Kaka Empire's Kanana opens up about herself and her music
30 October 2013
Kaka Empires new signee Kanana has over the past 2 weeks made her presence in the music industry felt with her powerful soulful voice and amazing execution of notes in her song releases; therefore making it no surprise that she has topped the Mdundo download charts consistently this week. We got a chance to sit down with her and get to know her more and how she decided to venture into music.
Mdundo: What are some of the words that best describe you?
Kanana: Grounded, Not afraid to dream and a go-getter.
M: How would you describe your music to fans?
K: Afro-Urban African music, with a western feel to it.
M: How did the name Kanana come about?
K: Kanana is actually my surname; people are fond of it as it's unique
M: What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
K: Watching Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston among other legendary singers sing as I grew up inspired me to do vocal practice and thus pursue music professionally.
M: As an artist what would you say are some of the challenges that you have faced?
K: Getting people to believe in my talent and vision thus investing in it was a struggle for me in the beginning.
M: What do you think would surprise people most about you?
K: The fact that I'm quite short-sighted and can't do without contacts or glasses; Also the fact that my dreadlocks are 5 years old.
M: Besides music what else are you passionate about?
K: I’m passionate about education and fashion; I believe education gives you exposure and skills to manoeuvre in whatever Industry one is in
I also in love fashion and might venture into the Industry in future. I design most of my outfits.
M: Who are some of the musicians that you would say have influenced you in your career?
K: They are many Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera and locally Wahu.They have set good examples for us young women and have done it all. They are musicians ,mothers and great role models
M: If you had the chance to change something about the Kenyan music industry what would that be?
K: I wish we would do more of live/half-live shows rather than perform with playbacks in the mainstream industry. Also that people would be more receptive and appreciate new talent.
M: What kind of legacy would you want to leave behind as an artist?
K: I would like to be remembered as the artist who wasn't afraid to break boundaries or take risks and also one who delivered vocally and performance-wise
M: You currently seem to be on a roll, what more should fans look out for from you?
K: I'm almost done with my first album so people should look out for it. I'll also be releasing a couple of singles, which are already ready and awaiting release.
Mdundo: What are some of the words that best describe you?
Kanana: Grounded, Not afraid to dream and a go-getter.
M: How would you describe your music to fans?
K: Afro-Urban African music, with a western feel to it.
M: How did the name Kanana come about?
K: Kanana is actually my surname; people are fond of it as it's unique
M: What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
K: Watching Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston among other legendary singers sing as I grew up inspired me to do vocal practice and thus pursue music professionally.
M: As an artist what would you say are some of the challenges that you have faced?
K: Getting people to believe in my talent and vision thus investing in it was a struggle for me in the beginning.
M: What do you think would surprise people most about you?
K: The fact that I'm quite short-sighted and can't do without contacts or glasses; Also the fact that my dreadlocks are 5 years old.
M: Besides music what else are you passionate about?
K: I’m passionate about education and fashion; I believe education gives you exposure and skills to manoeuvre in whatever Industry one is in
I also in love fashion and might venture into the Industry in future. I design most of my outfits.
M: Who are some of the musicians that you would say have influenced you in your career?
K: They are many Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera and locally Wahu.They have set good examples for us young women and have done it all. They are musicians ,mothers and great role models
M: If you had the chance to change something about the Kenyan music industry what would that be?
K: I wish we would do more of live/half-live shows rather than perform with playbacks in the mainstream industry. Also that people would be more receptive and appreciate new talent.
M: What kind of legacy would you want to leave behind as an artist?
K: I would like to be remembered as the artist who wasn't afraid to break boundaries or take risks and also one who delivered vocally and performance-wise
M: You currently seem to be on a roll, what more should fans look out for from you?
K: I'm almost done with my first album so people should look out for it. I'll also be releasing a couple of singles, which are already ready and awaiting release.
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