One on One with Kagwe Mungai
20 November 2013
With his unique Afro-Funky style of music, Kagwe Mungai is definately a name to reckon with in the music industry after he made his debut through his hit song ‘Dutch’ featuring Fena Gitu and also a cover to Ice Prince’s hit ‘Oleku’.
A music graduate from the University of Southampton, he seems to be on a mission to leave a mark in the industry and i had a chance to chat with him and get to know him better here's how the interview went down.
M: Where do you draw your inspiration as an artist?
K: From everywhere. In all that I do, see and imagine. The Goal with my art is to make people happy, via cheesy or funny stories or just a song that you can groove and bump to.
M:If you weren't doing music what career path would you have chosen?
K: Anything else. I am a firm believer in self confidence. I really could have excelled at anything else. If I had chosen to be an astronaut, you would be talking to the first Kenyan to ever walk on the moon. (You still might be)
M: If you had to describe the kind of music you do what would you call it and why?
K: I call it Afro Funky. It's a smooth blend between house, hip hop, r&b, funk with a heavy african influence. It's a culmination of the things I grew up around.
M: What makes the kind of music you do unique from other artists?
K: It's simple. The high quality and originality of the music. That makes it unique and puts it above the rest.
M: Apart from music what else are you passionate about?
K: Family. I hold them very close to my heart.
M: What do you think would surprise people most about you?
K: I'm quite an introvert. Seclusion and solitude are my solace.
M: What are some of the challenges you have faced as an artist?
K: I don't believe my challenges have been very different to any other artiste who has been in the industry. But my biggest challenge has been improving on my art, sharpening my skills and giving my "Kagwerians" a great musical experience each time they and anyone else listens.
M: If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry what would that be?
K: It would have to be the under value that we as musicians put in our work. If we value our work, then guess what? The world will too.
M: Do you have any particular artists that you look up to and who influence the type of music you do?
K: My list is always changing however my main influences have been Pharrell Williams, Fela Kuti, Michael Jackson and Oliver Mutukudzi
M: Where would you like to see yourself within the next 5 years as an artist?
K: As a household brand Africa-wide
M:Someone once said as an artist you write what you would love to perform over and over.that in mind what song do you love to perform most?
K: It really is a cliche, but I love all my music. If I didn't, you would never have heard it. Come to the shows and witness for yourself.
M: Recently you released a phenomenal video and it got people talking do you have anything new you are working on?
K: Yes, I always do. There's some Kenyan and african artistes that I have been working closely with in the last few months. I'll be sharing some of this work very soon.
A music graduate from the University of Southampton, he seems to be on a mission to leave a mark in the industry and i had a chance to chat with him and get to know him better here's how the interview went down.
M: Where do you draw your inspiration as an artist?
K: From everywhere. In all that I do, see and imagine. The Goal with my art is to make people happy, via cheesy or funny stories or just a song that you can groove and bump to.
M:If you weren't doing music what career path would you have chosen?
K: Anything else. I am a firm believer in self confidence. I really could have excelled at anything else. If I had chosen to be an astronaut, you would be talking to the first Kenyan to ever walk on the moon. (You still might be)
M: If you had to describe the kind of music you do what would you call it and why?
K: I call it Afro Funky. It's a smooth blend between house, hip hop, r&b, funk with a heavy african influence. It's a culmination of the things I grew up around.
M: What makes the kind of music you do unique from other artists?
K: It's simple. The high quality and originality of the music. That makes it unique and puts it above the rest.
M: Apart from music what else are you passionate about?
K: Family. I hold them very close to my heart.
M: What do you think would surprise people most about you?
K: I'm quite an introvert. Seclusion and solitude are my solace.
M: What are some of the challenges you have faced as an artist?
K: I don't believe my challenges have been very different to any other artiste who has been in the industry. But my biggest challenge has been improving on my art, sharpening my skills and giving my "Kagwerians" a great musical experience each time they and anyone else listens.
M: If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry what would that be?
K: It would have to be the under value that we as musicians put in our work. If we value our work, then guess what? The world will too.
M: Do you have any particular artists that you look up to and who influence the type of music you do?
K: My list is always changing however my main influences have been Pharrell Williams, Fela Kuti, Michael Jackson and Oliver Mutukudzi
M: Where would you like to see yourself within the next 5 years as an artist?
K: As a household brand Africa-wide
M:Someone once said as an artist you write what you would love to perform over and over.that in mind what song do you love to perform most?
K: It really is a cliche, but I love all my music. If I didn't, you would never have heard it. Come to the shows and witness for yourself.
M: Recently you released a phenomenal video and it got people talking do you have anything new you are working on?
K: Yes, I always do. There's some Kenyan and african artistes that I have been working closely with in the last few months. I'll be sharing some of this work very soon.
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