The return of Didge: It’s well worth the wait  

Why and where did you go?

I never went away; I simply took a break from the industry. I believe you must live life to be able to write about it. Besides, I’ve been involved in various musical and video projects behind the scenes since my hiatus.

What is the one thing you missed most about the music industry during the break?

Performing live and fan interactions at shows. Other than that, I’ve always been creating and making music which keeps me satisfied.

You’ve been trying to make a comeback for some time now, and it seems to be working out with your recent collaborations with Nonini, Blinky Bill and Calvo Mistari. What was the hardest thing about the return?

Trying to make a comeback? Really? (Laughs). The only thing I try to do is to be highly creative in the collaborations I’m involved in. The only challenge I’ve faced is the social media wave, the marketing, and consistently being online, woi ni kazi! But I’ve been blessed with a decent fan base that loves the quality of my music, regardless of the times.

Do you have a strategy to win over new fans while maintaining the old ones?

The strategy will always be good music. If the songs are great, whether for old or new fans, there is no denying the power of great art.

Speaking of comebacks; who do you think has successfully done it and why?

Comebacks are usually just a re-introduction to what you’re good at. If it’s always about the music and not the hype, then it’s not that difficult. Great singers like Maxwell, D’Angelo and A Tribe Called Quest have done it successfully. Locally, Nyashinski, Juacali, Redsan and Wahu are more examples of impressive comebacks.

What are some of the things that have evolved in the music scene since your stint on ‘Project Fame’?

The differences start with tech advancements, especially on how music is released and consumed by fans. Artiste and fan interactions on social media have opened up markets globally, including how to promote content and how fans can connect with their favourite stars. It’s now super easy.

What’s your connection with the urban hip-hop group, 125?

The group is an amazingly young one, with three talented rappers and singers. I have had the privilege to mentor and create fresh music with them, and I feel like they gave me an opportunity to advice and guide them through mistakes that most new artistes make. Essentially, it’s about them learning from the missteps I took with my popularity when I was coming up.

Do you have a desire to go back to radio?

I do, I miss radio a lot. I see it in my future and I am looking forward to it.

You’re working with Triple P Media; what exactly are you doing?

It is strictly on a creative consultancy basis, in programming. We are yet to finalise the terms but, so far, it’s been fun. Plus, I’m the brand ambassador of smartphone GTel. I have been doing stuff behind the scenes.

In past interviews, you said you feared letting people down. Do you think you did, especially your fans, when you went off the music radar?

Once you create a loyal fan base and then stop providing content, that’s a let-down... even when there are valid reasons. But, as I mentioned, once they hear the music, it will be worth the wait.

You’ve also previously talked about fame, people’s expectations of you and ‘how it got to you’. Was that the reason you did drugs, or were those simply rumours?

Fame has an inexplicable way of making one feel larger than life, including harbouring unrealistic expectations. The confusion usually comes when you think that people love you, instead of the service you provide (as a musician). Once you stop providing that service (creating music), most times the fan-love you lived for goes away. That is a painful reality. As for the drugs, that’s just false.

What has parenthood taught you that you were never prepared for?

Being a father has taught me to put someone else before myself. It simply humbles you and I love it.

Looking back, how hard, or easy, is it to book shows — then and now?

Booking shows is harder now. But I understand my market and I know that these days it’s not about how talented you are but how well you market your brand. It’s not about whether you can sing or hold a note, it’s about how high your social media currency is. I’ve seen socialites pack venues more than the best vocalists in the country can. It’s a sad but cold fact.

Is your phone ringing off its stand; with clients looking for you to do shows?

Not as much as I would like, but we are getting there. However, I have some music uploading as we speak.

Did you ever go back to school to become a chef, like you had planned to back in 2014?

Unfortunately, no. But I’m a foodie at heart. I’m constantly experimenting with different recipes from YouTube or the food channel as I try out different flavours. Either way, I can still make an amazing rice and chicken salad…

You were also planning to release an album. Did that ever materialise, or what is the progress?

The music is there in abundance. Recently, we chose the final songs for my new EP, coming out this Valentines. I’m really proud of it.