Ohangla musician Makadem who was recently on tour in Europespoke to Hot Secrets about opening for Seun Kuti, the son to the legendaryfounder of Afro Beat, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Makadem was the sole opening act for Seun on October 28 inCopenhagen, Denmark. Seun was backed by his band Egypt 80, which is theoriginal band that played with Fela.
How was your tour?
My tour began on October 20 and ended on November 19.
My tour began on October 20 and ended on November 19.
You curtain raised for Seun, how was that like?
Yes, I opened for Seun and it was quiet an experience. Theplace was one of the biggest venues in Copenhagen its known as Amager Bio butyou pronounce it as Ama Bio. I wasbacked by a bigger band due to my collaboration with other talented acts fromaround Europe in total it was a 10 man band.
It must a been an experience…
The crowd cheered wildly as we rocked for an hour and evenSeun Kuti said to me ‘Brother you good!’. We have plans to do more stufftogether in Paris, France next year as his manager was quiet impressed withme.”
Are you recording any collabos?
I am going to work on that very soon because I will be on tour in Europe againin spring that is February – March.
I am going to work on that very soon because I will be on tour in Europe againin spring that is February – March.
How is it like handling both Kenyan and international fans?
International fans – especially those from the west - are easy to work withthan in Kenya because they are ready for any great performance. However, musicin Kenya its largely about, who you are, whether you big, have a hit song orwho knows you… blah, blah, blah. I see that with Kenyans abroad as well. Mostof them still look at me and say ‘Who is he?’. Just because they know who theyknow according to Kenyan media, that is whom they consider as celebs. Period.
International fans – especially those from the west - are easy to work withthan in Kenya because they are ready for any great performance. However, musicin Kenya its largely about, who you are, whether you big, have a hit song orwho knows you… blah, blah, blah. I see that with Kenyans abroad as well. Mostof them still look at me and say ‘Who is he?’. Just because they know who theyknow according to Kenyan media, that is whom they consider as celebs. Period.
It is not all doom and gloom I’m glad the trend seems to bechanging at a fast rate. I believe, if I keep up with my work, in the next twoyears or so, I will be fine both home and away.
What is the last book you enjoyed reading?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
A common misconception about me…
Some say I’m an Ohangla musician or even simply a Luo musician yet I performmusic for all ages, races, and continents.
My worst childhood fears were …
(Laughing) Imagine, I always feared getting flashed in a toilet! Seriously.
(Laughing) Imagine, I always feared getting flashed in a toilet! Seriously.
My ideal night out is…
Attending local live band shows with a small group of friends, having a fewdrinks -drinking lightly - and having meaty bites in between as we dance to thebeat!
If I were a politician I would…
I would work hard to unite, educate and economically empower all communities inKenya.
The best part of my job is…
Uniting people with my music and making them happy.
I would work hard to unite, educate and economically empower all communities inKenya.
The best part of my job is…
Uniting people with my music and making them happy.
My greatest regret is…
I regret that I never began my music career earlier.
I regret that I never began my music career earlier.
Living leader I admire…
Raila Odinga, but do I say!
My greatest possession is
Humility.
Raila Odinga, but do I say!
My greatest possession is
Humility.
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