Kawi ambitious plans

Having made her way into the limelight through her Nonini collaborated Pole Pole track, 24-year-old Annette Mugambi aka Kawi speaks to Shirley Genga about her new plans      

Pulse: Your song Pole Pole featuring Nonini is currently making waves in the local charts. How did the collabo come about?

Kawi: I was working on my project with Kevin Provoke (producer) and, Nonini being a guy with an ear for talent, got to hear some of my work and he was impressed. From there, Pole Pole was born.

P: How long have you been singing?

K: I have been singing ever since I can remember. I participated in music festivals in school. In my third year at Moi University back in 2010, a friend of mine who noticed that I had a passion for music invited me to do a song with him at Ulopa’s studio in Nairobi. It was my first time in a studio. There and then, I made the decision to pursue a career in music.

P: Which producers are you working with?

K: I am working with Musyoka and Kevin Provoke. They are awesome producers. I am signed to Nonini’s Pro-Habo Records.

P: It is not easy to break into the Kenyan music industry, especially for a chick. What do you think makes you stand out?

K: I work very hard and do everything to my level best. My style is very different from the sound that is already in the market. I am not doing kapuka or the ‘let’s shake our bum’ kind of music. I am very versatile. I am bringing a new style and my main aim is to place Kenyan female artistes on the international map.

 

P: How would you describe your style?

K: My music is African, soulful, poetic and expressive. I do not like to box myself within a certain genre. It is a fusion of a variety of sounds.

P: When can we expect another single from you?

K: I do not want to say much. All I can say is I have a number of singles ready. They will be released in due time in line with my record label’s strategic schedule.

P: Which Kenyan artistes would you like to collaborate with?

K: Just-A-Band and Sauti Sol, because they are both very creative and good at what they do.

P: Apart from music...

K: I am a lawyer, a model and a fashion designer. I am currently working on my fashion collection.

P: Tell us something people may not know about you?

K: I am the first born in a family of three. I love watching cartoons on Saturday mornings in my bed and I once had a tongue ring.

P: You are a very stylish dresser, who is your style icon?

K: Kelly Rowland is my fashion icon. As a fashion designer and model, I mostly design and model my own designs.

P: When can we expect an album?

K: At the moment my focus is on making good music for people to enjoy.

P: In the next ten years where do you see yourself?

K: I want to start my own law firm, launch my fashion line, have an album and have a few international collaborations.