Exclusive: Ethan Muziki on surviving heartbreak and debut album Ethanal Fire
Kenyan singer Ethan Muziki’s new album Ethanal Fire combines different elements of love, heartbreak and being a conqueror.
If you are a lover of love, then you are in for a treat with some sensual melodies that have intimate messages that most can relate to.
The album in a way speaks about his own emancipation. Ethan Muziki (real name Edward Okoth) talks to Nairobi News about his journey as an artiste and the making of Ethanal Fire.
The song ‘Kesho Kutwa’ from the album is already a huge hit, tell us more about what inspired you to write the song.
When I was writing ‘Kesho Kutwa’ I was madly in love. Being in that space kind of inspired the thought of wanting the same person every single day of your life, hadi kesho kutwa. Most people tend to think that I’m very young to have experienced such kind of deep love. That is why I had to dye my hair so that I could look my age. But that is how the song came about, wanting the same person hadi kesho kutwa, because kesho kutwa haifikangi.
Ethan Muziki sounds like a new name in the industry, are you a new kid on the block?
I have been around. Initially, I was part of a band called Jadi. I was signed with the band for two years and then I left in 2021 to concentrate on my solo career. When I left, the Covid-19 pandemic was still at its peak. It was very scary for me. Events were cancelled, but it made me focus on releasing songs that now form this album.
Your voice is quite unique you sing in a deep voice…
In high school, I was likened to singer Chimano of Sauti Sol and I took it as a compliment because Chimano is a really talented artiste. I define my sound as Kenya neo-soul or any music that has a soul.
Ethanal fire is your debut album, talk about that.
The work that went into the making of Ethanal Fire was a lot, but I think that is the beauty of it. It is a 16-track album and I have included some unconventional things in the album. There some skits in between songs. When you listen to the album it is almost like I am telling a story. The first song includes a choir singing and I tell a love story. As the album continues, I start talking about my doubts and what I think about where I am. There is a song called Head Space. As its title suggests, that is what I talk about. The concept is that there is an angel and a demon who are talking to me at the same time.
Watch the rest of the interview below: