Music is my life

Tusker Project Fame Season 4 comes to a grand conclusion tonight and the Academy' principal, HELLEN MTAWALI has proved she is a force to reckon with. For her, music is a passion and she does not allow jokers to mess with it. She spoke to NJOKI CHEGE

Every single day, I wake up with a new song in my heart. Music to me is not just about composing and singing songs, it is a lifestyle and I love every minute of it.
Music was among my earliest hobbies. At the tender age of ten, I was already leading the church choir. I sang my way throughout primary and high school and it was only natural for me to venture into a career in music.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Daystar University in 1993. I began by composing my music and singing at concerts as I embarked on my Masters degree, which I completed in 1998.

Hellen with members of Afrizo band. [PHOTOS: MAXWELL AGWANDA/ STANDARD AND COURTESY]

Musically speaking, locally I look up to the Kassangas, who I believe have achieved a lot in terms of music. I also draw a lot of inspiration from Dr Roberta King, who always encourages me to do what I can in tapping raw music talent.

Five years from today, I want to start a music institution for musically gifted youth and teach them what I have gathered throughout the years.

Music has taught me 16 languages. The unique thing with music is that it throws certain vocabulary your way. This has really improved my linguistic prowess. I am now fluent in Kikuyu, Luhya, Giriama and Luo. Other languages I am conversant with include Lingala, French, Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele and Pidgin English, among other indigenous ones.