Trapee trapped in porn

These are the confessions of Ogopa’s new kid on the block Godfrey Mtatah aka Trapee as revealed to Stevens Muendo

Pulse: Why the name Trapee?

Trapee: I was a bit naughty growing up. Used to trap grasshoppers and kill them. My friends thought I was a real girl magnet and they latter tried to rename me Try-p***.

P: Your new single My Video has brought in a fresh touch in the local music scene. How do you define your style?

T: I wanted to come up with a music style which would cut across the continent. My Video is a fast danceable yet hilarious track, a fusion of West African and Kenyan beats. Some people think it was recorded in South Africa but it was all recorded at Ogopa deejays were I am now a signed-up artiste.

P: Why would you say it’s your original style while critics argue that it’s more or less sounds like Femi Kuti’s Beng Beng Beng single.

T: I love Femi Kuti and I want to make music that has a big impact and leave a legacy as Femi. If they think I sound like him, then, that is a plus for me. The truth is, the sound in My Video is the direction I want my music to take.

P: My Video portrays you as someone who fantasises a lot. Does the song define you?

T: I take life very easy and I believe that comes out in the song. Some people say, I am hilarious while others think am just controversial. Probably my extrovert nature defines me better.

T: It is not a gossip. I have been addicted to pornographic films for the last 15 years. Right now, my girlfriend is helping me get out of the addiction. A friend of mine has also been counselling me.

P: What do you think led to your becoming addicted?

T: Peer pressure plus idleness. The more you watch porn, the more you want to watch more. I have a pile of porn CDs. I’d lock myself in the house and watch them over and over. It comes with…do I say sexual satisfaction or fulfillment.

P: You said your girlfriend knows about this?

T: Yes she does. Even my ex-girlfriend knew about it and she really tried to help me out. It is not the best thing your girlfriend should find out but, really, I had to be open to her if she was to ever help me out.

P: How often do you find yourself watching porn?

T: I don’t like watching TV and movies get kind of boring. When I listen to bad music, I become very moody, so…porn works for me. But, I believe I am breaking away from it.

P: Do you have any other addictions?

T: When I was growing up, I used to like girls a lot but did not know how to punch the right lines. So I decided to get a job that has to do with ladies. I ended up working in a salon and I really liked ogling and listening to women in the salon. I mean, I was there just because of the women. South Coast was crazy. With all the drugs there…but that is all behind me now.

P: What did you learn about women after working out in the hair salon?

T: I learned a lot being around women. A salon is the place where women come to open their hearts up. I learned how to love and respect girls.

P: How was it growing up?

T: My parents separated when I was still young. I am the first born, with a younger brother. I no longer have bitter memories about my parent’s separation. But I would never want the same to happen to my own family. It’s not the best thing for the children.

P: I understand you also wanted to become a DJ?

T: That is not far off from where I am. At some point, I also contemplated becoming a sniper.

P: So, how did you make the move from hairdressing to music?

T: I always had passion for music and I knew I had talent. With time, I discovered that life is really and not a mere fantasy. To cut a long story short, I moved to Nairobi and joined Ogopa in 2003. Two years after I released my debut single Shikacha.

P: Back then, there was rumour that Ogopa was just concentrating on certain established artistes…

T: I had heard that too, but I like to prove things for myself. After all, Ogopa is the most stable and consistent recording house in Kenya and I wanted to work with the best. Recording where Kenya’s big names have gone through is a real privilege for me. I have never regretted joining Ogopa.

P: You have been getting invites to many gigs lately. Do you see this as your breakthrough year?

T: My Video has been received very well. Finally I’m out of the cocoon. The money is coming home. I get an average of around one gig every weekend. That translates to some good money…

P: What is your strategy to the next level?

T: Consistency. Focus. I want to create my identity and curve my own image, then I can think of music sales, then think of wider fan base. I have an edge over many artistes in that I have carved a niche with my new music style. I am working on several singles. Everything in Ogopa is usually well calculated and my time is now. I have been recording some few collabos with some Ogopa artistes. Just watch this space.

P: Any regrets so far?

T: I try not to regret even when I do things wrong. I turn my weaknesses into learning experiences . When I fall, I will always rise up. Life is an experience.