What I never do is stalk my fans. It isn’t cool at all – Nina Ogot
Nina Ogot is an Afro-fusion singer and songwriter. Early this week she warmed up the contemporary Kenyan music scene with the release of a new album titled ‘Ukumbu.ke’
Here is a take on all matters music and life in her own words.
“I weave traditional and contemporary Kenyans sounds with the modern ones with the aim of creating a vibrant pop. That’s my style.
Ukumbu.ke is my fourth studio album. It’s a nine-track album. My last album was titled ‘Dala,’ released in 2019.
One of my favourite track on this album is ‘Ugwana’. It takes me back to the time I used to watch veteran Leonard Mambo Mbotela on KBC’s ‘Je Huu ni Ungwana’ segment that was so popular. He questioned the Kenyan society, and I now question social media etiquette.
Unlike ‘Dala’ where I worked with mostly European musicians, I decided to record this fourth album in Nairobi to capture the authentic Kenyan vibe.
‘Ukumbu.ke’ is inspired by my childhood, some memories of my adulthood and highlights of my culture.
I tour abroad a lot, performing, and it is exciting. However, touring can be exhausting – lots of travelling, movement, performances, planning, tight schedules and rehearsals too. It’s all very exciting but contributes largely to the fatigue. In such instances I draw my energy from the beautiful music on stage. It’s the reason for everything.
My favourite instrument is the guitar. I love it more than any other instrument. However, if I were hard-pressed to pick another, it would be a traditional Kenyan instrument like the nzumari.
Other than music, I’m a teacher. However, music is my first love.
The craziest thing that ever happened to me on stage is forgetting the lyrics. It happens sometimes.
What I never do is stalk my fans. It isn’t cool at all.
One country I have been to so many times is Germany. I’m always there because of the performances.
My band has quite several Germans playing my music, which has a lot of Kenyan influence.
mencken indent: No one has ever have ever rain-checked me on a date. There has always been a long queue of suitors waiting to take their turn. I’m a lucky girl.
I prefer mild perfumes that have natural scents. As long as a body spray has these flavours, I would wear it.”