Afro Jazz Artist Achieng Abura: Called to sing

Your mum bought you a piano while you were young... not many children have such a privilege, was music your call or something you did for her?

My late mother was and still is my strongest role model. When I was young, music was not a career that had great prospect, especially for women. However, she allowed me to develop my music talent and insisted that I secure a good education. I loved the sciences and so I got a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry and a Master of Philosophy in Environmental Studies. It is important for parents to support the choices and interests of their children because in the world today, passion is key to securing success.

You sang, I believe, in 1990 and it's one song that thrust you into the limelight, what does it take to remain relevant and vibrant in such an unpredictable industry?

Simple really. I have a great passion and love for music that is why I decided to become a full time musician. I take the good and bad times in stride and try not to let them overcome me. I have been faithful to my genre, afro-jazz, and that is what people identify me with. It is timeless and has no age limit. I lead the way early in using my talent for social transformation. These aspects have kept me relevant.

What inspired your shift from gospel music in 1996?

It was actually a genre change. I loved listening to Miriam Makeba and Letta Mbullu among others, and felt that their style of music had more international appeal, which we had lacked in Kenya. I still sing gospel songs and my albums have at least one gospel song.

Afro-jazz isn't my cup of tea and neither is it to many, especially the youth...do you rely on music entirely to bring home the bacon?

I beg to differ. Afro-Jazz and other forms of Afro-Fusion have a strong clientèle in Kenya even among the youth, Sauti Sol, Sarabi, does that ring a bell? We can hold concerts on our own as opposed to the collective hit concerts done by the trending artistes who rarely do individual concerts. Unfortunately, our music has limited airtime in Kenya but we have the advantage that it is more marketable internationally.

Word had it that you fell out with some people at Tusker Project Fame no wonder you were dropped as the principal at some point.

After my third year at Project Fame, a new director at Endemol decided to try things differently and chose a new principal. I totally enjoyed my time at Project Fame and I am still called principal by many. Funny really.

Fill us in on your involvement in the animated television series Tinga Tinga Tales where your son was an actor.

A friend actually asked if my son could be part of the series. I took him for the first recording, which was actually quite fascinating as the director was truly great at her job and made him very comfortable. She asked me to read some lines and I too, got a small part in it. It was fun doing a project with my son.

The initiative to take part in the epic Divas of the Nile group that featured you, Mercy Myra, Suzanna Owiyo and Princess Jully is nowhere now, what happened to the fire?

It actually started when we were challenged by some prominent persons that we were busy doing international related issues but had done nothing to empower people back home. The initiative sort of diminished over time as individuals got caught up in fast-rising careers. There has been consideration to revive it and make it more effective.

What are you working on now?

I am working on a new album as well as a socio-political project that seeks to enhance the Kenyan identity as opposed to the ethnic identity in our political and social interactions and other peace and environment related projects.

What would you say is your greatest achievement in life?

Being a mother to a wonderful son is the most beautiful blessing in my life. I also feel blessed that I have been able to positively affect the lives of many people through my music and music related activities in one way or another.

What is your advice to fellow women musicians?

There is now dignity in being a female musician. Uphold that as it is the key to a long fulfilling career with no regrets. If you love music first, not stardom, it will be kind to you. Grow your talent and keep at peace with other musicians. There is space for a million more to shine without compromising your light.

Photo: Courtesy