Dancing abroad

Audrey Jacky Tamm, 28, is a Kenyan dancer based in Germany. She has shared the stage with East Africa’s finest musicians. She talks to KIUNDU WAWERU

When did you move to Germany and when did you get started in the entertainment industry?

I left Kenya four years ago after doing a German Language course. While in Germany, Graham Katana, currently the manager at Florida 2000 in Nairobi, trained me on entertainment management and helped me refine my dancing skills. Around that time, during a Jamhuri show, I joined Risasi in a live performance that also featured Nazizi and Wyre.

Does dancing as a career pay?

I dance fulltime, and yes, it pays only when one is disciplined and knows what they want in life. You see, dancing is entertainment and there will always be functions.

How was life growing up in Kenya, did you dream of becoming a dancer?

Eating traditional food in Bungoma was very interesting. We are a family of five and three of us are in Germany. My twin brother lives in Frankfurt with my sister while I live in Berlin. I went to St Monica Chakol High School in Busia and cleared in Kisumu Girls’ High School. Yes, I dreamt of becoming a dancer and I danced the traditional dance, Isukuti, in both primary and high school.

Have you been trained as a dancer?

Not professionally. Mine is just talent, passion and interest. However, I am planning to join a dance class this year in Germany and I will replicate the lessons I learnt back home because I have plans of starting a dance school in Kenya.

Do you arrange the tours for the East African musicians coming to Germany?

No. I am a promoter and I guide artistes who visit Germany. I also curtain-raise for them besides planning for my own gigs in different functions.

Which musicians have you curtain-raised for or performed with in Germany?

They are many including, Nonini, Pilipili, Tony Nyadundo, Matonya, Nyota Ndogo, Osogo Winyo, Nameless and the Vitimbi crew, among others.

What has been the highlight of your career?

I cannot forget a performance in Hamburg in 2008. I was eight months pregnant and I joined Kanda King on stage, gyrating to Lingala tunes amid wild cheers from the revellers. Also, in 2009, I emerged the second runner-up in the Miss East Africa Beauty Pageant held at the Trafalgar Lounge in Hamburg, Germany.

Why would there be an East African Beauty Contest in Germany?

You see, there are so many East Africans living in Germany and they lack the time to travel back home. Thus the annual contest, besides scouting for talent, is also an opportunity to bring Africans together for a common identity.

How is the entertainment industry in Germany compared to Kenya?

Kenya has vibrant entertainment. Indeed, some people can rightly say everyday is a holiday in Kenya, but in Germany, the scenario is a stark contrast. Partying is expensive and people mostly take time out during holidays and special occasions.

Apart from dancing, what else do you do for fun?

I love reading glamour, fashion and inspiring magazines.

How is life in Germany for a Kenyan?

I don’t like being in Germany. People are not as friendly and warm as Kenyans. Also, winter is unbearable. What I love in Germany is the shopping experience and travelling as their infrastructure is superb. Also, there are few incidences of crime.

You mentioned about starting a dance school in Kenya. Please tell us what inspires you towards this.

Dancing is a source of entertainment that is appreciated in Kenya, although it is a career looked down upon by many. A dance school will give the dancers a professional and confident edge. Also, besides training the dancers, the school will provide employment, as we will need workers, teachers, drivers and security, among others.

I have teamed up with another seasoned dancer, Kanda Junior, who is based in Kenya. Kanda will be going to schools to train students interested in dance. Also, at the dance academy, we will have other professional dancers as trainers.

You said you danced with Kanda King while pregnant, how was that experience and could you tell us about the father of your child?

As I said, I love dancing so much and when the sensational dancer came to Germany, I could not pass the opportunity of dancing with him on stage. On the other question...Umhh, I am in a relationship with Imran, the father of my son, Cliff. He is currently studying in London and we occasionally meet. We are planning to live together though we have not decided whether I will move to London or he will relocate to Germany.

Finally, Audrey, after a long dance, how do you unwind?

I go to African restaurants and enjoy the continent’s music. When I go out for dinner, I like eating German food called schnitzel. I also fancy Indian and Chinese food.