KevohYout: It’s hard work

That gospel is going places in Kenya is no secret as more artistes make the mark. Kelvin Ochanda aka KevohYout could be one of the anointed ones, writes DAVID ODONGO

Pulse: Which living person would you wish to meet most?

Kevoh: That person would be Richard Branson… and it is because I would ask him to invest in basic health facilities for millions of Kenyans living in the slums.

P: What’s your biggest regret in life?

KY: My only regret in life is that I wish I started recording much earlier. I should have taken music more seriously when I began.

P: What influenced your style of music?

Kevoh Yout

KY: Generally I love ragga. I see dancehall music as a very appropriate tool to influence young people. With the style and positive lyrics I am able to pass on God’s message.

P: What do you think of the Groove Award you won?

KY: Well… it means that years of hard work are finally recognised. I give my best to every song I do. I know that I am good at my God-given talent but the other contestants are, too, so I wasn’t sure I was going to win. I have been nominated five times for Groove Awards, and once for Mwafaka Awards.

P: Tell us about your educational background

KY: I studied a Bachelors degree in Law, though I’m yet to graduate. The course helped me learn about human rights and it’s also great for networking.

P: Tell us about your first song?

KY: My first recorded song was Praise Him. I took long to record it since nilikuwa nimesota. My current album Determination is named after the lead single. Determination is a song about diligence in everything we do and a call for every Christian to work out their salvation and to be determined at it. I think my biggest song so far is Determination and No More.

P: As a celebrity, what is the weirdest experience you have ever had?

KY: It was when some chicks asked for autographs in public, at a supermarket. But the highest point in my career was sharing the stage with Sherwin Gardner and Isaac Blackman. These are artistes I revere. I take inspiration from them; sharing the same stage with them was a blessing.

P: How do you spend your free time?

KY: I spend time writing new music, reading the Bible and hanging out with friends.

P: Whom do you credit most for your success?

KY: That’s definitely my mother Jane. She has been there for me always. Through thick and thin, and she believed in me when no one else did.

P: What have you learnt about love and relationships?

KY: I have learnt that love is a choice, and that a great woman is a gift from God.

P: To you, who is a perfect woman?

KY: I won’t say perfect, but my ideal woman is one who is beautiful, intelligent, compassionate, visionary and has a passion for Jesus Christ.

P: Any female stalkers?

KY: Yes of course. Stalkers wako but I regard them as fans. I just listen to them.

P: Greatest achievement?

KY: My first album, Determination. It was well received beyond my wildest expectations. The feedback has been overwhelming.

P: Declare your wealth?

KY: Hahahaha. Music feeds me. I’m comfortable but financially I am yet to reach my comfort zone, but I’m on my way there. I will leave it at that.

P: What are you currently working on?

KY: My latest project is Ni Wewe. It’s a song to God for His amazing love for me. Future projects include my second album featuring both local and international artistes. I’m also working on Determination tour, a project to empower youths with hope, skills and opportunities to be better.

P: Which artistes would you like to work with?

KY: In Kenya, it would be Wyre while in Uganda, Crystal Fabulous & Tikkita. In Tanzania it would have to be AY.

P: According to you, what are the keys to success?

KY: To be successful one needs to be determined, patient and diligent. The plus points of music is that I get to meet so many young people and impact their lives positively, However, it can be quite exhausting doing back to back shows in various locations.

P: What have you learnt from being a public figure?

KY: One has to be patient and always hopeful. Also it’s important to be a man of integrity in this industry. To anyone venturing out there, my advice is that you get to identify a mentor so that you learn from their experiences. In this industry some promoters are crooks. They will not keep their word and this is very disappointing.