Jelly Kamau aka Skeleton - Reggae artiste

Do you find people hostile to your music because of the negative stereotypes associated with reggae? 

No, because reggae has a sizeable following in the country and I know the audience will automatically appreciate the quality of my lyrical content.

What’s the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

Getting prominent people to sponsor me and also to feature in my songs and videos. I have spent days and sleepless nights tracking them despite their heavy security details and I have always eventually achieved my goal.

I featured Nairobi senator Mike “Sonko” Mbuvi and later collaborated with him in the song, "Sonko Anthem".  I have also contacted the Makadara Member of Parliament, Bernard Mbugua, and we are working on several projects to uplift the lives of Makadara youths.

Which artiste would you love to share a stage with and why?

Bob Marley, because he has inspired many people from different walks of life regardless of their religious background, and he did this through reggae music.

How do you go about creating music?

I identify my target audience and topic and the lyrics just flow automatically. I have a team of five people  who listen to my content. They scrutinise it thoroughly and if there is a need, they make the necessary recommendations. When they feel its ready for the market, they give me the go-ahead to start recording.

Describe your music in one word.

Inspirational.

What made you decide to pursue the musical dream? Are you seeking to make it big or are you into it just to express yourself?

I think I am already there. I have made it. My song, Uhuru Innocent received favourable airplay on urban radio stations. I had a telephone interview with SBS, a radio station in Australia, and also with the BBC in London. 

What are your plans for the future?

I want to be one of the greatest artistes in the world and I am ready and willing to learn.

If you could sit down with industry leaders, what issues would you tell them are the worst with regard to getting dancehall artistes’ music heard?

The issue of airplay would be number one on my agenda. How many radio stations in the country play local music? And even the few that do rarely play reggae music. The media should support us even as we  try to promote and market our music through other avenues.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be and why?

The Music society of Kenya (MCSK) because (laughs) of the issue of royalties, as usual.

What do you hope fans, the industry, and supporters learn from listening to your music?

I aim to educate and entertain my fans. Reggae is a feel-good music genre. If you don’t like the content, the beats should at least entice you to appreciate the song.

Do you find it hard  getting gis with your kind of music?

I have not had any difficulty. I have a marketing team that helps me book gigs around the country. I also get many calls from people who are referred to me by those who have seen or attended my shows.

How long have you been in the music industry?

Since 2012 ,and I am not about to quit.

Where do you record your music?

At Mandungu Digital, and sometimes at Sazi Tecords.

What kind of music do you listen to today?

I listen to a lot of reggae or conscious music.

If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be?

Benga and ohangla (laughs). Seriously, though, I think my fans from Nyanza would love it because my single, Katiba, was popular in that region. 

If you were not doing music, what would you be doing?

Music is my life; I eat, sleep and dream music.