Reppin’ Coast with Bongo flava

The saying that a prophet is not honoured at home seems to sum up musical success for 22-year-old Mombasa based Awadh Salim aka Shirko . Although his music is whipping charts in Tanzania he is largely unknown to Kenyan fans. He speaks to Caroline Nyanga.

Pulse: You are popular with Tanzanian fans who adore you. Why is it that your music is not felt in Kenya?

Shirko: The Tanzanian fans recognised my efforts when I did the song, Nataka Kuwa Nawe with the 2 Berries (now Berry White and Berry Black) which was well received. It was played in all the Tanzanian radio and TV stations. The song established my career as one of the best local rappers. Nevertheless, I want my fans to know that I am also a very good singer.

P: What is the reason behind Nairobi FM stations shunning your music?

S: Well, I am quite puzzled. As much as I would like my songs to receive adequate airplay from Nairobi radio stations. Unfortunately I have not lobbied the presenters. Nevertheless, I strongly believe that one day they will come to see what they have been missing.

P: You are a great talent when it comes to ragga. Similarities can be drawn to Redsan? Are you copying his style or it is just an inspirational thing?

S: I don’t think so. Redsan had the advantage of being in the limelight before some of us. Aspiring musicians are just gauging themselves with his style of music.

P: You sound offended…

S: Not really, what I am trying to say is that anybody can do ragga music and do it better without necessarily being linked to Redsan. Besides, there are people who are of the opinion that Resdan is fond of imitating the likes of Sean Paul. All the same, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

P: You had a great collabo with 2 Berries which put your name on the map, which other Bongo artistes have you worked with?

S: Well, quite a number including Juma Nature on his single Asiya Na and Suma Lee’s Najua featuring 2 Berry. Some of my songs are currently being aired during African Chart on East Africa TV. They are also played in Uganda but not in Kenya.

P: Is it easier to get airplay on Tanzanian and Ugandan stations as opposed to Kenyan stations?

S: This is because of language. Mombasa-based musicians are conversant with Swahili which resonates well with the fans as opposed to English which is the forte for Nairobi artistes.

P: You won the Best Male Artiste Award during the inagurual Coast Awards held last year, has the award changed your status?

S: Well, winning this category made me realise that fans appreciated my music. Besides winning in a category that included all seasoned musicians like Cannibal, Prince Adio, Shybull, Ally B, CLD and Kingsting was an achievement. Today, I have gained more confidence.

P: We hear you have a new project, tell us about it?

S: It’s my new album, which I intend to release soon. I’m also working on the videos.

P: What don’t your fans know about you?

S: I am a music producer. I produce all my music.

P: Do you own a studio or are you employed?

S: I have been employed for the better part of my career. I started off as a producer with Teddy Records, Zanzibar before moving to Big Sound Studios in Tudor, Mombasa. I have recorded for Mr Blue, TID, Micharazo Clique and other upcoming musicians.

P: How would you compare Mombasa music scene to that of Nairobi?

S: As much as there are lots of talent in Mombasa compared to Nairobi but the latter have what it takes in terms of quality production. Nairobi based artistes are united as opposed to their Mombasa counterparts

P: Is it true that some Mombasa-based artistes and Bongo Flava stars prey on elderly white women or older rich women?

S: Yeah! The greedy ones! Personally, I have someone special who I love and value so much. I don’t have time for old mamas!

P: Tell us more about your background?

S: I am the last born in a family of four.

My parents are Mr Salim and Mrs Barke. I lost a sister recently in a fire accident. I attended Kaloleni Primary School between 1993 and 2000, before proceeding to Tononoka Secondary School in 2001.