Don't lose hope

ALICE KAMANDE

She may be an award-winning gospel singer and songwriter today but once upon a time ALICE KAMANDE was just like the thousands of jobless youth in the city, she talks to Matilda Nzioki about her journey

Tell us about yourself...

I am the lastborn in a humble family of five children. My parents are saved and we were brought up in Christianity. We didn’t have it all, but we never lacked.

Have you always wanted to be a musician?

Since I was in primary school, I used to imitate performers, not knowing I was my own artiste and did not need to imitate anyone. My friends told me I was doing it so well and their faith in me helped in a way to realise the artiste in me.

It is at Nyeri Baptist High School that my talent grew. The school had a studio where we could record and compile songs.

By the time I was 14, I was already writing my own music and I was singing at the chapel. Someone had once prophesied to me that God was going to use me through music.

Yes. I always knew God was calling me to do music, but I wrestled with the idea because I wasn’t sure. I had a deep feeling it was the right time, but I did not have the capital to start recording. I contemplated working a little more to raise the money, but I chose instead to believe God would provide and I was at peace.

I had written the song Wewe Pekee when I was working at the bank. The song ministered to me as though I was not the author and singer. It addresses the browbeaten, as how I felt at the time when I was jobless and almost gave up in life. It’s a song of hope and it has received a lot of feedback from people going through the same struggles.

With a little savings, money from the jewellery I was selling and support from producers R Kay and Sammy Gitonga, I was able to record and release Wewe Pekee.

The song won me Worship Song Of The Year at the Groove Awards 2010. I was also nominated for Groove’s Best Video and New Artiste Of The Year.

Any challenges in your music venture so far?

I take a day at a time. Challenges will always be there, but provided I’m within my purpose of living, I deal with them. I’m doing something I love.

I don’t want to attract the wrong attention. I don’t want to be caught in showbiz and forget my purpose, which happens with artistes. You know, once you make it in the industry, the fans want more from you. God’s favour has seen me through.

Money can be a big challenge too, especially at the beginning. I don’t want to release music without quality videos and so I need a lot of money.

Quality music and video means I don’t have to struggle with video jockeys and presenters to play my music. I have learned that if you do your part well, God takes care of the rest.

What else do you do apart from singing?

I do jewellery design. It’s my other strength. During the week, I’m mostly involved in music-related business and over the weekends, unless there’s a show, I relax.