ONE ON ONE: Christine Mumbi Karanja

Mumbi (Christine Mumbi Karanja) is a journey-girl, of sorts. JAMES KAHONGEH talks to the songstress who has come back home determined to put her name alongside other Kenyan music greats.

You have been in the US for 15 years. What prompted your return to Kenya?

I left Kenya when I was three years old. I first stayed in Botswana for eight years before leaving for Miami, where I stayed for seven years. Later I went to Texas where I have been staying until recently. I have always had a conviction that Kenya would be the best place to launch a successful foundation in my music career. I have never had an interest for the American music market. Besides, I have been influenced by so many different African cultures and so many different sounds.

Do you have an understanding of the Kenyan music market having been away for so long?

I was here for the whole of 2013. I used that time to observe the intricacies of the local industry, to learn the trends and network. I went back to the US to prepare hoping to come back when I was ready. Kenyans are ready for any type of music that is good and available in the market. That is why foreign music does so well in Kenya. You cannot really limit Kenyans’ taste of music. I am offering myself to the Kenyan market.

Describe your style of music…

I am singer, an all-round artiste, a creative. It’s hard to pinpoint my style of music; I sing what I feel. Sometimes it can be reggae, soul and even afro house. I’m influenced by a lot of different sounds. I don’t like being limited by one genre of music.  

You have been away from the music scene for four years since your emergence in 2013. What have you been up to during that time?

I just felt I needed to be more self-aware to understand what I wanted to be, what messages I wanted to convey and who I was trying to represent. I had to take time off to know myself and become comfortable in my own thoughts and then draw a plan that could work well.

Why specifically did you choose to launch your album in Kenya?

Kenya is home. It’s that simple. I’ve been in the south of Africa and the US for 23 years, but that has never felt like home. It’s special being here. Just like Lupita, there are so many wonderful female artistes in Kenya, but musically speaking, none has really been able to attain the scale of success and visibility otherwise being enjoyed by our male counterparts, such as Sauti Sol band, who are known the world over. I am determined to fill that gap to become the first Kenyan female artiste to take on the world stage in epic proportions.

How have your experiences abroad influenced your journey in music?

South Africans are really huge on vocals. I grew up listening to Brenda Fassie, Yvonne Chakachaka and Rebecca Malope, all who influenced how I write and perform my music. It has also been a remarkably exciting time in the US, which has more developed infrastructure. In the US, however, as a budding artiste, you hardly get to focus on anything else because people are always working to earn double pay. Back at home, I’m able to focus on my music and family.  

What do you appreciate most about the Kenyan music landscape?

There is a lot of new great talent in Kenya, such as Steph Kapela, Khaligraph and Petra, that is finally being given the limelight. When I came here in 2013, most of this talent was still underground. It’s amazing to now see these artistes flourish and establish highly fruitful careers in music.

What has been the biggest setback in your music career so far?

Finances have been a huge drawback. That’s why I had to regroup, to save up so that I could execute my plan without many hassles.

Tell us about your new album…

The EP took me two years to record. My producer and I decided to compile the songs into an EP. The contents of these songs all come from my personal experiences and feelings. My music is my diary. All the songs employ completely different sounds. Like I said before, I don’t like being categorised because my music is influenced by many genres. Each of these songs is my favourite song and I hope my audience will enjoy them.

There has been so much talk about the lack of a unique Kenyan sound. Your thoughts on this?

As an artiste, you don’t necessarily have to have a specific type of sound. Top African acts such as Davido and Wizkid have successfully done everything from Afro house to Afrobeat to Trans. All that matters is being yourself on whatever type of song you are featured. That is what the audience relates to. The problem is when you try to ape others. Diamond has done many collaborations with different artistes in the world and retained his identity all through. 

What can your audience expect going forward?

I am in talks with Khaligraph to do a remix of a song in my EP that’s called “Good Enough”. Other collaborations with local artistes are in the pipeline. I released my video “Yours” on Friday, so check it out. 

How do you hope to navigate controversy that tends to dog artistes?

I don’t believe in having to engage in controversy in order to stand out. I am responsible only for things I have to respond to. As far as manoeuvring myself out of controversy goes, I have better things to do.

QUICK FIRE

Which genre of music can’t you stand?

Country.

What is the oddest thing about you?

I haven’t watched ‘Black Panther’ yet.

Football or politics?

Politics. It’s like soap opera.

What is an allotrope?

Is that a fruit?

Your favourite Kenyan radio personality?

Adelle Onyango on Kiss 100.

Name three Kenya 7s players…

I only know one, Willy Ambaka.

Who is M’Baku?

That is definitely an island in Mombasa (laughs).