KENYA: June Gachui's Epic Album Launch Sets a New Standard in Kenya's Music Scene

June Gachui’s much anticipated album launch finally went live last night after months of planning and it was a night that will be spoken about for years to come! The showcase was hosted at the Kenya National Theatre with a full house of 350 fans among them fellow artistes, thespians, media and social personalities from across Nairobi.

June opened the stage with an endearing performance of ‘Everything is Fine’ that has received a lot of radio play over the last year. Other amazing acts included, June’s collaboration with Blinky Bill, ‘Holla’; ‘Everybody’, featuring Khaligraph Jones; a moving performance with her sister Angie in memory of their dad, the late James Gachui, ‘My Forever Song’; and Olivia Ambani’s ‘Better than just fine’.

Joining June on stage were two electrifying bands, an all-female band; ‘the Flower Project’, and a male band each comprising a lead guitarist, bass guitarist, pianist, and drummer. Music Director, David Hunter doubled up as a vocalist for the male band. The Nairobi Horns Project trio added to the rhythm with their signature trumpet, saxophone and trombone set. The dancers from Art in Motion brought the tracks and the performance to life with well-timed choreography that June fluidly and gracefully took on with them, much to everyone’s surprise.

The new album ‘Twenty Years’ comprises 12 tracks written over the last 20 years, each a testament of June’s life experiences and journey. Among the Music Producers she worked with on the album are Eddie Grey, David Hunter, Pete Odera and Eric Musyoka.

“June is a good spirit and she is very willing and allowing to experiment and because I am a Jazz musician, it’s what I do; experiment. It’s a very distinct mix of people to listen to, a little bit of the familiar and a little bit of the unchartered territory, so it will be quite the experience.” Eddie Grey mentioned about the album.

Fondly christened ‘Nyummy Music’ June’s music is a diverse mix of many different genres each with one common element; ‘nyumminess’, it is sure to light up warm feelings in every listener. The 12 tracks include; Everything Is Fine, Mistaken Identity, Right Direction, Forever with You, You Should Love Me Too, Good Day, Crossed The Line, One Day, My Forever Song, Everybody and Ain’t Nobody.

David Hunter praises the artiste saying, “June is a genius and working with her has been a great pleasure. I have known her for the past four years and we have a good relationship and great friendship and I know that there’s even more wonderful music to come.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: MARC MUKUNYA, ADMI