Bongo flava is now the trend in Kenya. One doesn’t need efforts to notice the supremacy of Tanzanian musician in Kenya. Innumerable attributions have been suggested to justify the phenomenon. Tough at Hapamedia we strongly believe it’s the Music Copyright Society of Kenya is responsible, others do not think so. That’s the case of Jamila Twalib aka Jamila. Jerry Nguwa caught up with the gorgeous and soft spoken on this hot Sunday.
Who is Jamila?
It’s a decent lady called Jamila Twalib who started writing songs back in High school for the Passion of Music. I’m the Manager of the Wakimbizi and also a student in Flight Dispatch at a local college.
Where do you put yourself in the Kenyan Music arena?
In terms of fame and exposure, I’m an upcoming artist but when it’s comes to talent, I’m a pillar. As for now I’m just doing music as hobby and I’m what I am what about when I will focus on just music?
Wait, Wait! So you are in the industry by mistake?
Not at all! It’s just that currently music is not my core business. My musical career will officially start when I complete my college studies in two months time. It will also be followed by the launch of my first album that I intend to commercialize in March 2010.
Quiet ambitious! What have you done so far?
I have a lot but behind the curtain. In the public scene I have three (3) singles all collabo in the market. The most noticeable is Mapenzi ya Wongo with the then Calif Angels (Choku and Ratatat). The two others are collabos with Wakimbizi.
What is this thing with Wakimbizi?
First all, I’m their manager and also a close friend to them for close to two years?
Is that all? We will search the bins of course.
Ok, Ok, I date one of them and intend to make him the father of my two to come children in two years time.
You talked about an album. A hint?
I’m working on a 12 titles album involving fouyr producers (Ulopa, Ogopa, Ambroise, Ketebul). I have six ready tubes and the remaining songs are on the way.
With the Bongo Flava trend in Kenya, what’s your strategy?
Two simple things make my strategy, good music and good manager. That’s what I will bring on top of good lyrics and a list of secret weapons. On the Bongo Flava issue, it (Bongo) conquered the Kenyan market because of the much airplay in our local media.
What is your take on piracy of local music?
Piracy is all a good and bad thing for us. But as for now, I have no issue with it because it’s our publicity machine.
Parting shot
We all love music. For us to be able to enjoy the music; we need to support the music makers. Buying local music will not harm in the industry.
HAPAMEDIA |
