TAKE 5: Kevin Servhis

Kevin Servhis is a music producer and a hip hop artist, who describes himself as ‘immensely driven’. PHOTO| COURTESY

Kevin Servhis is a music producer and a hip hop artist, who describes himself as ‘immensely driven’.

1. How would you describe what you do?

The Grammy speech answer is that I inspire people, I challenge perspectives, and I make music that cures the soul. The truth is that it is all an Oscar-worthy performance, I walk around pretending as if I know what I’m doing...and people believe me.

 

2. What do you love most about music and production?

Think of cooking. The possibilities are innumerable. And when you discover the perfect ingredients and cook the dish just right, the world may still think your food tastes like garbage.

3. How did you get into music and production and what projects are you working on?

Genetic coding apparently. The Kenya National Anthem, Musically Speaking, Camp Mulla, Side B. I’m supposedly related to people involved with these things. I can’t even take credit for my ability. It’s more a source of pressure and humility than it is a source of pride. The National Anthem? There’s no topping that. I’ve produced a few radio jingles for big companies, which fuelled a greater belief in my skill. I’ve also done some remixes here and there. I’d like to thank two amazing radio hosts - Jack Rooster and Patricia Kihoro,  for playing my music on air. I’m putting out new music that will hopefully involve two legends in the making: Prince Mandela and Michel Ong’aro.

 

4. What’s the hardest part about production and music generally, in this sector?

I believe there are three things. First, there’s a lack of desperation. Artists ‘kinda’ want to be artists. You have to want it really, really bad. Secondly, as an artist, you are competing against two of the most formidable beasts of all time in a broken system: money and sex. The gate keepers get these offers all day every day. What about your music will make them disregard those two things? Lastly, some of our elders still don’t respect the arts. They still have a ‘tip-jar’ perspective of artists. We’re slowly changing that.

5. What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Being a parent. I take great pride in my parents and the role they played in my life. I had no idea what it took to be a parent until I had a child. Fatherhood and motherhood are as close as anyone will ever get to understanding God.

I also take great pride in how far we’ve come as an entertainment industry. Our forerunners made great sacrifices to get us here. RIP Poxi Presha.