EXCLUSIVE KENYA: 'I Chased J Cole Down So I could Give Him My Mixtape' - Up Close With The Industry's Fastest Rising Talent, Kagwe Mungai [PART ONE]

It’s been a long journey for Kagwe Mungai. From standing outside the cold winters of the UK just to hand Hiphop sensation J Cole his mixtape, to driving the women of Kenya crazy.

His is a story of hard work, passion and immense growth. In just a few years in the Kenyan Music Industry, Kagwe has risen above all the challenges that come with the music industry in Kenya and proven to be a talent worth looking out for.

He’s not only full of charm and well admittedly, good looks, but he is also immensely talented with an arsenal of gifts in his war chest.

For a young man such as he is, Kagwe not only sings but raps and produces not just excellent music but incredible visuals as well (as seen with the record breaking ‘Nishike’ video by Sauti Sol).

Mdundo recently landed an interview with the busy young man just as he released his new hit song ‘Hot this Year’ with Muthoni Drummer Queen, and he let us in on his journey in the industry so far, his dating life (I guess) and his plans for the future.

Here’s how the exclusive interview went.

How would you describe Kagwe Mungai?

Kagwe Mungai is the guy next door. The ex of your next. World class man with a local story. Kagwe Mungai is what africa looks like as it rises. I just happen to be a great entertainer.

You sing, you rap, you produce. But which of these do you love doing the most?

I love them equally. The feeling of being able to create art from nothing gives me this immortal feeling when I'm producing. But being on the stage is a high that I'm addicted to.

You've also done songs in various genres of music, but which one would you classify yourself under?

yeah I've done a bit of exploring with musical genres. I don't think I like being put in a box. So to give you the short answer I now call my style Afro Kagwe.

And now to the question many ladies are interested in, are you dating  and who is she and how does she feel about all the attention you get from women?

yes I am. In fact I'm really happy. She's an amazing person. Her name is "BABYYYYY" she's really supportive of my career and everything that comes with it.

How has the transition to fame been for you?Would you say the attention and fame has gotten to you? And how do you handle it?

The truth is fame changes you only as much as you want to change. I'm still the guy that goes to westi with the same guys I used to hang with. It's just that every now and then we pop more bottles than we used to. Also my family especially my grandma makes sure it never gets to my head.

What inspires your music and your other bodies of work?

Most times I'm inspired by stories. Stories that I have lived through and experienced but also stories of our continent and country that my people share.

Continued...  [CLICK TO READ PART TWO]