Nairobians talk through their noses like Americans, says Nigerian musician Iyanya

I first came to Nairobi courtesy of Coke Studio in September this year.

Before my visit, I had only met a few musicians from the country.

The first thing I noticed, even on my flight to Nairobi, was how pretty babes here are.

You know, natural beauty, slim figures and chocolate skin. I mean beauty anchored on this familiar face that seems to say ‘I am Kenyan.’ I don’t know what it is, but it’s special, and I cannot miss it.

And I must say chics around here are more polite and soft-spoken compared to our Nigerian sisters, who just have to be the most aggressive women in the world. My second shock involved the language. I realised that apart from Kiswahili, Nairobians do not have a language they identify with like us Nigerians. This left me in awe.

Those I met and spoke with appeared to dispense words through their noses, as if they are in London or America.

Then came the cold. I think Nairobi could be the second coldest city in Africa after Johannesburg. In fact, I don’t understand why they call it the city in the sun. However, I must admit that I appreciated the hospitality, as everyone seemed genuinely interested in helping me out.

The Kukere singer, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, was in the country courtesy of Coke Studio.

- He spoke to Cate Mukei