Stella Mwangi aka STL, 24, is a Kenyan singer making it big in Norway and the world. She talked to Shirley Genga

How did you get the name STL?

It’s a funny story. My sister and I always had nicknames that changed with time. When she was Queen Jacqueline I was Baby Queen and when she became Danger, I became Thunder. In 2004, she suggested STL. I did not pack a punch so STL was perfect, but now my dad is convincing me to use Stella Mwangi.

Tell us about your childhood.

We grew up in Maragwa, but in 1999, my family moved to Norway because of political reasons. It was a real culture shock for us. I’m glad though that my parents insisted on maintaining our culture. Dad would teach us Kikuyu every night.

What type of a child were you?

I’m the second youngest in a family of four. I have two sisters and a brother. I’m an extrovert, the loudest and most active.

When did you know you wanted to be a singer?

From the time I was little, I knew the spotlight was my destiny. I was never shy and loved attention. I would confidently sing in front of family and friends.

What did you study after high school?

I did not go to college because the school system in Norway allows students to specialise in their careers early. I thus went to Chef and Waiter School. It was easy for me to follow this path because apart from music, I have always been passionate about cookery. I also needed to do something in the meantime to earn money.

How did you finally switch to singing?

When I was 11, I told my family I wanted to be a musician. At first they thought I was joking, but they later realised I was serious. After finishing Chef School, I worked hard to fund my music dreams. I would work day and night in hotels and other places because I knew I needed a lot of money to make a name and get a record label. Those were hard times for me.

I literally had no social life. I would get home late, sleep for a few hours before waking up to more work. The money I saved came in handy, as it financed my first album.

What is the worst job you ever did?

Being a telephone sales representative. It involved calling people randomly and selling products to them over the phone. The verbal abuse I got was degrading.

Would you call your first album a success?

My first album, Living for the music, opened many doors for me. Two songs from my album got played on ‘America Next Top Model’ and on ‘Melrose Place’. I even got the chance to curtain raise for big mc like Busta Rhymes.

Most importantly, though, was the opportunity it gave me to connect with my homeland. The fact that Kenyans appreciated my music was a great blessing. For the first time, I came back to Kenya alone in 2005 to sell my music.

Which great mcees have you shared the stage with?

The biggest names are Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, Flo-rida and some Norwegian singers.

Your latest single, Smile, is more dance, is this the new direction of your music?

Dance music is really big in Europe. I did not think I would do a dance single, but one day in the studio, my producer and I were listening to some dance beats and that was how Smile was born.

However, I will not be doing dance music per-se in this new album.

It will have a bit of everything, but many of the songs will be hip-hop. Smile was a spontaneous tune. In this new album, I’m also doing more singing. I’m even taking up singing classes and I will sing my choruses instead of rapping them.

Tell us about the album you are currently working on.

I cannot tell you much, but all I can say is that it is almost done and that 2011 will be STL’s year. After the release of my last album, I learnt a lot about marketing, my niche market and the importance of a manager. I also feel more confident and I finally know what I want unlike in my first album when I was trying out everything. My manager and team are preparing to do something big next year.

Have you been signed by a record label?

Not yet. I have received offers, but not what I’m looking for. I’m hoping my second album will change things.

Do you write all you music?

Yes. I wrote my first song, Black Power, when I was 11.

What do you do when you have creative block?

That happens a lot and it sometimes goes on for three weeks. When it happens, I go home and camp in front of the television, watching cartoons until I get inspired. I used to panic because it made me inferior, feeling I wasn’t good enough if I could not always inspire my creative flow. However, I’ve realised it happens to everyone.

What do you do when you are chilling?

I love cartoons. I love Johnny Bravo, Family Guy and Simpson. I feel cartoons are free to do anything and that they are not limited like in the real world.

How do you maintain your trim figure?

I try to eat healthy and exercise. This is not my natural size. I was much bigger and I have had to workout. When I turned 20, something changed in me. I realised if I wanted to be in the music industry, I needed to look after my image. Music is not just about music; you also need to look the part.

What is your most embarrassing moment on stage?

I have had so many, but the one I remember most was when I was 11. My sister and I performed at an annual summer festival in Oslo. I had composed a song called Black Power. Everyone in the crowd was white and there we were going on and on about black power. It was not only funny, but also awkward.

Are you dating?

No comment.

What is the craziest rumour you have ever heard about yourself?

That I was married to an old white man and that he was the one financing my career. Also the one that I was pregnant with Kantai’s kid!

What is the greatest lesson you have learnt so far?

Not to panic. I cried many times in the past over spilt milk and dwelt on what I could not change. It got so bad that I would wake up in the middle of the night to ponder and cry. I made the conscious decision to take life as it comes.

What is your greatest achievement?

The Chaguo La Teeniz Award and MTV Award nomination last year. My first album also opened many doors and I got to perform alongside great rap mcees.

Advice to any aspiring singers?

The music industry is hard work. Be prepared to work like a donkey. When you love something you must be ready to fight for it. What I love about myself is that I can walk through dirt and come out clean, somehow.

Future dreams?

Apart from growing musically, I hope to one day open a restaurant that deals with Kenyan food in Norway.