometimes.

Any advice for aspiring music producers?

Music production requires determination, perseverance and hard work. One needs to be patient because it takes time before one can achieve a good sound. Do not lose hope.

What do you do for fun?

I spend my free time playing basketball, watching comedies and also reading my Bible. In future, I hope to start a foundation under my recording label, Tamu Sana, which will raise and mentor upcoming talented musicians.