Let's just furi furi

There have been grumbles revolving around the now popular Furi Furi remix and Pulse sought to put the matter to bed, writes STEVENs MUENDO Pulse: There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the Furi Furi dance song. Can you clear the air on whether it is DK or you who owns the song?Jimmy: I came up with the whole concept and DK made an input in it. It is public knowledge that the original Furi Furi dance release is a collabo between DK and I.P: Why did you think of doing a remix just as the original release was becoming popular among your fans?J: It was a good and timely idea. As much as the original version was getting good reviews, I wanted to do something that Kenyan artistes had never done — doing a collabo with a corporate image. Bob Collymore, Julie Gichuru and Jeff Koinage were more than willing to come on board when I fronted the idea to them. Jimmy GaitP: Before we get to the three and the events surrounding the remix, is it true that you were supposed to do the remix with DK?J: I don’t see what the issue is on this. DK knew I was going to do the remix and since the song is mine, that wasn’t going to be a problem. Or are you talking of something I don’t know?P: During a TV interview, DK insinuated that you undercut him and did the remix behind his back. In fact, he said he was even out of the country when you recorded it…J: DK is entitled to his opinion and I choose not to dwell on that issue. Besides, he is my friend and we are still in business together. I just can’t get where all this is coming from.P: Some critics said that you wanted to cash on the political windfall and that is why you included animations of presidential aspirants in the Furi Furi dance remix. What informed that decision?J: (Laughs) Like I said, I wanted to do something out of the box. It is not strange to me how some people interpreted the whole concept neither do I have any regrets. Furi Furi basically means joy or celebration. From the kids in the video to the high and mighty, I’m only trying to bring out a touch of happiness among all people. There is nothing political in the video.P: How did you manage to get Bob Collymore, Julie Gichuru and Jeff Koinage on board considering that they are such big shots?J: After I drew the concept, everything just seemed to fall in place. I went and shared with Jeff who coincidentally was having Bob on The Bench. Bob agreed to record with me and they all wrote their lines ready to hit the studio. Julie was next on The Bench and she too was excited about the idea. It is amazing how easy it turned out to be.P: There is no doubt that the song is now a big hit. Do you think this will finally give you a breakthrough to become Kenya’s biggest gospel artiste as you have always aspired?J: That is a good one. My music success has been very progressive over the years. Songs like Huratiti and Muhadhara were quite huge. I have been trying to rebrand myself for the last one year as I strive to take my game to the next level. Furi Furi remix is now aimed at attracting fans from all over Africa. It is true that through this, I seek to conquer my next frontier.P: Recently, you signed a new recording deal with M-Tech Communications. What is in the deal and is the Sh5 million talk true?J: M-Tech Communications CEO approached me and suggested we enter into a business deal. They were looking for a gospel artiste who could appeal to people across Africa. Basically, they want to make me the biggest gospel artiste in Africa. It is a long-term deal. And yes, the Sh5 million talk is true.P: Is it true that Clarence Peters, the man behind the famous Capital Dreams Pictures is to re-record the track?J: Yes! That is part of the deal. M-Tech is flying him in to record a fresh remix of Furi Furi Dance. After that, the song will be distributed across Africa by the label.P: Where does all this leave you?J: It has been my dream to conquer Africa, musically. We are lining up collabos with top gospel African and international artistes as well as major publicity concerts across several cities. I have faith that this is a major breakthrough.P: How is your ‘Make It or Make It’ charity campaign going?J: It’s basically about motivating people. Through our counselling missions, we let young people know that they can achieve their goals no matter the challenges life poses. I have been working with IDPs in Kieni Constituency where all the proceeds from the Furi Furi remix ringtones go.P: Was the Muhadhara song inspired by a real life experience?J: Yes it was. It is true I had to flee from sexual temptations.P: On that note, we hear that a female MP has been eying you?J: That is quite laughable. An MP...? I know absolutely nothing about that.P: Well, but, are you dating?J: Isn’t that just too personal? Let’s say I have my focus on my singing career right now. Other things are slowly falling in place. ED note: Next week we bring you DK’s version of the Furi Furi saga.

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