Kenyan singer Sylvia Barasa alias Rawbeena has opened up on her musical sojourn in Northern Europe and specifically her stab at fame in Finland.
Speaking exclusively to SDE, the Kidogo hitmaker explained that it has been a tough but fulfilling balancing act for her as she shuttles between the two nations
Rawbeena narrated that whilst Finland is economically years ahead, Kenya is a beautiful country but with limited opportunities for upcoming talents who are trying to find a footing in the industry.
She noted that the creative industry needs not to wait to catch up with the west and instead open up to new-age acts and trends.
“Kenya is a beautiful country but with limited opportunities - people sort of live in a cloud and so many expectations for artists; the way we dress what we drive, where we stay etc. This is too much pressure for starting artists who can’t even have another job to find their music.
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“In Finland, it’s the opposite, it’s more of realness it’s more of acceptance and respect for the art and talent and everyone is equal. There are plenty of opportunities to work and find your craft with no judgment. It’s more of growth both economically and career-wise. Living in both countries has taught me to balance the two, not get lost in fame but also focus on my economic growth,” added Rawbeena.
Billed as one Kenya’s most promising stars, the sensational vocalist highlighted the spotlight shone on music by her adopted home:
“Music is respected more in Finland and it is taken as a serious career and as a profession. People go to school for that. In Kenya, we have way too many shortcuts but it works somehow. From the production to the end product.”
The singer who also doubles up as a poet also revealed that possessing professional credentials in music production has been both a blessing and a curse.
“Knowing the art is my challenge actually; I know a lot of production as well and this gives me problems when I come home and have to work with producers; the attitude might end for producers and some have felt like I am teaching them their work. Which is not true... I just wanna share my experience and 4 yrs.’ of study. This is why I have identified solely one producer: Shirko to experiment things together. We understand our creative energies,” she said.
