Why Rift Valley artistes love Australia

Veteran Kalenjin gospel musician Pst Joel Kimetto performs during a past function. [File]

While most Kenyan artistes head West for international shows, those from the North Rift prefer Australian cities. Kalenjin artiste Joel Kimetto, known for the song 'Uro' says the high population of Australian residents hailing from from the Rift Valleymotivates them to perform there.

"Furthermore, the same people have been supporting us financially whenever we tour the Australian cities where a high population of their citizens also like our music," says Kimetto.

Kimetto, who toured Australia last year, visited Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney for three months. The tour was sponsored by Kenyans living in those cities. While in Australia, he produced a new song.

Australia has a population of 26 million people and is the world's sixth-largest country after Russia, Canada, China, the US, and Brazil. Although it is the smallest continent in land mass, it is the world's largest island. A flight to Australia from Nairobi takes about 13 hours and 38 minutes.

DJ Nosh, from Elgeyo Marakwet County, is another artiste who has performed there. During his tour, Nosh, whose real name is Noel Kipkurui, was accompanied by musician Kibet Kipsang'. They both booked shows in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Brisbane last year.

"The high concentration of our people living there makes it easier for us to land invitations to entertain them and their friends," says 28-year-old DJ Nosh, who visited Australia in October last year.

Of all his shows, the performances in Perth and Melbourne were the most successful. "These two performances were fantastic, and the Australians enjoyed my work. As a result, they have started getting used to us," said the DJ.

Kipsang' was invited by Highsound Entertainment Group under promoter George, a Kenyan living in Australia. Kipsang' has been in the industry for 12 years, having earlier performed with the Conqueror Band. Despite most of his music being in Kalenjin, he has also done some songs in Kiswahili and English.