Afro-Soul songstress changing the scene

Dela Maranga has been known to sing songs that have a conscience. She talks to CAROLINE NYANGA about her love for poetry and rhythm

You’ve had a good start in the music industry. Why the fast rise?

Well, everything has a slow start but given time, one is able to prove that she has talent and determination. For me it all comes down to self-belief, belief in God, hard work, patience and determination to succeed.

Critics are of the opinion that you initially rode on the popular boys band Sauti Sol’s fame

Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion. When you are doing well, there are people who will never say anything positive about you. After all you cannot please everyone.

The reason I featured in Sauti Sol’s debut album Mwanzo, back then is because they were impressed by my singing and requested me to be part of their album. Also the fact that I love music makes me want to work with as many artistes as possible to perfect my skill.

You manage a band of your own, how is it like working with different personalities?

I head a band of six, four male musicians and two female vocalists who have been working under me for two and a half years now.

My secret lies in working and growing with my musicians. This means that I give them a chance to air their views openly and see how they benefit the band and grow in return.

You have been labelled Kenya’s finest female vocalist and compared to the American singers Chrisette Michelle, and Alicia Keys?

Well I am honoured to be compared to some of the best international female singers across the world. Some of my fans have often compared my voice to that of gospel crooner Mary Atieno famed for Adamu na Eva and that’s a compliment.

The fact that my album sold many copies the moment I launched it is a sign that that people out there who love and appreciate my music.

What makes you stand out?

The fact that I compose and write all my music is a plus. Also looking at my genre of music, which comprise a fusion of Afro, Neo-Soul, Reggae and Hip-Hop, I have managed to cut a niche for myself. I have featured in songs like Bien from Sauti Sol and Mchizi Gaza by Ukoo Fulani.

Lastly, the fact that I am signed to some of the best producers including Wawesh, Mageto and Sweden based Mastah L gives me a head start.

Because of this my first song, Ulivyo, became an instant hit catapulting me into fame.

You hardly participate in shows. Why?

Although I get shows coming my way, I have always been careful about the shows I choose to do.

I like to keep the public yearning for you more as opposed to being seen all the time since they are bound to get bored of me. I’ve always tried to have one major concert that many will live to remember as opposed to having ten ‘small’ regular shows that may not make an impact.

Tell us more about your debut album Paukwa

The 12–track album launched in 2009 at The Louis Leakey Auditorium at the National Museum is done in English, Kiswahili and Dholuo. I incorporated Afro-Soul beats combined with a number of African musical elements. This makes it unique and different from what other Kenyan artistes have released in the past.

What inspires the theme of your songs?

Self-life experiences. My music is all about my story from the begging when I ventured into music at a tender age. I sing about my experiences, expectations and expression in the music world.

Paukwa is a Swahili word used to call for the listener’s attention to a folk story. These stories were a traditional mechanism for perpetuating the people’s heritage, imparting moral guidance and celebrating the community spirit.

My album is about the voyage that took me from being a school girl singing in a choir to a more mature recording artiste filled with diverse experiences: from working with various producers to doing live background vocals for many award-winning artistes.

Have you always been interested in music?

Music has been a big part of me ever since I was a child. At the age of seven I got the nickname ‘Dela’ due to my ability to sing well.

I sang in church in primary and high school where I was an active member of the choir. Because I always longed to be a recording artiste, I formed a music group of girls from my school but producers let us down.

I met producer Andrew Mageto of JME studios in 2007 and he produced my track, Nakuegemea, which we released in March 2008. Working with him triggered my interest in music more beyond the studios into being interested in doing live music and shows. It was also through him that my music got a chance to be accorded airplay on the various local FM stations.

It was also around that time that, as a student of Architecture at the University of Nairobi, I met fellow musician Dan ‘Chizi’ Aceda and without wasting much time, decided to do backup vocals for him to polish my performance skills.

And at 19, my debut on the big stage was my collaboration with Kenya’s most famous boy band Sauti Sol, that saw my song Mama Papa make a record number one hit. I got a contract with the label PENYA records the same year under Producer Wawero ‘Wawesh’ Kiboy.

You are also known to be an activist by nature?

This is because unlike most of my fellow musicians I strongly believe in advocating for the rights of the poor and oppressed as opposed to just entertaining them alone. My music can be described as informative, educative and entertaining.

It was because I sang songs that openly criticised politicians and their greed, and the adverse effects of this on the youth that the UN Habitat appointed me their Messenger of Truth — something that I have taken seriously to fight for the rights of the youth.

On which international stages have you performed?

Besides staging major concerts locally and within parts of Africa, I have performed at Istanbul (the Youth Congress) and in the Netherlands, Sweden and UK in August and September of 2009, where I was part of the New East Africa tour organised by Penya Africa. I sang alongside Sauti Sol and Stan.

What is Dela like off the stage?

Contrary to the misguided notion that musicians are reckless I am a shy person by nature. One thing that I enjoy doing is poetry and art. In fact some of my poems always turn out to be my songs.

Where did you go to school?

Makini Primary School where I was an active participant in music. My love for music grew stronger upon joining Kenya High School where I was appointed the entertainment captain in charge of music, arts and movies. Besides I was also an active participant in the school choir during music and drama festivals. At the moment I am a Second Year student of Architecture because I had to take a break from campus when I travelled to Europe.

Tell us more about your family?

I am the first born in a family of four — three girls and a boy. My mother is a single parent.

How do you balance music and education?

It’s been tricky. But letting go of either has never been an option so when it is time to study I concentrate and during my long holiday breaks, I do as much of music as possible.

How do you spend your free time?

Watching television. My favourite programme is The Office. As for movies, I can’t wait to get my eyes on Hangover 2, I hear it’s deadly. I also like aking road trips with friends.

How do you handle male fans that may come on to you when performing?

There was only one incidence when a male fan came up to me on stage and decided to put some money in my blouse as I performed. No matter how hard the bouncers tried to take him away, he always made his way back onto the stage. Well, I love all my male fans and they have been respectful so far.

Have you ever been stalked?

Yeah on several occasions but the one that got me freaking was this guy who kept sending me weird text messages and calling my line all the time.

Anyone special in your life?

Yeah, I am seeing someone, although I do not wish to go into details about it. I believe my private life should remain private.