MAKADEM TALKS SEUN KUTI, FANS AND LIFE

Ohangla musician Makadem who was recently on tour in Europe spoke to Hot Secrets about opening for Seun Kuti, the son to the legendary founder of Afro Beat, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Makadem was the sole opening act for Seun on October 28 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Seun was backed by his band Egypt 80, which is the original band that played with Fela.

How was your tour?
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. The place was one of the biggest venues in Copenhagen its known as Amager Bio but you pronounce it as Ama Bio.  I was backed by a bigger band due to my collaboration with other talented acts from around 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 even Seun Kuti said to me ‘Brother you good!’. We have plans to do more stuff together in Paris, France next year as his manager was quiet impressed with me.”

 

Are you recording any collabos?
I am going to work on that very soon because I will be on tour in Europe again in 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 with than in Kenya because they are ready for any great performance. However, music in Kenya its largely about, who you are, whether you big, have a hit song or who knows you… blah, blah, blah. I see that with Kenyans abroad as well. Most of them still look at me and say ‘Who is he?’. Just because they know who they know 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 be changing at a fast rate. I believe, if I keep up with my work, in the next two years or so, I will be fine both home and away.

What is the last book you enjoyed reading?
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 perform music for all ages, races, and continents.

My worst childhood fears were …
(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 few drinks -drinking lightly - and having meaty bites in between as we dance to the beat!

If I were a politician I would…
I would work hard to unite, educate and economically empower all communities in Kenya.

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.

Living leader I admire…
Raila Odinga, but do I say!

My greatest possession is
Humility.

SOUTH AFRICA'S THANDISWA MADZWAI FOR BLANKETS AND WINE IN NAIROBI

South African Afro-Jazz artiste, Thandiswa Mazwai will headline the 24th edition of the Blankets and Wine Concert sponsored by KCB Advantage banking, due to be held on April 3, at Mamba Village-Leisure garden in Karen-Nairobi.
Other artistes slated to perform alongside the South African songstress include local based afro-fusion stars, Lulu, Harry Kimani, and the energetic Makadem.
Curated by Muthoni Ndonga, “The Drummer Queen”, Blankets & Wine is East Africa's premier music experience designed to showcase outstanding musicians in the emerging genres of afro-based music. Every first Sunday of the month the event features three or four outstanding afro-music bands that range from afro soul, afro-fusion, afro-jazz, ethnic, and other genres.
The bank has taken up full sponsorship of the 2011 Blankets & Wine series at a total cost of Kshs 4.5 million. This includes this year’s inaugural event featuring Thandiswa Mazwai, the 5th June sophomore event featuring either LIRA or Zamajobe as the star artistes, the 4th of September event featuring either Oliver Mtukudzi from Zimbwabwe or ASA from Nigeria, and finally the show stopper of the series featuring the indefatigable Hugh Masekela slated for either 27th November or 18th December.



Speaking at Kencom House, KCB Deputy CEO – Group Business, Peter Munyiri, said apart from creating a direct connection between Advantage banking and its target market, this sponsorship, is aimed at nurturing and promoting local talent in an effort to economically and socially empower them.
“Our sponsorship of Blankets and Wine is meant to nurture upcoming Kenyan artistes who specialise in the afro-centric genre of music. Being a Kenyan company, we want to support Muthoni Ndonga, in her efforts of providing an alternative platform, for showcasing the best in Kenyan music but we also want to take it to the next level,” said Munyiri.

He added: “We wish to play our part in creating a Kenyan music industry that is rich in diversity. We also want to play our role in exposing artistes, so that they can earn a decent living, not just pride and fame.”

Hailed as the new generation's Miriam Makeba, Mazwai’s Sophmore album –Ibokwe, went gold within six weeks of its release in South Africa.
After working with Bongo Maffin for 8 years and after 6 award-winning albums, Thandiswa begun work on a solo project - Zabalaza. Zabalaza is a work that elegantly fuses various musical genres, showcases her renowned artistic and musical capabilities, a talent which transcends borders and music genres.
Lulu is a recent addition to the dynamic afro-fusion scene. Paying homage to the coastal city he grew up in his melodic voice and effortless guitar skills creates a world so engaging that takes the audience on a magical journey.



Harry Kiman's fine voice, sincere lyrics and excellent guitar skills set him apart from the rest. Exploring a broad spectrum of issues, Harry effortlessly fuses African soul, rhumba and RnB. Having been through the hustle, here is a young musician with immense talent but just lacking proper support. This self taught musician has nurtured his own unique style and has had hit singles like “Hiaya,” and “Desire” have made him a house hold name.



Makadem, also known as The Ohangla Man is of one Kenya’s most talented and promising performing artist. His command on stage, charisma and powerful vocal delivery, spiced with satire has made many describe him as Kenya’s own Fela Kuti. He has successfully fused different genres of music from Kenya, Africa and the world with his native Luo Benga music.

CHEPTAB AND MAKADEM FOR INTERNATIONAL MUSIC TOURS

TV actress and musician Cheptab and Afro fusion act Makadem have been head hunted for international concerts.
Cheptab who plays the lead female role in Citizen TV’s Waridi, left the country on Tuesday (23-06-2009) for Iowa in the US for a June 26 concert.
“The event is organized by Kass FM and its titled Gotabgaa. It’s a great feeling for me as a spotlight of Kenyan Music finalist for 2007 to be given this opportunity,” said the enthusiastic singer. She recently released her first album Tilenyun. As for Makadem, he will be going to Morocco at the end of June for the Timitar World Music Festival in Agadir.