Nyatititi player strums her way to fame

By CAROLINE NYANGA

Recently, music fans at a Nairobi club were treated to riveting tunes by one of Kenya’s finest Nyatiti players, Jennifer Atieno Sanna, better known as Atisanna, whose popularity keeps growing by the day.

During her performance, Atisanna proved beyond any doubt she is a force in the male-dominated territory.

Atisanna is one of the only known two women who play the instrument, the other one being a Japanese woman nicknamed Anyango Nyar Siaya.

“Let’s just say that although music has been a big part of me ever since I was a child, but playing Nyatiti in particular remains my passion and calling in life,” says the musician.

Atisanna mastered the art of playing the instrument by undertaking a training at Kenya National Theatre, as well as touring various parts of Luo Nyanza. On the tour she met renowned Nyatiti players such as the late Okumu Orengo, Lucas Wamiya, and Ogola Oloo.

“When I returned to Nairobi, I came up with a style of music that is slowly being appreciated by the society in general,” she says.

She says her role models include Afro-fusion artiste Suzzana Owiyo and famous South African songstress Miriam Makeba.

The artiste intimates that unlike fellow musicians, her ability to come up with lyrics as she sings makes her stand out.

“My style of chanting done in English, Kiswahili, and Dholuo indulges listeners as I address various issues affecting the society. This has enabled my music be appreciated by people from various Kenyan communities,” she says.

And her rare talent has not gone unnoticed. Last year, she won a top award during an event dubbed Kenya Music and Cultural Festival organised by the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture.

“This is a clear indication that I am headed in the right direction. I am also happy and honoured that there are people out there who love and appreciate my music,” says Atisanna, who at one time was a student at Ngara Girls in Nairobi.

The musician says she has already recorded a few songs, and her debut album is in the offing.

Atisanna, however, says she has had to contend with rejection from those who feel Nyatiti-playing is a preserve for men.

“The fact that I ventured into a male dominated career was not easy and some of my fans even thought that I had lost my mind,” she says.

According to the artiste, getting  concerts too has not been easy, and sometimes she has had to hold free shows to market herself.

“Mine is to restore the long lost glory of Nyatiti music besides giving it a different feel in order to reach out to as many people as possible,” says Atisanna, who is the fourth born in a family of six.

She says one of the reasons her music is also aimed at inspiring young girls that they too can make it in whatever areas they aspire.

Atisanna’s interest in music dates back to her childhood days.

“My family comprised musicians including my father who is a veteran Jazz musician,” she says.

As a pupil at Kileleshwa Primary, she started out as a guitarist in 1996 in her local church. By the time she turned eight years, she was already part of the adult choir at the Central Church of the Nazarene Ngong Road.

Atisanna recalls that as a student, she would carry a guitar to school although the institution did not offer lessons on the same.  Initially, Atisanna worked as a back up artistes for various artistes including her father’s Sana Jazz Band and Afro fusion artiste Benta Nyakoyugi. She later  turned up for Macadem and Juma Tutu before she went solo.

A mother of three, she now focuses on inspiring parents to nurture the talents of their children.

Atisanna first appeared on stage at Goethe Institute in May last year, with the legendary Ayub Ogada.