Rose Muhando is my role model

Tell us a little about your background and your music career?

My name is Judy Masila. I am a born again Christian, a mother of two and a first born in a family of three. My musical career started way back when I was still young. Having been born in a Christian family I used to attend Sunday School services where I could sing and lead songs.

In primary school, I would perform solo in music festivals.

I got saved after Standard Eight and decided to serve God. That’s when I knew that I wanted to be a singer. In high school, that’s where my gift was nurtured a lot and I got many opportunities to sing.

One incident I vividly remember was when I was in Form Two, I sang a song by Rose Muhando. I received a lot of accolades from the guest of honour and teachers.

That incident  ignited my  love for gospel music and from there I did my first album in Kikuyu which was not well received. It did not do well as per my expectation.

Worse is, I even did  a funds drive to raise money for that album. I was a bit discouraged but at the same time I learned from the mistakes which I avoided when I recorded the second album which is in Kiswahili.

Let’s start with Nikikumbuka album. Walk me through the production of this album and why the title?

I did Nikikumbuka album after the first album that almost got me to quit singing. I titled it thus because I faced a lot of financial challenges when I was piecing up the album. All the money that I had invested in was swept away leaving me nothing. 

The album is a miracle. It was God’s work. It happened when I was on the verge of giving up.

How would you describe your style of music?

My taste in music leans mostly towards rock, alternative rock and classical music, but when I write, I do everything from country music to neo soul.

Growing up, who influenced you musically?

I have always loved Rose Muhando’s songs especially her dances and being that I love dancing too, she became my role model in the music industry.

Talking of Rose Muhando, tell us about the single, “Network ni sawa” that you collaborated with her. 

Rose was one of the artistes that I had always dreamt of working with. Our collaboration came as a fulfilment of my dream come true.

Working with her was a combined effort that yielded two songs, Lazima Wajue and Network ni Sawa. Our collaboration happened unexpectedly and the outcome was the two songs.

What would you say you’ve learned about yourself, creatively, since recording the two albums?

Out of the poor performance of the first album, I learnt to listen to my fans and compose songs that appeal to their tastes. I also learnt to move with trends. Every generation has its own taste of music.

What can listeners expect from the albums?

I just think there is a song for everyone: to encourage, to strengthen, to inspire, to change, to bring to remembrance. There are songs to make you party, to motivate and to push you where you’re going even though where you’re at seems far removed from it.

I’m a music lover. I love music and I think the wonderful thing about music is that you can do all styles, all kinds, all variations of music all on one project.

I would like to look at my record and say it’s a little bit country, a little bit urban, a little bit down home, a little bit Friday night and a little bit party. In short, it’s everything because I have all these emotions and experiences!

 In your opinion, what’s the best song you ever recorded?

That is a hard question to answer as I’m a huge fan of music so too many to choose but I will have to go with “Network ni sawa” because it’s the most listened and viewed music.

What do you want people to understand about you, as a person and as an artist?

That it’s not about me but it’s about God. I chose to do this for a reason, and it’s because I love to inspire people, I love Jesus, and I want to tell people that a long time ago, I gave it up and said, it is not about me; it’s about Him and what He has done for me.

So, I think I just want people to realise that I’m not even being cliché — Jesus is doing it! I’m not doing it. He’s using me! And He can do that for you, too.

At this point in your life right now, how would you describe your journey?

  It was very hard! Of course, I’ve been singing ever since I was a child. but it’s been super tough. I got many “No’s”. Some failures, some mistakes. But, ultimately, I think it’s just grace and mercy and God guiding my steps. Like, purpose, that’s what, has driven my life.

What’s next for you?

I would just tell my fans that something hot is dropping soon, they should also expect to see more collaboration with different musicians.

If you could go back in time and say something to your young self, what would you say?

If you are new in music industry, don’t expect returns immediately, count failure as one of the most expected challenges and always stay focused. Never give up, every thing has its own designated time.

What is your biggest fear?

I’m afraid of missing the mark and going astray from the call and the purpose I was called for.

 You mentioned that you used to sing in a group. How was the transition from a group to now a solo artiste?

It’s definitely a tough transition. Even now I am doing this not necessarily on my own but I have a team producers and directors. The difference is I only have myself to blame. I can’t point a finger at anybody else.

So, I have to make sure that I bring my A game. It can be kind of nerve wrecking at times because the spotlight is just on me.

The Gospel music industry is overcrowded. How do you intend to set yourself apart?

People nowadays just do music with no anointing, so it lacks in the spiritual aspect of it. I intend to be different in keeping it pure.