Scott: Why I won’t give up the violin
They say necessity is the mother of invention and no one understands this better than Scott Kabugi Mwangi.
At 21 years old he has established himself musically. The artiste commands attention when he holds the violin which has given him a unique identity among his fans.
His road to success was not easy. Having lost his mother at a tender age, Scott and his elder brother DJ Protégé were raised by their father.
“I was brought up in California estate in Eastleigh by a single parent. I lost my mum in 1998.
The hardship of life was so real, but I appreciate that I went through this phase because it taught me that I don’t need to wait until I graduate to start making money. It was a matter of survival so I had to come up with a creative plan every day, eventually leading to the violin,” he said.
It was while at Upper Hill School that he learned how to play the instrument since the other students shunned it, and he instantly became a master.
After high school, he continued to practise on his own but later got help from Pentamony band. With the help of DJ Protégé, he made his first public appearance at Tribe Hotel where he entertained guests on Valentine’s Day. He wowed the guests and his star has been rising since then.
He has performed at big events like the most popular singing competition in Africa — the Tusker All-Stars competition — where he performed live on stage.
He has also performed at Heineken’s Mingle event, Nescafé’s red sensation party, the Jameson live party, Sepetuka, BBQ live, Octoberfest and Hakuna Matata NYE in Naivasha.
Scott, who is pursuing a diploma in public relations at the University of Nairobi, said it was a challenge juggling studies and his passion.
Being one of only a few proficient violinists in the country sometimes means more work than he can handle. “I get overwhelmed by the demand for my music and the work I have to do,” he admitted.
People are now turning to this style of music which he seems to have popularised: “I thank God for the good reception,” he says.
Scott plays with Silk Fusion band at Galileo Lounge as he continues to perfect his skills as a violinist.
Family heritage
He attributes his talent to his family which he says has been a fortress in his music career. His father was a DJ back in his day and his brother, DJ Protégé encouraged him to join in the family’s heritage of music.
“My dad liked the idea and even bought me my first violin which is the one that I use to date. My family supports me completely and it is through them and their support that I am able to do what I do,” he added.
His style of music is mostly jazz and has done two songs of the late Michael Jackson — Billie Jean and Human Nature.
Scott said he will never give up the violin for as long as he lives. “Passion never dies, so I shall be playing my violin for as long as I live.”
He has great plans for his future and would like to tour the world and meet, and work with, DJ Drama and Avicci. He also hopes that his work will win him a Grammy award one day.