ONEXTRA: Gudah man, Hype King

Andrew Gudah Man, or Gudah Man to his fans is the incredible multi talented musician, dancer, deejay and hype man, the person who helps get the crowd amped at an event. He met with Buzz writer Mercy Kavutha and shared his highs and lows in the industry and why he is one to watch

What does ‘Gudah Man’ and ‘Genje Worldwide’ mean and where did it come from?

Gudah is actually my name, and Gudah Man is my stage name. Genje is a slang word which means something that is naturally good. Genje Worldwide is a creatives community of dancers and like I said about the name, they are naturally good, are genuine good people, and we have loving family, good church.

When did you become a hype man?

I grew an interest in the year 2012, but decided to take it seriously as career in 2014.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

One thing I truly enjoy is when I am on stage and I look at my audience and realise that I am making them forget their problems for at least 15 minutes and they go home feeling good and happy. My inspiration comes from happiness I give to those around me. Happiness inspires me to do hype.

What encouraged you to form Genje?

God did. I believe God encourages you as long as it is what He wants you to do. He will give you the encouragement. There was this guy who came from the US who came and planted the seed of hype in me and to this date, he is still there, providing any kind of support in me. When a stranger becomes part of your life and guides what you are planning to do, isn’t that God’s work?

How long have you been dancing?

Funny thing about that is that I was very bad at dancing. In 2010 after I finished high school I joined KKrew as a musician until I met Zionous Dancers who introduced me to YouTube and I discovered dance crews from other countries and decided to pursue it.

You have shared the stage with Sinach and Omarion, so much for being a bad dancer...

It’s amazing and I usually tell people, if its God’s will, its God’s bill and will enable you to do things that you thought were impossible at first. If God is in it, then it is enough. Sharing the same stage with Sinach and other famous celebrities has been amazing and I’m happy God is making things happen for me.

Do you have haters? How do you handle them?

I don’t necessarily call them haters; I call them people who do not love what I do. But the beauty of it is they know and acknowledge what I do and how good I am. I live a good fulfilling life and pray for them.

Which style of dance do you major in?

It’s mostly dancehall and African. I think there’s a big difference in acrobatics and actual dance. Dance is moving to the music rhythmically and for me, real dance is African pop and dancehall because I can actually move rhythmically to the beat, and that way you control crowds easier. Normal people can’t just do summersaults and breakdances.

Least favourite moments as a dancer?

There was a time I fell off the stage. Several times when the organisers didn’t pay me what they promised after putting up a good show. There was also this one time people didn’t show up for an event.

You recently launched a new show on TV, Pambio. What is it all about?

Pambio is a gospel show with featuring Djruff and Size 8 and airs every Sunday. The show features artistes, a live audience and dancers.

With all the fame that comes with the job, what bothers you the most about it?

Perception and expectations from people. I live in Kawangware, not that it is a bad place, but people expect me to be living in Runda, Karen and the like. Some expectations make me so bothered. I’m just like everybody else and people need to understand that.

Who do you attribute your success to?

DJ Mozz, Njugush, DJ Soxxy, Kevin Mulei, DJ Johnny Celeb, Nairobi Chapel, Pastor Nick, Pastor Barrack, Genje Worldwide and any other DJ that has been through this road with me, just to name a few. 

Is Gudah Man taken?

You mean taken by the love of Christ?

Just kidding, yes, I am seeing someone.

How do you spend your downtime?

I work out. I am a huge fitness junkie. A day in the gym keeps the doctor away too. I workout five days a week, Monday to Friday with my concentration being my arms, back and abs.

I am passionate about working out because it’s become a lifestyle and being healthy makes me feel good about myself. Being in great shape is good for the hype man image as well.

What are your feelings about competition and people are always pitting you against other hype artistes.

I feel like when they grow, it’s good for me and the industry as well. We don’t compete, we complement each other. We even engage each other, offer advise and even encourage each other to grow.

In terms of pitting us against each other, we cannot help it because those are external forces so we just do what we are meant to do and let it pass.

Your most memorable moments?

That must be in 2013 when Groove Awards chose me to go to Rwanda for one of their events. It was such a different environment with the language barrier and all but the audience was amazing and we ended up having a blast.

Challenges?

Finances. Just like any other artiste out there. You begin something but lack the finances to make it grow and it’s the reason why many people give up on their dreams. But I was blessed to receive the financial and emotional support from my church and my family.  Also, when I began, people didn’t really understand what hype was. They thought it was someone just coming to make noise and leave. Often I felt judged and misunderstood

The internet has been very good to you.

Very. Way before I started doing music, I wasn’t receiving any airplay, be it on TV or radio, but the internet created a platform for me to sell anything, whether it’s a new dance or music. It’s basically a media house for me so I post what I want; it’s created so many opportunities not only in Kenya but worldwide. I was voted one of the three topmost hype men in Tanzania, only through social media. So I acknowledge that the internet is a crucial part of my career as much as it would be in any other career.

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what other career would you have pursued?

I would have focused on music full time. My work is very musical in nature, I hype, I dance I play many musical instruments. I sing, I train vocally so if not for hype, I would definitely put all my focus and energy into music.