Nonini: I Might Not be Right about Everything but I Hope You Learn Something New from this Post
When the elders speak, you should listen because most times they have the answers to your questions. Well, urban music pioneer and the godfather of Genge, Nonini, is about to dish out some wise counsel so listen up!
Here’s Mgengetrue’s Open Letter:
“Napataga thousands of emails from upcoming Artists/Singers wanting me to help them get started in music. In Reality kuongea ukweli siwezi saidia kila mtu and to be honest people look at established artists and think its easy and that “Tumefika” but honestly bado!!! We have problems on a whole different level that you cant begin to comprehend but we deal with it.
If you are a singer, you are a singer … if you are an actor/actress that’s what you are. I don’t believe in upcoming status. Usiwai sema mtu (Am an upcoming Artists/Actor etc). Moving on, some of you believe that once you start you will automatically become famous and start making money. It’s a process, the bitter truth is it does not take a day to grow a tree and that applies to humans. If you take a minute to research on other great musicians you will realise that they put a lot of handwork and dedication over the years to be where they are now.
Hii ni my humble opinion! I might not be right about everything but I hope you learn something new from this post.
First of all, you have to know your market and study your audience. Music is NOT music. There are different types of music. What I found out is that any music that is danceable in the club will spread like wide fire. So start from there, make party jams and not only you can dance to, but friends of friends can go crazy for. The song should be produced with quality sound / good producers (no excessive use of Kapuka Beat Tsawa).
Secondly, Make friends with DJs. I tell you, like it or not, they are the best promoters. They would play your songs at every event and get people asking, ‘who sang this song?’ You can never go wrong with DJs, before you know it, your song will be aired on radio and TV channels.
Thirdly, have a relationship with entertainment bloggers. They are the group of people that are becoming very powerful on the internet. Robert Alai’s,Ghafla,Niaje,Vibe Weekly,Daily Post etc….But if your stuff is interesting they automatically pick it up.
Next, never underestimate the power of social networks like facebook and twitter. Always share a link to your songs on social networks. You should create a fan pag and encourage people to like it and share it to friends. Some friends are supportive but dont be discouraged if they are not, you can do it with or without them because people who you dont know will appreciate your work and helppromot it on their page.
Finally, you have to be hardworking, Rome was not built in a day. It takes a lot of determination to achieve your goal. Read and watch interviews of famous stars and learn.
Good luck with achieving your dream.
MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY 2014……”
You heard?
