Making a song and dance

WANGECI KANYEKI talks to songbird and voice coach, Kavutha Mwanzia-Asiyo, 34, who has been transforming singers into stars in the Tusker Project Fame Academy

When did you start singing?

I can barely remember my childhood — I was a shy and reserved girl but I could sing every song on the radio.

I was an average student at Lavington Primary School so one day my father suggested that if the teacher could teach me songs, I would surely be number one.

How did you grow your talent?

I chose music over French in St George’s Secondary School, and also joined a girls’ singing group where my talent became obvious. I had my eye on Kenyatta University so I could further my music.

But I could not wait for two years to join the university, so I enrolled in Daystar where I did a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and a minor in Music.

Did studying Music help?

At first I wanted to be a radio presenter and producer, but Daystar was quite critical in defining my music. My lecturer, Mrs Miller of the music department, encouraged me to follow music as a career. In 1998, I joined the acclaimed Berklee College of Music in Boston, US, where I did a second degree, Bachelor of Arts in music.

I found students who had been playing instruments and singing from age six! But I also found others who had little musical background. I focused on developing my voice as an instrument and learned how to play piano as an accompaniment.

How did Berklee change your life?

It opened up my world and gave me exposure. I became bolder and was able to find myself. I came back home and started to organise events with my friend and co-director Nthenya Musyuko.

We started a monthly event for jazz lovers, then we organised First Friday, a monthly worship night. This is what opened up the Tusker Project Fame (TPF) opportunity.

What does it take to be a voice coach?

I must understand the voice as an instrument. I must encourage and correct. Voice students may sometimes take that criticism to their voice as personal but it’s really about the skill.

Do you always hit the note?

There are days my voice can’t do what I want it to and I just have to rest.

What do you do when not at TPF?

I am a director at the Orange Company, which is a PR and events organising company.

I am also a voice coach, and a music lecturer at West Nairobi School and at Daystar University but I also do personal training.

There’s a hyphen to your name?

I am married — two years — to musician and pianist, Jacob Asiyo. I met him at a gig and I thought he was so cute. I bumped into him again with my friend Nthenya and one thing led to another and I am now his wife.

Did you want to be married to a musician?

I never wanted to be married to a musician, but being married to one has helped because he understands my world as a musician. He is also an extremely talented pianist.

Do you sing at home with your husband?

Yes, we do. Maybe once a week, but our lives are not all consumed by music because we have other interests. Recently, we have embarked on a see-the-country tour where we take time out each month to visit a town in Kenya.

What is the most difficult task you have ever performed?

Climbing Mt Kenya. It was like a horrible mental game with harsh conditions. I went up to point Lenana even though everybody else thought I could not make it.

From the mountain climbing experience I learned that if I decide, I can. No one can tell me I can’t.

Why haven’t you recorded an album?

It was never my dream to be a recording artiste. It was unnerving to hear my voice and I did not even like how I sounded. However, I am now preparing to launch an album, which should be released early next year, so watch out.

What are your secret talents?

I love to knit. Recently, I made a baby suit for my sister. I also love to dance. However, I am lousy at sports, as I have no hand-eye co-ordination.

I am a voracious fiction reader and I read the book in one or two sittings, which makes me anti-social whilst reading. I do not like self-help books because they are constantly trying to change who you are. I also have a talent for buying shoes!

What is the worst thing someone has said to you?

I hear all sorts of nasty comments because I am a plus size and that can hurt. I have learned to be comfortable in my own skin.

Who are your favourite artistes?

Right now, I am enjoying Sibongile Kumalo, Cece Winans, Jill Scott, Glen Lewis, Ella Fitzwald and Dianne Shurr.

Your advice to budding artistes?

Make sure that you are gifted in the area you want to pursue. Put in the time required and surround yourself with honest people who can tell you the truth.