Why Mzazi?
I’m a parent to contemporary music: my work is to nurture artistes’ talent and I give a chance to upcoming musicians to become superstars. I have nurtured many artistes and my contribution has enabled them reach where they are. Oh, and I am a parent, too.
So you are married?
Yes, I have two children; I crossed over to the other side of the border to Tanzania, and found a beautiful lady who bore me two beautiful children. (chuckles)
You didn’t find Kenyan women appealing?
There are beautiful women in Kenya but I tried to be different. I don’t like to put my family in the spotlight. That part of my life is private that’s why not many people know much about me. Right now we can definitely talk about Mzazi.
Where did you go to school?
I went to Mukaa High school, now Mukaa Boys, and after that joined Kenya Institute of Mass Communication where I studied investigative journalism. I am still furthering my studies.
Did you always want to work in the media industry?
My passion for entertainment started when I was young. In primary school when I was in class seven there was a teacher who saw my love for the arts and proposed we start a journalism club. We had a notice board where we would pin news features, compositions and drawings. He also taught me how to edit whatever went up the notice board. In high school I was the first entertainment prefect.
How did you land the show Mambo Mseto?
In my second year at KIMC, KBC held auditions for a radio presenter. Fortunately, I made it through all the interviews to the last round. Among the interviewing panel were the late Billy Omala and Khadija Ali.
They discovered I was only in my second year so I couldn’t be offered the job; they were worried I couldn’t handle the pressures of school and work. But Jacob Mogoa, whom I was with at the auditions offered to let me start a programme under his guidance.
When a certain radio station opened up, I sent them my proposal but I never heard back, Then one day I got a call from Gakenya Kabando from Citizen for an interview. So, in my cheap suit, I went and met Waweru Mburu and Fred Afune who are such amazing bosses.
I pitched my idea and that was that. My first time on air was a fluke. The guy who used do the afternoon jam heard they had found a new presenter and he didn’t come the following day. He didn’t know I was to be trained.
I was so nervous and I talked over the commercials! I thought I was going to be fired, but Afune told me not to worry because the more mistakes I make, the more I learn. My bosses give me creative freedom on the show; they have given me an opportunity to explore my talent without interference.
And Mseto East Africa?
After Mambo Mseto became the number one radio show in Kenya I felt the need to put in on television, so I talked to Afune, and Wachira Waruru approved it, hence Mseto East Africa was born.
Latifa Ngunjiri also supported, advised and ensured that we got to travel all over East Africa to shoot the show. The first pilot was with Rufftone and we became good friends. I am proud it has amazing ratings. I wouldn’t be Mzazi were it not for Radio Citizen who discovered my talent and making Mzazi a brand, and Mr Prime who makes me look good on TV.
Compared to other East African countries, are we on top yet considering we were not doing so well back in the day?
Kenya has always had talent. Let’s just say that artistes didn’t know the market very well. Artistes that started a long time ago are superstars now. We have talented musicians, maybe even better than Tanzania or Uganda, but at the same time there are artistes in Tanzania who are better than bigpins in Kenya. Each country has its own strengths, but we need to support our own and stop listening so much to international content like Nigeria. If we don’t listen to them who will? Do you think Nigeria listens to Kenyan content as much as we listen to them? Do Nigerians know who Kenrazy is? We listened to Wyre and right now he’s an international star.
Let’s set the record straight. What are your sentiments on allegations made online that you had a one-night stand with a lady who wanted you to sample her music on your show?
The person purporting to be the lady in question was actually a man who opened a fake account with no other purpose than to tarnish my name. The site that posted the rumour apologised and posted a link to that effect. I posted the same on my Facebook page. There’s always someone who wants to bring you down when you’re doing well. The Internet is open to everyone and not everyone uses it for the correct reason.
What don’t your fans know about you?
I’m a good goalkeeper. I’ve also practised martial arts since I was in primary school. I’m an actor and a cartoonist for Taifa Leo’s “Katumbilikimo”.
If you were to choose between being a cartoonist and a TV/radio host, which would you choose?
I was born with a talent to draw and I also have a talent for entertaining people. I talk for a living. I feel I know how to express myself through radio and television, God has given me all three talents so I can’t abandon one for another because there’s not one that affects the other.
How do you balance your time between being a radio and TV host?
My job on radio and television never seems like work because I love them both, but it does take some self-discipline.
I’m sure you’ve come across many talented artistes. Do you ever get crappy, below standard music?
I get both good and bad music, even established artistes bring me below-par music. On my shows I try and teach artistes as well as advise them where to improve. I don’t criticise negatively but I correct and teach, that’s why they call me Mzazi.
What is your biggest challenge?
Trying to do better than I did yesterday. I try to improve myself by listening to other people and trying to do what other people haven’t done, like Mseto East Africa. I strive to go where no one has—set my own path and leave a trail for others to follow. That’s why Mambo Mseto was born at a time when no one would listen to local music but when I take a look around, there are people with talent like Kalamashaka who paved the way for Kenyan artistes, Professor Jay and Jose Chameleon.
When was the last time you cooked, and what did you cook?
I’m a very good cook! I can’t remember the last time, but there was a time my family was in Tanzania and I cooked wali.
What do you do on your down time?
I spend my free time with my children but if they are away, I’ll be drawing, watching animations or comedy. I love Martin Lawrence and I think I have every movie he’s ever been in. I love Jim Carrey too. I’m a big fan of Churchill and I love his show, Eric Omondi, Teacher Wanjiku... I don’t know whether am supposed to say this but I am one of the directors of the next edition of Chaguo La Teeniez, it’s going to be bigger than ever. I proposed Teacher Wanjiku as a host because she’s funny and she is a “teacher”.
What was the worst job you’ve ever had?
None. I started out as a cartoonist and I loved it.
How do you deal with overzealous fans?
I always try to remember that it’s my work they love and I really appreciate that.
Who is your role model?
Retired DJ John Dilinga from TZ.
Is there any artiste in East Africa you have ever wanted to have on Mseto East Africa or Mambo Mseto but could not?
If he hasn’t been on my show(s) then he’s probably not known. Every known artiste in East Africa...I’ve either brought them on the show or played their songs.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
My wife, no one else.
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