Why Gengetone is here is stay – Unspoken Salaton
By George MwendwaBrian Salaton popularly known as Unspoken Salaton has taken the Kenyan music industry by storm, releasing hit after hit and is now riding high with a new EP Walking with Elephants.
Have you always wanted to do music, and when did you decide to take this route?
Music has been part of me since my poetic days. But my biggest interest was basketball, at first, despite my height. (Laughs).
I schooled at Mitaboni High School, where I was always among the top in my class and the school captain in 2017. I also led the basketball team to the nationals as the shooting guard; a fete I’m always proud of.
I discovered I could be part of the “Art Army” in Form Two and since then my interest in music grew as well and I’ve never looked back!
Tell us about your musical journey from the day you stepped into studio.
After high school, my mother realised my passion in music and believed in my dreams. So, I enrolled at Talanta Institute where I pursued sound engineering and still emerged top of my class. I first set foot in a studio back in 2017. I was then in a three-guy group called ‘Thee majestic 3’, doing gospel music, before we split due to work and unavoidable circumstances! Since then, the studio has been part of me to date.
Is your family supporting your music?
Oh yes! My mother is basically my number one fan. She makes sure I’m at my best at everything. My brother does my outfit designs; he is a fashion guru. I can say I get all the support I need.
How did you start working with Black Market Records and has it been worth it?
Black Market Records/Label and I have an artist-company agreement in terms of distribution and artiste branding. The label has elevated me in my music journey and I can say it has been worth it.
Many artistes don’t want to be signed, why did you take that path?
I think it all trickles down to the agreement you have with the label. Most artistes are not verbal and hold in their thoughts. This makes you seem weak and without a stand. I believe an artiste is a company which has many arms working towards a sole purpose.
Let’s talk about your album. What does it mean to you and what’s the main message?
Walking with Elephants was curated since the end of last year. This EP basically shows how far I’ve come and how my journey has been, walking with the greats (Elephants). I had quite a lot to say about that and it’s all in there. You should go and rate it.
Do you have a favourite among your songs and why?
“Reggae Genje” is one of my favourite tracks, because I feel like I came up with a new genre!
Do you remember your breakthrough song? Which one was it and how did that experience feel?
“Confirmed” featuring Mbuzi Gang and Odi Wa Murang’a. I just had an idea and then sent the demo to Joefes, who later brought it to life. I’m so glad to have been part of the experience.
What’s your wildest musical dream?
Receiving a Grammy.
Any challenges you’ve encountered on your way up?
Finances while budding and reaching the right target audience, musically, are usually big challenges in the music scene. I was no exception; they hit hard but so far so good.
Who do you look up to and why?
My mother. She’s been through it all. I admire her resilience as a single mother who’s never backed down.
How would you describe your type of music?
It’s ‘Unspoken’!
Talk to people who say gengetone is dead and has no place in the industry again.
You can’t kill what you didn’t invent.
Do you think gengetone is the Kenyan sound?
Gengetone is just it! We had it originally as Genge and we’ve tried to maintain that sound. Same sound, just plying in a different era.
What don’t you like about the Kenyan music industry and how would you change it given a chance?
I’d change how we perceive artistes and I would try championing for policies that would see them make a living out of their art. It’s hard pushing yourself without income, yet you are expected to produce quality music and videos which cost a fortune.
Is music your forte?
I’ve majored in sound engineering because that’s what I studied in school. I’m therefore a music producer.
What’s next, musically?
“Ukipewa Perform” is my upcoming release, featuring the talented Fathermoh x Fidel Rayd x Harry craze. It’s just about to blow. Check it out, it’s already trending.
What is your longevity plan to ensure you don’t fall off?
I make music a lot. I have a bank of bangers that you all should listen to. I’m armed.
Parting shot.
When in doubt, look intelligent!
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