How Samawati band has continuously managed to sooth souls with great music

                                                              Photo: Courtesy

It has taken sweat, consistency and, they say, the grace of God, for Samawati Band to be a household name in Christian music circles. Their debut album launch, on May 3, at the Utalii Hotel, comes three years after they recorded their first song as a band in 2012.

Samawati started in July 2012 and was initially made up of three members, Eric Omari, Beatrice Omari and William Kamore aka K-MO. Interestingly, Beatrice and Eric went on to become a couple, while K-MO is Beatrice’s younger brother – Omari’s brother-in-law. The two married in March 2014.

All of them were tutors at Kamata School of Music along Moi Avenue, Nairobi. They now have a band, an audio and video production studio and have produced all of their songs and some of their videos.

Beatrice was in administration and taught Salsa as well; Omari taught vocals, guitar and saxophone; while K-MO taught music production (both video and audio), drum and keyboard.

“We decided to grow and that is why we started Samawati. But we continued teaching at Kamata,” explains Beatrice.

But the main reason for the group’s success is the shared vision to do events apart from just music and video production. They started working together and have become one of the greatest names in the events entertainment industry, and are much sought after during weddings.

 The name Samawati just came randomly when it was suggested by Eric and it was accepted, thus becoming the group’s official name. Beatrice says, “We have seen the grace of God in that most weekends of the year we are booked for eventa – it does not come easy.”

Their first song, Sifu Bwana, done as praise was an instant hit that got massive airplay before the group emerged with another hit, Ngore Makomete. Their last song, Kombolewa, which is delivered in West African style, has been trending in gospel circles for a few weeks now.

The group started by buying some few equipment for events from their own savings. The first equipment they bought comprised of just two microphones as they did not have much money. Their secret to buying equipment lies in starting small.

“We identify all we need and deposit the money with the shop until we have cleared the payment then go and carry it away,” says Beatrice.

The group now has a fully-equipped band that does not have to borrow or hire and this has really improved their performance.

Omari and Beatrice say that consistency has finally paid off and they believe that they are still growing.