Topline, singer, songwriter

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: One project I’m especially proud of is a collaboration on an Afrobeat track that aimed to tell a powerful story about cultural identity and resilience. My role involved songwriting, providing the top-line melody, and performing the vocals. What made this project meaningful was the way we fused traditional African sounds with contemporary beats, creating a rich and dynamic sound. The feedback from listeners was overwhelmingly positive, and it felt great to see the impact the song had in connecting people to their roots and celebrating our culture. This experience reinforced my passion for music as a tool for storytelling and connection, and it motivated me to continue exploring themes that resonate deeply with audiences.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I'm focusing on finalizing some new tracks that blend Afrohouse and Amapiano elements, exploring fresh sounds and collaborations. I'm also preparing to launch my freelancing services on SoundBetter, where I’ll offer songwriting, singing, and top-line melody creation. This is an exciting time as I look to connect with artists and help bring their musical visions to life!

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Yeah: Chuma Africa

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I appreciate both analog and digital, but I tend to lean towards digital for its versatility and convenience. Digital tools offer immense flexibility in terms of editing, arranging, and producing music, allowing for precise control over every aspect of a track. Plus, the accessibility of digital audio workstations (DAWs) and a wide range of virtual instruments makes it easier to experiment and create. That said, I do value the warmth and character that analog equipment can bring to recordings. There’s something special about the organic sound of analog gear that can add depth and richness. Ideally, I like to incorporate elements of both, using digital for its efficiency and convenience while occasionally bringing in analog techniques or gear to enhance the overall sound.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: My promise to my clients is to deliver high-quality, personalized music that captures their vision and resonates with their audience. I commit to maintaining open communication throughout the process, being receptive to feedback, and providing a collaborative experience. My goal is to ensure that you feel heard and supported every step of the way, resulting in a final product that you are proud of. I strive to infuse creativity, authenticity, and passion into every project, making the journey as enjoyable as the outcome.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I like most about my job is the ability to express creativity and tell stories through music. Each project is a new opportunity to explore different themes, emotions, and sounds, allowing me to connect with others on a deeper level. I love collaborating with artists, sharing ideas, and seeing their visions come to life. The thrill of creating something unique that resonates with listeners is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, the ever-evolving nature of music keeps me inspired and motivated to keep learning and pushing boundaries in my craft.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Customers most commonly ask the following questions: What genres do you specialize in? I specialize in Afrohouse, Amapiano, Afrobeat, EDM, and House, blending traditional African sounds with contemporary influences. How long does the process take? The timeline can vary based on the project's complexity, but I typically aim to deliver initial drafts within 5–10 business days. We can discuss specific timelines during our consultation. What is included in your services? My services include songwriting, vocal recording, top-line melody creation, and production support. I also offer revisions to ensure your vision is realized. Can I hear samples of your work? Absolutely! I can provide links to my previous projects so you can get a sense of my style and quality. What if I want changes after the initial delivery? I offer up to three revisions included in the project. Additional revisions can be accommodated for an agreed-upon fee. These questions help clarify the working relationship and ensure that clients feel confident in the process!

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that music production and songwriting are purely about technical skills or just having a good ear. While those are important, the creative process is equally vital. Many people may not realize how much emotional depth, storytelling, and cultural context go into crafting a song. Additionally, there's often a belief that the artist does everything alone. In reality, collaboration is key—working with other artists, producers, and musicians often leads to the best results. It's a dynamic process that requires openness to feedback, a willingness to experiment, and a deep understanding of the artistic vision behind the music.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When working with prospective clients, I typically ask the following questions to understand their needs and vision: What is the overall vision for your project? Understanding the concept helps me align my work with your goals. What style or genre are you aiming for? This clarifies the musical direction and ensures I can deliver the right sound. Do you have any reference tracks? Listening to songs you admire can provide insight into your preferences and expectations. What specific services are you looking for? Knowing whether you need songwriting, production, vocal recording, or a combination helps me tailor my approach. What is your timeline for the project? This helps us set realistic expectations and ensures we stay on track. What is your budget? Understanding your budget allows me to propose solutions that fit within your financial parameters. How involved do you want to be in the process? This helps determine how collaborative we will be and how much feedback you’d like to provide throughout. Are there any specific themes or messages you want to convey? Knowing the emotional or thematic content you want to explore can guide the songwriting and production process. These questions help create a solid foundation for collaboration and ensure we’re on the same page from the start.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: For a customer looking to hire a provider like me, here are a few pieces of advice: Clarify Your Vision: Be clear about your goals, style, and any specific elements you want in your project. The more details you provide, the better I can tailor my services to meet your needs. Listen to Previous Work: Take time to listen to my previous tracks to see if my style aligns with your vision. This will help ensure that we’re a good match. Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication throughout the process. Share feedback and ideas freely; collaboration often leads to the best results. Be Open to Suggestions: While it’s important to have your vision, being open to suggestions and creative input can enhance the project and lead to unexpected and exciting outcomes. Set Realistic Timelines: Discuss and agree on a timeline that allows for creativity and quality work. Rushing can compromise the final product. By keeping these tips in mind, you can help ensure a smooth and successful collaboration!

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: If I were on a desert island and could take just five pieces of gear, they would be: Laptop with DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Essential for music production and songwriting, allowing me to create and arrange tracks. MIDI Controller: A versatile tool for composing melodies and controlling virtual instruments, helping me bring my ideas to life. Portable Audio Interface: To ensure high-quality audio input and output, allowing for clear recordings and playback. Headphones: A good pair of studio headphones for accurate monitoring, essential for mixing and enjoying music in isolation. Field Recorder: For capturing sounds from the environment, which could inspire new music and provide unique textures for my productions. These tools would help me stay creative and continue making music, even in isolation!

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: My career path began over a decade ago, rooted in a deep passion for music and African culture. I started as a songwriter and vocalist, gradually honing my skills in music production. Over the years, I immersed myself in various genres, including Afrohouse, Amapiano, Afrobeat, EDM, and House, allowing me to develop a versatile style. I’ve worked on numerous projects, collaborating with various artists and continually refining my craft. This journey has been fueled by my desire to innovate and blend traditional African sounds with contemporary influences. Each step has brought me closer to my goal of creating music that resonates both locally and globally, and I’m excited to continue evolving in this dynamic industry.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is a vibrant fusion of African rhythms and contemporary sounds, deeply rooted in genres like Afrohouse, Amapiano, and Afrobeat. I blend catchy melodies with emotive lyrics, creating tracks that are both energetic and soulful. My approach emphasizes authenticity and cultural richness, reflecting the diverse musical influences I draw from. I aim to create music that not only moves people on the dance floor but also connects with them on a deeper level, celebrating both modern and traditional elements.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I would love to work with Black Coffee. His innovative approach to house music and his ability to seamlessly blend Afrohouse with global sounds are incredibly inspiring. Collaborating with him would open up new creative avenues, allowing us to fuse our styles and craft something unique. His influence and reach in the music industry would also help elevate the message and essence of our collaboration, making it resonate with a wider audience.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One valuable music production tip is to focus on layering sounds to create depth and richness in your tracks. Start with a strong foundation, such as a solid kick and bassline, then gradually add layers like pads, melodies, and percussion. Experiment with different sounds and textures to find complementary elements that enhance the overall vibe. This technique can make your track feel fuller and more engaging, drawing listeners in and keeping them captivated. Remember to pay attention to the frequency spectrum to avoid muddiness, ensuring each layer has its own space in the mix.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I usually work on genres like Afrohouse, Amapiano, Afrobeat, EDM, and House. These styles allow me to blend traditional African rhythms with contemporary sounds, creating vibrant and dynamic tracks. I also enjoy exploring elements from Bongo, Kizomba, and Zouk, bringing a rich and diverse musical palette to my projects. This versatility helps me cater to various artistic visions while staying true to my roots.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is my ability to create memorable and catchy melodies that resonate with listeners. I have a keen ear for hooks and a deep understanding of how to blend various genres, especially Afrohouse, Amapiano, and Afrobeat, to craft unique sounds. This melodic innovation, combined with my songwriting and vocal performance, allows me to bring a fresh and impactful dimension to every project I work on.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and cultural authenticity to a song. Here’s what I contribute: Melodic Innovation: I craft catchy top-line melodies that capture attention and resonate with listeners, enhancing the song’s appeal. Lyrical Depth: My songwriting includes relatable and impactful lyrics that tell a story, evoke emotion, and connect with the audience on a personal level. Genre Fusion: With a strong background in Afrohouse, Amapiano, Afrobeat, EDM, and House, I blend traditional African rhythms with modern sounds, creating a fresh and dynamic musical experience. Vocal Excellence: My vocal performances bring emotion and energy to the track, ensuring that the delivery aligns with the song's mood and message. Collaboration Spirit: I foster an open and collaborative environment, encouraging feedback and ideas from clients to ensure their vision is realized. Attention to Detail: I focus on the finer aspects of production, from arrangement to mixing, to ensure a polished and professional final product. Cultural Authenticity: As a Kenyan artist, I infuse my work with authentic African elements, helping to celebrate and promote our rich musical heritage. By combining these elements, I aim to create songs that not only sound great but also resonate deeply with listeners.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process involves several key steps: Initial Consultation: I start by discussing the project with the client to understand their vision, style, and specific requirements. This helps set clear expectations. Concept Development: Based on the discussion, I brainstorm ideas for the song's theme, mood, and direction. I may share references or inspirations to ensure we're aligned. Songwriting: I create the lyrics and top-line melody, focusing on catchy hooks and relatable themes that resonate with the target audience. Production: I develop the instrumental track, blending elements from genres like Afrohouse, Amapiano, Afrobeat, EDM, and House. This involves arranging, programming, and selecting sounds that enhance the song. Vocal Recording: Once the production is set, I record the vocals, ensuring they are emotive and polished. I may also collaborate with the client for any additional vocal contributions. Revisions: I share the initial version with the client, gathering feedback and making necessary adjustments. I typically offer up to three revisions to ensure satisfaction. Delivery: I deliver the final files in the requested format, along with any stems or additional materials, while maintaining clear communication throughout the process. This structured approach helps me create music that not only meets client expectations but also reflects their unique style and vision.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Sofiya Nzau and Idd Aziz, I'm also inspired by artists like Burna Boy for his ability to blend traditional African sounds with contemporary styles, and Tiwa Savage for her powerful vocals and impactful lyrics. I also admire producers like DJ Maphorisa for his innovative approach to Amapiano and Afrohouse. Their creativity and dedication to their craft motivate me to push boundaries and explore new musical possibilities.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: i do have a digital studio set up.. i do use Logic pro X Daw, Rode Nt2a MIcrophone, Focusrite Soundcard, Yamaha Hs8 Monitors, Impact LX61 MIDI

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: The most common type of work I do for my clients includes: Songwriting: Collaborating with artists to create original lyrics and melodies that fit their vision, focusing on genres like Afrohouse, Amapiano, Afrobeat, EDM, and House. Top-Line Melody Creation: Crafting catchy and memorable melodies that elevate the track, ensuring they resonate with audiences and enhance the overall vibe. Vocal Performance: Providing professional vocal recordings, delivering emotive and polished performances that bring the song to life. Arrangement and Production Support: Assisting in arranging the song's structure and offering production guidance to achieve the desired sound. Feedback and Revisions: Working closely with clients to refine their tracks through constructive feedback and revisions, ensuring their vision is fully realized. Through these services, I help artists develop their sound and create music that connects with listeners.