WA KAHALIF: The small issue about big women

• He is the most talked about Kikuyu artiste today and his new song, “Momo” has found itself in the popular street lexicon and attracting both love and hate in equal measure. This week, Murimi wa Kahalf, opens up to MWORIA MUCHINA

Just like every musician in Kenya, I would say very much. Recently, I was moved to tears when I nabbed some pirates selling my music in Meru. I think the government should put in place necessary measures to ensure artistes benefit fully from their creativity.

Tell us about yourself?

I was born in Gichugu about 29 years ago. I began my education at Gatugura Primary School until six grade when my family moved to Meru where I joined Kiguma Primary School. I later joined Kahiga Secondary School, in Tigania East. After high school, I spent some time helping my mum at her shop and groceries in Sagana town.

When did you start singing?

I got interested in music while in primary school. But by then my mum was against my involvement in music. One day I went home with our church guitar but my mother, mistaking it for one belonging to a friend of mine she disliked, broke it into pieces. She was shocked to learn later that she had destroyed the guitar which entertained her at church during praise and worship.

Who inspired you to do what you do now?

After secondary school I started performing as a one-man guitarist in Sagana, with the guitar I had bought from my pocket money savings. By then I had mastered all the hit country music. Then, I met another guitarist known as Kaka, who encouraged me to come to Nairobi.

And how did you end up where you are now?

After arriving in Nairobi, I started performing in clubs and slowly my audience grew. In 2006, I released my first song ‘Irima rihandwo muti’. Like ‘Momo’, the song that was aimed at educating the masses about prevention against HIV/Aids, was widely received.

What next for Wakahalf?

I want to record music in Bongo and Genge genres. This is because I want to appeal to a larger audience and mostly help my music to penetrate the international market. I have a dream of topping international music charts.

Do you have a favourite artiste?

Yes. Kidum. When I listen to his music, it inspires me to record songs for national and international audience.

pmuchina@ke.nationmedia.com