KTN anchor Lofty Matambo is a celebrated personality in media circles across the country. The presenter who also hosts Shangwe on Radio Maisha opens up to Standard Lifestyle & Entertainment (SE&L) about love, his passion for music and talks working on songs during the lockdown.
Most people know you as Lofty Matambo the journalist. Who is Matambo Em?
Matambo Em is my stage name. It all started when I was four year’s old. My father had a wooden Sanyo radio from which I could sing along to Zilizopendwa. He could sing word for word and infused the same love and passion in me. Songs like Naenda Safari- by Laban Ochuka, Afro by Less Wanyika were my favourite. As I grew up, I started writing and cultivated my talent by singing in youth choirs, college music club, and eventually led praise at worship at The Living Word Church in Kayole. I tried to record with notable producers over the years; Producer Totti-Mombasa, Jimmy Jinks -Nairobi, Saint P -Nairobi, Amz Tempos –Mombasa, but I think my time to debut was not yet.
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Tell us about your single that you are debuting, Penzi la Dhati
I wrote Penzi La Dhati in 2012. It is a love song to my heavenly father. He has seen me through a lot and His love is incomparable. My friends kept pushing me to record until 2016 when I sang it to Bernard Maina of KingBiz Incorporated who loved the song and booked me a session at Mega Records (Producer Nixon). I recorded and didn’t bother to pick it until Feb 2018 when my manager – Kingbiz – urged me not to let it gather dust anymore. I am now ready for the lovely jam whose video is by award-winning music producer Tim Still Alive and is due next week.
Penzi La Dhati is the only project…
I have three other songs ready. Tim is also working on a new song and once mastering is done, we will do a double release. During coronavirus’ peak, I threw my weight into educating and entertaining Kenyans in lockdown. I collaborated with Fridah Mwaka and Saint P in a very soulful Covid-19 song - Weh Corona. I am also happy that I got to work with several brethren in the ministry; Gbener KingBiz, Nickson of Mega Records, Saint P, Jimmy Jinks and Tim Still Alive.
What inspired you to write the song?
It was inspired by heartbreaks that I underwent then. A lover whom I had dated since high school, who is now a radio personality in one of the top radio stations in Kenya, dumped me. When I picked up the pieces and saw another woman, I later came to find out that she was double dating me with a Bandari FC footballer. It was devastating. I felt incomplete as a man since all my peers were dating then, so I sought true love from my God through Penzi La Dhati.
Being a journalist, did it come easy for you? The creative process, studio time and all?
Being a Journalist is a calling that comes as a package. It contains creativity, charisma and discipline. I have used this creativity in songwriting, and discipline in planning for studio time. It was not easy though because some of my advisers were advising me against it, saying introducing Matambo Em, an entertainer, will confuse my fan base. But I stood firm; this is more of ministry than entertainment.
Will we expect a collabo with other artists any time soon?
My music is laid back and of the same, great taste as those I play on my show, Shangwe, every Sunday morning on Radio Maisha. Therefore, I will be glad to do collaborations with artists whom I can blend with. I love collaborations because I have a background in singing in a band but I don't think I will bank all in that. It only offers space for networking and the opportunity to share and rub shoulders with like-minded industry players. I believe in creating quality music which will make such connections magical. If a song cannot push itself, you can’t prop it much.
Read Also: KTN's Fridah Mwaka and Lofty Matambo release 'Weh Corona' song
Do you feel the celeb tag will work for or against you?
I'm looking forward to reaching and winning many souls into the Kingdom of God through my music. God will enable me to have a working plan. A plan that won't be affected by my journalistic duties, and of releasing meaningful and impactful music. Above all, I don't want to be a one-hit-wonder.
To other talented individuals who are in ‘9-5 jobs’?
You can never be ready, you will never be ready. If you truly feel you have the talent and the passion in you, don’t sit on it. Explore the possibilities. Actualize it. Be ready to use cash and time to realize your potential. At first, it might look like an amorphous investment but in the long run, it brings about the feeling of fulfilment.
