Dennis Ngugi-country music entertainer: ‘I will fake it till I make it’

You sing other people's songs. Do you consider yourself a real artiste?

I mostly sing other people’s songs but that does not mean that I can’t do mine.

In fact, I have done a couple of songs of my own. So yes, I consider myself a real artiste.

What I am doing at the moment is like paying tribute to the greats.

You are known as a country music singer in Nairobi. Why country music?

I decided to sing country music because I listen to old artistes like Charlie Pride, Dolly Parton, Don Williams, Jim Reeves and the like. I like their style of music.

How do you go about what you do?

Basically, I imitate them. I practice their songs and their accents when they sing. When I get to the stage, I imitate how they play and sing in all ways.

How long do you take to prepare, let’s say you’ve gotten a new song...

It takes me about three hours of absolute concentration to get to know the lyrics of any song intimately. Once I have the lyrics in place, I get my guitar and practice their note and tunes until I get it right. This part probably takes longer than the first.

That does not sound difficult...

It is not easy either. You have to listen to one song over and over until it sinks into your mind completely. That is not a small thing.

You said that you have done some songs of your own, (writing and producing) which ones are they?

Mmmmh... Look, the songs I have done are on tape. Not produced yet.

So basically you have nothing out there that is singularly yours. When did you begin singing?

I began in 1996 when I finished high school. I did some songs and had them recorded on tape. Getting them to the public has been a real challenge.

What do you think you lack?

A manager's expertise; to help me navigate the music scene.

The tips of your fingers are massively calloused. Flat, hard and cracking at the tips. What is that for?

Those are the effects of playing the guitar. I learnt how to play the hard way. I taught myself.

You have been doing this for a while then. How popular is country music in Kenya?

Country music is wide. The list of its famous artistes is long. And I mean really long. Country music is very popular among the slightly older people. It is sort of a quiet and relaxing genre. Young people only like it in small pockets.

What is it about country love songs that make them so special ?

They talk about emotions in a deep way. Ladies like them because it makes them feel loved, cherished and happy. It applies to the men too.

Where have you performed?

I perform in clubs, restaurants and hotels and events. You can get me at Club Honey Pot. I have performed at the Hilton, Panafric Hotel, Isaack Walton Inn in Embu and Reminisce Sports Bar.

Does your singing reward well?

It has its challenges, but it does pay my bills. The whole thing depends on how you negotiate with different establishments. It differs from one establishment to another.

In five years, where will you be?

I think I will be producing my songs. I will be marketing myself even more.

Will you still be singing country music even then?

I doubt it.

Are you a family man?

I am a father. My son is nine years old, but he lives with his mother. We live apart at the moment.

Where is home?

I was born in Nyandarua, some 41 years ago