To Nanjira, music was just a social experiment
She is one of the best vocalists in the country and also the lead singer of the Ma3 band. Ghafla got the chance to speak to the talented vocalist, Nanjira Sambuli, whom we found out that apart from music, she is also a mathematician.
Nanjira doing what she loves
Ghafla: Tell us more about Nanjira the musician
Nanjira: It was a social experiment. I started gigging with one person who found me somewhere jamming, and he led me to the others. I mean i started with Juliani, then Atemi, who led me to Ma3.
Ghafla: Why take music as a career
Nanjira: I didn’t really go to music as a career but it was those things that I knew if I ever got a chance, I will do, and am here, as it’s God’s gift.
Ghafla: Why the love for Afro-pop
Nanjira: Afro-pop has been dubbed the new sound of Africa. We grew listening to pop music but Afro has that unique element of Africa i.e. the drums, the dancing and the stars.
Ghafla: Tell us whom you’ve collaborated with
Nanjira: I did a collabo with Juliani in his album `pulpit kwa street’ and the jam is called `new year’, did `photocopy’ with DNA, but the biggest collaboration was featuring in Erick Wainaina’s album, `love and protest’, that was wow. I did like half the album, so it was really cool. I was doing the vocals in the back.
Ghafla: Who inspires you, musically
Nanjira: I keep my inspiration local. I grew up listening to Yvonne Chaka Chaka and I love her music. I think she is among the people who defined Afro-pop. Erick as a song writer, I think he’s amazing, I’d like to eat his fruit of wisdom. He’s been able to channel issues through music in an eloquent way.
Ghafla: Are you in a relationship
Nanjira: currently am single. Am focusing on my career but if Mr. Right appears then he’ll definitely get a chance (hope single men had that)
Ghafla: Advice to up coming artistes
Nanjira: Don’t bow to pressure. Talent does not need sideshows. If you are good at what you do, focus on it. They should also try to market themselves through social media.
