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One on One with Abbi, Kenyan Afro-Fusion Musician
Date Published: Wednesday October 21, 2009
Even in answering my questions, Abbi's lyrical acumen does not cease neither does it disappoint. Rereading through his answers I feel serenaded over and over by lyrics that aren't meant to be lyrics but appear so. Tujuane caught up with ABBI (just ABBI), musician, producers and obviously a lyrical master. Below he shares about his musical journey
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, may I ask who is Abbi? What is your professional background?
Abbi is my name or Absalom Nyinza ABBI is the name life has given me as I go along painting my picture through music. Music is my professional way of life. It's my tool of expression.
Please tell us about your personal background?
I am born of my sweet parents Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Simiti. Born and raised in Shaurimoyo, attended Heshima primary school, upper hill high school, University of Nairobi, then life school. I have 3 bros and 4 sisters none of them in music industry.
What was the motivation behind your choosing music as a career?
Music finds a soft spot in me and has since my youth been a present vibration inside me, enabling me to express my feelings and experiences. It is my career, but more a joyful experience no matter when or where. It is my preferred engagement and it's also my guide at a personal level. As such it is the thing that I do.
Who are some of the artists you have produced? Are you picky about who you choose to associate with in terms of whose music you choose to produce and collabos?
As a producer, I am my first artist and am always engaged in self production. I have also worked with many other wonderful artists in production and co-production, such as Mutinda, Barbara Guantai, Makadem, Kama (kalamashaka), Melissa, Kombo Burns, James Kamanu, Emily Kathure and many others, even to come.
I happen to be attracted to artists - for production, and collabos - who have a natural understanding and at times with whom we are like-mindedness. At the same time I am pretty open to any and all possibilities as they may occur.
Looking briefly at your musical journey - albeit with a naive eye - I would be inclined to put you in the eclectic pool of music genres, but there must be one particular genre you are most comfortable with? If so which is it? Why?
For the longest time I enjoyed and traveled the afro-beat style. Yet now I am seeing life as an ocean of endless expression as any and all may allow to manifest. So I have expanded my musical sound to rock, reggae, electronic, fusion and any good vibe that I feel and hear in my head - not to say I don't like afro-music.I love it, and a new afro album is on the way soon too.
I am aware not many artists are as permissively dynamic. Yet I enjoy journeying through all newness as part of me. Everything and everyone changes in small or big ways. It's all up to the individual.
I plan to soon play all the different genres on http://abbiworld.com, hope you enjoy changing colors. you will then enjoy these.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
As an artist, I started off as an acappella singer, then evolved into afro-fusion, and now happy to keep experiencing new sound possibilities. I guess it's more than just sound now, it's also a forum where I send my intentions, dreams and all.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
I write my own songs. As for my lyrical themes they have been as varied as my experiences, there shall be joy, love, peace, hope, social awareness, pain, freedom and who knows what next?
I am sure the stories told in my music shall be as dynamic as the ongoinness of my life and it's turning pages day by day.
What instruments do you play?
My first preferred instrument is the voice, I also love the guitar. I guess the silent instrument I love most is story telling as the tunes flow from sound to sound.
What are some of the most amazing venues you have performed? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I am thankful to have enjoyed tours in Europe and Africa moving along the road from concert to another and have seen quite a number of venues - yet for me I think it's more than venues, it's about the connection with the audience and the moment - at times it's the smallest wayside venue that makes me tick - I think life is a string of moments and it's us who make them magical or mundane, no matter the venue.
Which songs do you perform most frequently? Which songs do your fans request the most?
I have many times heard them request Koroboi and Nzerere or Wololo. Other times it's Nandwa, Salaam Aleikum or Sofia. I guess every audience has it's cheer leader and so the requests may vary - yet with more songs coming I leave it open to what the people shall call for.
Could you briefly describe the music-making process? Has new media and technology changed this in any way? (In general and for you in particular)
I have been in an acappella band, then worked in studios then worked with a band, and now am running a studio. Interesting is that they all are unique in the process of music making. It's always good to create with a team that has great synergy as inspiration flows easily, smoothly and naturally - whether this be with a band or an artist in the studio.
None the less, just like life, there never really is a music making process cast in stone - according to me music is already always existing in the air, and with openness, you hear it simply and clearly - what is left is for one to capture it somehow, either in the studio or the rehearsal room with a band.
It is true that there is so much new technology available now that has now simplified the arduous long processes at the stages of recording and production, like the computer software etc. yet that don't mean you shall not work the necessary steps after, like rehearsing the music for performances.
As for new technology, I am happy now that it's easier to grasp the inspiration moment and record the first impression before losing it into the wind, and later when working the music, you are truer and happier to the piece of music or song.
How do you market yourself? Again how are you utilizing new media and technology for this?
Music just as all modern society is affected with the market trends, therefore I am also happy to use the internet to promote and sell my music.
I also have a team working together with me in marketing and availing my music to the people in other ways than just the internet.
What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous? Where do you do this?
I accept that I have been off stage for a good while as I have been setting up studio and learning the game, yet I am so looking forward to again embark on performances.
I have had times when rehearsals are spontaneous and at set times too. I generally rehearse in the studio.
What has been your biggest challenge as a musician? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
As a musician my greatest challenge was thinking that music as a career is simply a tool to earn my bread from, and so lived in the ensuing pursuit and hustle of another gig after another gig - and this was great adventure as I met, saw and experienced so much that is now the basis of my new outlook to life.
So after much experience and contemplation I am so happy that I went through all that I ever did - it is my wealth in the inspiration store - of course am going to go for another gig after another gig, yet now I see it as a wonderful adventure through which I grow or become more me, as it's not simply about money, which I love by the way, but about everything that life has to offer even as we live our lives - and there's plenty that goes on behind our backs if we are not open minded.
What have been your achievements so far?
The greatest achievement so far for me is the power to feel alive and enjoy life through my music - it has led to so many adventures and meetings, and I can't deny its instrumental presence in my life expression.
I have been voted as winner at the Kisima Awards a few years ago, and that's all well and good , yet I now am happy to be aware that every tune is magical even as every artist is genius.
What's your ultimate direction for your music and career? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Fame and fortune is OK, and let it be as it shall become. Yet connecting with another person through my music where the listener is somehow touched and fulfilled is the greatest joy and ultimate direction of my music. It's like a rare moment in eternity where some magical feeling is captured and shared with all.
Do you have any role models within and without the music industry? Why?
I am thankful that life has always brought people to mentor me on - beginning with my parents, siblings, friends - all along the many stations of my life. I also have enjoyed swimming in the beautiful and powerful tunes of so many artists, singers, some being friends and others I haven't met but connected with their wonderful works.
There are also writers, sportsmen, actors - wow - it's a long list of so many faces, people and anything that resonated as empowering and inspiring within me. I am so thankful for the endless golden moments you and I have shared here or there. You have been and shall always mean that person that made the difference when Abbi needed you the most. A million thanks and love to you.
I guess life has been faithful and kind to keep me ever afire within. May the music tell our story as only you and I remember.
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Everyone can sample my soon to be released KEEP TALKING album on - http://myspace.com/abbimudunia
You can also download my Indigo album or tracks from http//cdbaby.com/cd/abbi1 You are also welcome to visit music stores and buy yourself a copy.
19. Any last words?
Keep at it - keep telling your story - keep turning the pages - keep talking. Be happily yourself and enjoy the journey.
CONTACT INFO
ABBI
Tel: +254 733 853 844
Postal: P.O Box 66599, Nairobi Kenya
Email: abbi@abbimusic.com
Url: http://www.abbimusic.com
http://facebook.com/abbi.music
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