The DNA test

 

BY PETER NDORIA

P:What event, or series of events, inspired your move?

DNA: At the beginning of this year, I made a promise that I would be honest with myself.  I realised that I cannot ignore the past as if it was not part of my life. The truth is it gave me something that I wanted; success in music. I have been away from the industry. I have made a decision that I will not try to fit in any style and I will also take up my old music because it gave me joy.

P: How has the reaction been so far?

DNA: Opinion is still divided, I guess. Some are supportive while others have told me to think about it again. Overall, many have respected my decision. One cannot explain to everyone the motivation behind the decisions they make.

P: Gospel artistes are already doing songs that are not entirely ‘gospel’ in genre. In fact most are singing songs with a general social message. Why did you see the need to call a press conference to announce your move?

DNA: In order to remove any confusion or avoid failing to meet people’s expectations, I deemed it fit to call the Press and tell them my next step in my musical journey. Now I will leave it up to people to decide whether to play my songs or not, having made it clear where I am coming from.

In my press conference, I made it clear that I will not glorify things that destroyed me. Maswali ya Polisi is an example; it is an entertaining song inspired by real life and I believe it addresses a real issue.

P: Does that confirm you are simply setting new music boundaries or is it a drift in gospel faith?

DNA: I want my boundaries in music to be defined by my principles in life as much as I have made it clear I will not discuss matters of my faith.

P: How will you cut your own niche out of this?

DNA: I want my music going forward to be defined by the things I have experienced and know.

P: Some people are already comparing you to R Kelly because of your apparent indecision. What say you?

DNA: No, that comparison is unwarranted. I believe that I am free to express what I want to express or to praise God if I want to. I cannot let myself be made to do only a certain type of music. The bottom line is I am DNA; not the old one, not a new one, but just one who has learnt new things and my life is moving forward.

P: Any new projects?

DNA: After Maswali ya Polisi, I want to get out there for shows. There is more work in the pipeline already and after that I will gauge the fans’ reaction. The amount of material will depend on how people react, although I am confident the feedback will be positive.

P: What do you make of the music industry now?

DNA: A lot has changed, definitely. I consider myself to have a coach’s perspective, watching the other players from the sidelines. In that time, I have observed a lot and taken in serious lessons. I look forward to reconnecting with my fans.

P: You should have some regrets after such a long music debacle...

DNA: I have neither regrets nor shame about my decisions. When I stepped out of the music industry, I had all the time to know myself. I am happy, healthy and have kept sober. I have dealt with my challenges and I know the places and things to avoid now.

P: But you understand why people would be concerned, bearing in mind your past problems?

DNA: Yes, I understand. However, two years is a long time and I know now what I want and how to handle the attention and success that comes with the industry.

P: You mentioned that you are partnering with Grandpa Records. What is the nature of your partnership?

DNA: I have signed with Grandpa Records. They will be producing my music while Heavyweight Management will be managing and marketing me as an artiste.