A short encounter with a friend led to the revelation that she had a voice like an angel, according to the details she revealed to Jeff Kuria on his youtube channel.
The Best Female Artist of the year (Benga Music) spoke to Jeff Kuria how she has done many music genres that have given her immense experience.
The Public Relations graduate did not know she could sing until she began acting at Kenya National theatre.
After 2 years, she was hanging out with a friend who heard her sing and was impressed. That was her path to music, after acting.
“When she heard me, she exclaimed, then asked me if I have ever thought of singing for a career”
The idea from her friend was to audition to be a band member “I went and sang the song Malaika. That is how I entered into the music industry”
That saw her attempt and land an opportunity in a Rhumba band. “I worked with Kasongo, for real, and I’m very proud, may his soul rest in peace”
That was 3-4 years, as she moved again. “I started looking out for other things, it got to a point where I noticed I was at a comfort zone. I met Achieng Abura, who was searching for back up singer’s”
Kareh landed a job performing events “Most of what I know today is from her”
Kareh then heard about Coke Studio, and her work with Achieng Abura landed her a job singing for the lead artiste. “That was another platform where I questioned my skills. I was so excited.”
The diversity of music, the level of professionalism, I saw a different level at the time. I felt I don’t deserve to be here” But she was determined to learn alot
“I was humbled to be a background artiste, and they paid very well. I made money coz it was Coca Cola paying and it did so in dollars”
It was hard and intense, “I was only there for season one. The contract for us was not renewed”
She went back to normal bands and tried to sing Kikuyu music. She found it hard and gave up. “I didn’t know those songs they were singing”
She landed in the Country music genre being recruited by singer Elvis as a vocalist. “He told me do you know your voice is so good for country music? I was like huh? Who listens to country music”
She was surprised by huge audiences after going for several gigs. “That was my mind back then. But my heart wasnt there. I sang Malaika coz I didnt know country music. The audience was so happy, but I was skeptical, kumbe they had appreciated what I brought to the table”
She credited God for her journey in music, as she next landed a space doing Kikuyu music “Jose Gatutura came, listened and stayed all night listening to me. He looked for me and I didn’t know him. He wanted a collabo”
Mugithi was not tempting, but she gave it a try. “He taught me to intonate, sing in Kikuyu, and we recorded” The video to her song landed her bigger fame than before.
by MAUREEN WARUINGE
