Mbuzi Gang never really broke up: iPhoolish sets record straight

Who is iPhoolish?

I am one of the founding members of the now-disbanded group, Mbuzi Gang. I played a crucial role in the group’s success and consider myself to be a vital contributor to our overall achievements.

You speak highly of Mbuzi Gang, any hopes of you getting back together?

Despite all the three of us going on solo projects, we have never really had bad blood amongst ourselves and actually as we are speaking, we have over 20 unreleased records. As a camp we don’t like working under pressure. A time is coming where we will release all of them. And that is sooner than you think.

What was the inspiration behind your recent project ‘Moss Moss’?

It was inspired by E-Sir, an artiste who deeply influenced me as I began to fall in love with music. His music left a mark on me, and I wanted to pay homage to his legacy. I was particularly drawn to his iconic song, ‘Moss Moss,’ and sought to capture the essence of that classic while infusing it with a contemporary sound. My goal was to create a fresh interpretation that would resonate with both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners. 

How was it linking with Fathermoh in this project?

As I said earlier, we didn’t really part ways as Mbuzi Gang, so linking up with Fathermoh wasn’t that tricky. We hang out at least four times in a week. Hatujawahi kosana.

What are your goals for ‘Moss Moss’?

This song serves as a taste of the exciting music I plan to release throughout the year. I aim for ‘Moss Moss’ to resonate with listeners, garnering positive feedback and creating a buzz around my upcoming projects. I’m eager to connect with new audiences and build a loyal fanbase through this release. Ultimately, I hope ‘Moss Moss’ will serve as a strong foundation for a successful and impactful year in my musical journey.”

How has your craft improved since going solo?

Since embarking on my solo career, I’ve experienced significant growth as an artiste. The time away from the limelight, while initially challenging, provided me with invaluable opportunities for growth. I can say I am now more confident and comfortable expressing my artistic individuality.

Any challenges as a solo artiste?

 I was fortunate to have a strong support system within my former group. We maintained close relationships, and I can readily collaborate with them whenever the opportunity arises. This ongoing connection has been invaluable, providing me with both creative inspiration and a sense of community as I navigate my solo path.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

Nyashinski has been a significant influence on my journey. His ability to seamlessly blend different genres and experiment with sound has deeply impacted my own artistic approach. Versatility is a key aspect of my own musical DNA, and Nyashinski serves as a powerful example of how to push creative boundaries.

What should fans expect from you next?

I’m working on a series of fresh tracks featuring some of Kenya’s most talented artistes, including Ndovu Kuu, Fathermoh, members of the Mbuzi Gang, Dyana Cods, and many more.