One of the things that happened over the weekend was that one up-and-coming Afro-fusion artist revolutionized the Kenyan music industry by...
One of the things that happened over the weekend was that one up-and-coming Afro-fusion artist revolutionized the Kenyan music industry by himself.
Ethan Muziki. The man. The myth. The legend. A solo artist who sold out The Kenya National Theatre and delivered an electric performance to his fans, otherwise known as Ethanals. One stage, his guitar, and a loop station.
This writer reached out to Ethan Muziki, due to public demand, to get to know him more, and here are a few details that you didn’t know about him.
Early childhood
Ethan Muziki says he began singing when he was probably ten years old. He used to sing and dance at family events even though he admits that he has little recollection of most of those memories.
The talented singer joined Chuka University to study Agribusiness. Unfortunately, Agribusiness turned out to be a very dull course. So he did it for a short while, then followed his musical dreams.
Getting into fully making music for him seemed to be the right thing to do. You know, some of those things that nudge you and you can’t resist it.
It was while he was still beginning the musical journey that he resumed school and studied Marketing at ADMI. Ethan would probably be a sales and marketing guy if he hadn’t fully immersed himself in his career.
Instruments
Ethan is a master of his craft. Not only does he have a great deep and fruity voice which terms as his most valuable instrument, (that gives girls sleepless nights), but he can also play the guitar, the drums, the piano, and the bass. Isn’t that interesting?
Career blooming
In 2018, his musical career took an interesting turn when he attended a music competition and ended up getting signed under Kaka Empire together with two other boys. The boy band was called JADI. But Ethan was to later leave and embark on an unbeknownst journey of being a solo artist.
He cites the need for creative growth as the sole reason he made that difficult decision. ‘I wanted creative freedom. Sometimes when you are signed you may have to compromise your vision.’ He, however, made it clear that he left Jadi and Kaka Empire in a smooth manner, his management understood where he was coming from and wished him all the best. He is still friends with the other two members and they all support each other.
Accomplishments
Since beginning his career as a solo artist, Ethan has managed to perform at various events such as Blankets and Wine, Volume at Alchemist, K1, Waziwazi, and he has managed to release an album.
But he stated that the most recent one-man show that he staged at KNT tops it all. Arranging a solo event, managing to even fill up the theatre, and seeing his fans show up and sing along with him was like the pinnacle of his skyrocketing career.
What happened at KNT
If you were not at KNT, on Madaraka Day, I’m very sorry but you missed out on such a monumental moment.
Just to put it into perspective, Ethan showed up, performed most of his songs, played the guitar by himself, live-looped, and recreated each song with his fans.
Setting the place ablaze with his single Giza, Ethan carried his crowd through a wave of emotions as he sang Maziwa. A song that he said is so dear to him as it reminds him of his mom and evokes different emotions in him. Here, he got moved and the fans cried and sang along. By the time he performed Tokea, the crowd had had enough of sitting down. So they got up, sang, and danced in rhythm to Ethan’s melodious voice as he taught them how to dance along. They were one people, gathered together in one accord. Ethan wound up the show by performing an acoustic version of his most popular song Kesho Kutwa.
If you do not plan to walk down the aisle to that song just close this tab.
The song was so beautifully and meticulously done as the crowd sang along word by word. Lovers must have been renewing their vows in the dark while the rest of the single humans clung their hands to their chests singing to an imaginary lover.
What stood out at KNT?
When the show was over, the fans outright refused to leave and demanded that he plays at least one song just one more time. Nobody cared that he was tired and his beautiful voice was nearly gone. They urged in unison that he sings one more song. At this point, his father was welcomed to the stage to affirm his son. They embraced warmly with his dad tapping his back. It’s very rare for African dads to show affection through physical touch. But this was one proud dad. He congratulated Ethan and admitted that he was thrilled seeing that it was his first time attending his show.
The crowd went on demanding a replay of one song and even called out the boy band Watendawili to join Ethan on stage. The two have collaborated on several songs and they performed one of their popular songs Asali.
Grateful fans
After the show, with everyone trying to get a glimpse or even to touch the hem of Ethan’s garments, a few got pictures with him. But the lucky ones, the chosen ones managed to have a conversation with him.
Speaking to this writer, Ethan admits that he had a heart-to-heart conversation with a fan who narrated how his songs had carried her through life tribulations. Seeing Ethan perform, she understood and felt all the emotions with him.
‘It means so much to me to just connect with people through music. So many people told me that my songs have really helped them to navigate through various issues. And that is enough for me’, he said.
Your worst performance?
Ethan disclosed that he has really never had a bad performance save for that one time eight years ago. He had attended an outreach program at a children’s home and he was still not used to live performances. So as he sang, he forgot the lyrics and froze. The children however knew the song so they sang along as they stared at him bewildered since he had just gone mute.
The singer added that he does not suffer from performance anxiety. On the contrary, he gets excited to go on stage.
‘What would you do if you did a mistake while performing or your crowd seemed bored? I asked to which he responded ‘I would just carry on’. He said that he would not mind if something unexpected occurred onstage because it shows the realnes of the moment.
He added that if the crowd appeared bored, he would just storm out. No, he didn’t say that. He would go on singing and try engaging them, by using humor, asking them to sing along, and showing more confidence in his craft.
Hobbies
Aside from thinking about music, writing music, playing instruments, and producing music, Ethan revealed that he barely has other hobbies. But he goes for a swim once in a while. And also connects with his friends, something he said means a lot to him.
Strengths
As an artist, he said that part of the reason why his music is doing well is that he is very patient with the process and with himself. Learning new instruments, and live looping is not easy. But with patience, self-dedication, and determination, he has been able to achieve new skills and milestones.
Favorite artists
Ethan could hardly mention a single favorite Kenyan artist because he has so many of them. And to define is to limit. However, internationally, he admires Kendrick Lamar, his music, and his vulnerability in his songs.
When asked which artist he would like to collaborate with, he mentioned Nyashinski‘ ‘he is a living legend’ he said adding that he would like to collaborate with Sauti Sol and other various up-and-coming artists as well.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
‘On top of Africa’, he said in a heartbeat. ‘I want to be a household name. I want to organize events that are building the country by creating employment and also engaging in community-based outreach programs’. He added.
Do you think the government is really supporting its artists?
No!
Just like other artists, Ethan feels that a lot could be done to promote local upcoming artists. Of which he said, creating centers to nurture art and build artists would really help, the education system to prioritize arts and for the government to offer grants to musicians to make it easy for them to promote their art and to grow.
What part are you playing to help other artists?
Ethan divulged that he looks forward to being an executive producer, nurturing talents, and to build them. As of now, he is working closely with various artists and sharing his skills and knowledge on their musical journeys too.
He also added that he would teach guitar while in school. A task that he found quite exhilarating.
What would you want your fans to remember about you?
‘As a merchant of hope,’ he said. ‘I’m always challenging myself, never in a comfort zone. I’d like to give them hope through my journey.’ he added.
Despite making incredible love songs, it is still unclear whether the young man is seeing someone or not. Kindly, slide into his DM to figure that out.
Writers note:
Listen to Ethan Muziki. Introduce your friends to Ethan Muziki.
By Wanjiru Mbaru
The post MEET ETHAN MUZIKI, A SINGER TAKING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY BY STORM appeared first on BNN.
