EXCLUSIVE (KENYA): Gilad The Swahili Speaking 'Mzungu' Talks to Us About 'Rangi Ya Bahari' and Reveals Secrets Behind His Music (PART 1)

Gilad is one of the biggest names that have come up in 2015, fast rising with his unique style of music which has helped him to easily win the hearts of Kenyans, despite being a ‘Mzungu’.

Though some would say the fact that he’s a foreigner speaking the local language with such ease is what boosted his popularity. But over time Gilad has proven that his first song was not a fluke but a combination of the element of surprise (a ‘Mzungu’ speaking Swahili with ease), talent and perfect execution especially in his music videos.

Speaking of music videos, we hooked up with Gilad and asked him about his new video ‘Rangi Ya Bahari’ along with his plans for the future.

Here’s how the interview went;

Tell me about the song (Rangi Ya Bahari) and your inspiration for it.

I was in Diani Beach on vacation in July, sitting on the beach with a guitar trying to write a song and the whole time most of the song was right in front of me.

I got a little help from friends like with the word 'Nyota' (stars) which wasn't then part of my vocabulary. My other songs were a mix of Swahili and English and i really wanted to do a song, which was in proper Swahili, sanifu, and except for a few English words, Rangi Ya Bahari achieved that.

Do you write your own songs? And how do you work that around your busy schedule?

Yes I write my own songs both music and lyrics. I usually find myself writing in the evenings when everyone in the house is asleep.

As I am an expatriate working a full time job the music is still something I enjoy in my free time.  People have different hobbies, I spend my free time making music.

Who came up with the concept for the video and how does it work with the vision you had when you were writing the song?

I knew I wanted the video to be filmed where I wrote the song, Diani Beach, that part was easy. The 'fisherman' concept was my idea, but with Mushking it's always a very collaborative effort and he will add his own unique spin, a bonus that takes an idea to another level. In 'Unajua' it was the bicycle, in 'Sema Milele' it was the paper airplane and in 'Rangi Ya Bahari' it was the exotic Brenda, who took the images in the video to a wonderful place.

The result is exactly what we wanted, to take the audience to an exotic ocean setting and the quality of filming surprised even me. Mushking is truly an artist!

What goes behind producing a video for Gilad?

I call Mushking! We bounce ideas off each other till we come up with a clear vision. Then we budget, set a date and pray!

How is the reception for 'Rangi Ya Bahari' so far?

Rangi Ya Bahari has been received very well.  I was a bit worried to tell the truth because it is different, a bit quieter than the previous songs. But I put my heart and soul into the song and Gachago came in and uplifted it with his amazing soulful voice, and i believe people heard that.

Is there any particular reason why your songs and videos always seem to tell a story?

I've always been a storyteller, but I didn't realize that was the case until you asked the question.  There are other songs I've been working on in the studio and it's not true for all of them.

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