K-South’s finest

By Caroline Nyanga

Pulse: You were the first celebrity to have two weddings in a month, why?

Abbas: My wife and I did this to cater for the interest of everyone who love and care about us. The first wedding was a private affair mainly for close family members, friends and a few media houses. The second was gangsta wedding held at Kenyatta International Conference Centre for the public. We have planned for the third wedding ceremony. Watch this space!

P: Unlike most just married celebrity couples you chose to perform immediately after your wedding?

A: I felt there was need for me to work. After all a man has got to do what he feels is in the best interest of his family — in terms of taking good care of them. I went for the scheduled show with my wife and performed well.

P: Where did you spend your honeymoon?

A: Another false story! We went to Zanzibar and Malindi and it was great.

P: Of late you have been branded a bad boy who hates on fellow musicians. Why such a reputation?

A: Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. The truth is many people get hurt when the truth is told. If telling the truth is being a bad boy then I guess I am one!

P: Is that why you openly attacked the organisers of the Game’s concert and Jua Cali?

A: (Laughs) That is in the past. But, I still insist that the organisers should have opted for hip-hop artistes instead of Jua Cali who claims to be hip-hopper yet goes talking badly about real hip-hoppers. After all he cannot freestyle, let alone flow. I think he should just stick to Genge.

P: You sound furious?

A: Not really, I am just being realistic here. Tell me, if Dr Dre or Snoop came to perform in Kenya would you get Kanda King or Longombas to curtain-raise for them? Or If Kofi Olomide or Werrason came to Kenya, would you get me, Chiwawa or Mwafrika to curtain-raise? It is a mismatch and that’s what happened at the Game’s show.

P: Word has it that you’re no longer doing the best musically after getting hitched?

A: I want my fans to know that I am still in the game with lots of surprises in store for them. The only problem with Kenyans is that they don’t appreciate their own. This makes artistes feel like their efforts have been unjustly trashed. On the other hand, I’m focussing on my marriage.

P: How is marriage life?

A: It’s better than I thought. I’m now more responsible and a better person. My wife has made me realise that there’s more to it than just starting a family.

P: Do your past relations haunt you? Nope! That’s the reason I took a bold step and married my lovely wife.

P: How do you handle women who throw themselves at you?

A: In most situations I try to be real by avoiding scandalous women place me in a situation that would not please my wife.

Nevertheless, no one is perfect. Only God is perfect. As for female fans I expect them to realise what they are dealing with someone’s husband.

P: A local promoter once accused you of failing to perform at Moi University even after paying you?

A: I was equally surprised when I read it on paper. For your information, that same day I had a show at the German Ambassadors House.

P: What of K-South as a rap group is there any hope of bringing it back?

A: K-South comprised Doobiez and Bamboo. But for now with Bamboo studying and working in the US, while I focus on my solo projects — I guess it’s just a matter of time before K-South comes back with a bang!

P: We hear you have a new album?

A: It’s called Mr Abbas which is about me before and after marriage. It is a 16-track album featuring East Africa artistes. It will be officially launched at WAPI on August 15.

P: With many talented artistes now emerging are you scared of being overtaken?

A: Me scared! Never! I don’t do music to compete with people but for the passion of it. Mine is a calling from God.

P: Any last word?

A: Kenyans should show love towards their own instead of hating on each other.