Tusker All Star winner Alpha is in the studio with producer R Kay working on a musical project. The Rwandese reality show star who jetted into the city recently told Hot Secrets his new single, No Money, No Love is almost complete. “It is a kind of Afro pop single that is themed generally about life. Something the society at large has had to experience. Where one loves you for your money,” Alpha said.
Alpha bagged a cool Sh5 million when he won Tusker Project Fame in it’s third season explained that No Money, No Love isn’t the story of his life. “It is a reflection of what happens in society. I don’t write songs about myself but about themes that most people would relate to,” he said. Alpha is alos planning to record another single with singer Mimmoh. “I’m looking forward to do something, right now we are just working at the logistic.”
Mimmoh narrated how the collaboration came about. “Actually I tweeted Alpha during the finale (of Tusker All Stars) congratulating him, saying I would like to do something with him. He tweeted back,” Mimmoh told Hot Secrets, “We have not yet decided whether to do a patriotic song or a love song.”
Alpha together with Ugandan Davis Ntare and Tanzanian Msechu won the chance to share a stage with American rapper Eve, Angolan sensation Cabo Snoop and Jamaican ragga heartthrob Shaggy at a concert to be hosted at the Carnivore on October 1. “It is an honour, we want the international acts to go back home saying, they saw talent,” Alpha promised of the show.
Describe Mimmo Wanjuhi? A music lover who’s driven and is very aware of what’s happening around her which influences my music alot! Having said that, i am a scatter brain who writes songs about anything and everything that touches me in one way or another. I am also a little shy in person.
Before the fame, what were you doing? I was and still am a journalist at Hot96 where I have risen through the years to position of news editor. I was however still singing though not professionally while attending Graffins College.
Mimmoh interviewing Wycleff Jean during the 2009 MAMA awards in Nairobi
How do you balance the two? It’s challenging sometimes and honestly, my music did suffer when I was promoted to news editor in 2008 because I was required to put in a lot in the newsroom. I have however since learnt how to strike a balance. On a normal day I’m in the office by 5.30am up until 1pm so my afternoons are flexible. If I’m not at home writing music or having a meeting of sorts, then you’ll find me in the studio finishing up on my album.. I keep a diary strictly for my afternoon engagements.
What don't your fans know about you? That I’m currently learning how to play the violin… My younger brother, a student at K.U (KenyattaUniversity) is very good at playing instruments like the violin, guitar and piano so I’m taking lessons from him. It’s hard though! Lol!
Your latest single Morning After, what is it about? It’s about things that could go wrong when you pick up a guy/chick in the club and take them back to your place. It was actually inspired by a good friend of mine who after taking home a chic woke up two days later without most of his furniture, cash and other valuables!
Tell me about your other singles and how they have given you a chance to advance in the industry? (Best Friend and Karee).. Best friend was produced at Ogopa Deejays in 2008, it was huge for me. As my first track, I’m glad that it was well received and even won me the Boomba Female Artiste award during the 2008 Kisima Music Awards.
Having featured Collo of Kleptomaniacs, that also gave the track a much needed boost. In 2010, I also recorded a track inspired by my late mom called Muciari which surprised many who think having grown up in Nairobi I may not know my Kikuyu! Last year, I was also featured in P Unit's hit track Kare which gave me the bounce back into the music industry after a hiatus to concentrate on my radio job.
Its 2011, what are some of the projects you are working on? Jua Cali has featured me on the remix to his track Kazi ni Kazi, I am also working on a track with Madtraxx and just finished another one with Lady B called Rollercoaster. I am also in talks with one of the leading hip hop artistes in Ghana and another in Tanzania though I’m not at liberty to disclose any names until both deals are sealed.
Please describe what inspires your upcoming album, Finding Me More? It’s basically a life journey as I find myself some more and what it is I go through and how I handle it… I feel it will resonate with my fans because it touches on issues they can relate with like love, self destructing in relationships or jobs etc. In the album, I have also delved into issues inspired by my friends, colleagues, acquaintances and how those situations have affected me.
