ARTIST INTERVIEWS-NAZIZI HIRJI (KENYA’S FIRST FEMCEE AND HYPRID (UPCOMING HIPHOP STAR FROM CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC) I got the honor to interview two artists: Nazizi from Kenya and Hybrid from Central Africa Republic, who have both been quite influential and impactful on the showbiz industry in Kenya and abroad. These two game changers are no strangers to the scene as their musical prowess speaks volumes of the kind of brands, they both represent as they ‘take the bull by the horn’. Here is their side of the musical journey they have walked through as they share their stories with me: Nazizi Interview-Kenya’s First Femcee
What motivated you to do music? It's a calling, I don't think u choose to do music. It's more like music chooses you. I always lived to write, when I was 13, I started writing a lot of poems as a way of expressing myself. Then I started doing my poems to hip hop beats and the rest is history. Do you own your own music studio/Production house? No, I don't. How has your musical journey been? (good, bad and ugly side) Wow it’s a 25 Year career! So much has happened in this time... yes, a lot of ugly moments however I like to focus on the positive moments and the wins. My highlights have been meeting Bob Marley’s sons in Ethiopia while I was Representing Kenya at the UNICEF Africa unite symposium in celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday. The awards I've won in my
career include the best female artist 5 times in a row. I've opened for great acts like Sean Paul, Freddie mc Gregor, Busy signal, Akon and so many more artists. I've travelled the world and performed in over 30 countries, Colombia, Lebanon, Philippines, Germany, Dubai, Rome, Sweden, Norway and the list goes on. I can't thank Jah enough for blessing me with this musical journey. Why do you have so much passion for the showbiz and arts industry? Well, I’m the First female Mc in East and Central Africa and as a pioneer its rewarding to see something you believe in growing. Watching female mcs like Femi One, fena gitu, xtatic and others doing so well makes all the years I sacrificed worth it. I believe the passion will always be there. You are known as one the most respected pioneers of hip-hop and dancehall/reggae music in Kenya, what really makes you stand out from other female rappers out there? Lol I'd have to ask the fans that. I'm not sure what makes me stand out really. I've always just believed in me and I've always kept it real and authentic to my life story. I never try to be anything or anyone else that who I really am and tell stories that we can all relate too What is your advice to a 21-year-old young girl/boy who want to venture into this world of artistry (how would you assist them in achieving their dreams of becoming artists (in all aspects), entrepreneurs or music producers)? I always get this question about assisting others and I always say the same thing. No one owes anyone anything. My part has been the toughest to open up the way and the market for the rest to follow and benefit in more ways than I can ever benefit. During our time we hardly made any money from art but our sacrifice made it possible for people to earn money from their art. My advice is not to enter the music industry with the jackpot mentality because you will get disappointed. Do it for the love first and be smart on how you use your talent.
What is your daily life motto? Don't give up no matter what the challenges are How have you managed to maintain such a high level of expertise, respect and humility over the years to remain relevant/significant in the showbiz industry? I've always just stayed real to who I am as a person. I tend to think that when you're not pretending people see the authenticity and connect to it. I look at my talent as a gift from God and I don't like to create so much unnecessary attention. I use my talent as a tool to talk to people about everyday challenges and try to give them hope. Life is tough but we are never alone. Remaining relevant probably comes with the fact that I started very young and have dedicated all my life to my career, if I'm not writing or releasing music, I'm around music in one way or another can't escape it. Also, all the credit goes to my loyal fans who cheer me on through all stages of my life. What other work do you do apart from music? I work as a radio host on vybez radio for the last year and a half. My show #ceasensekkle runs every evening from 7 pm to 10 pm it’s a roots reggae show and it’s a whole new journey that I'm very grateful for Do you see yourself retiring soon from the world of artistry? I doubt it How do you manage to keep your private life separate from your work life?
U can only try as a celebrity this is quite difficult to achieve. However, I do try to let personal stuff remain personal by not sharing or exposing every little thing on social media and also most importantly by keeping my circle small Where do you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now? Hopefully retired lol Any last words for your diehard superfans? Thanks to all my fans for the 20 years of support, I appreciate each one of you the journey continues. Hybrid-Upcoming Hip-hop Star (Central African Republic)
How long have you been doing music? Been doing it professionally for 7 years. What motivated you to do music? Music. Is not about motivation. It's about the happiness and freedom you derive from doing it. Do you own your own music studio/Production house? No, I don't
How has your musical journey been? (good, bad and ugly side) I believe there is no success story without hurdles and struggles. And the list of good and bad sides is just limitless. Why do you have so much passion for the showbiz and arts industry? Like I said. It's all about the happiness and freedom when that music gets into your system. The passion just follows the two You are known as one the most respected upcoming artists of hip-hop music in Kenya/Africa, what really makes you stand out from other rappers out there? I stay true to myself and I don't see competition elsewhere apart from within me.
What is your advice to a 21 years old young girl/boy who want to venture into this world of artistry (how would you assist them in achieving their dreams of becoming artists (in all aspects), entrepreneurs or music producers)? I'm not a full product yet, so to another artist, I would say to follow his/her heart first. This is how to develop a true passion
What is your daily life motto? Everything I drop is a piece of my own soul that I give to the world How do you manage to keep your private life separate from your work life? It's hard but you got to know when to make the sacrifice to do the work and when to make the sacrifice to be with your family or friends Where do you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now? I see myself doing bigger things apart from music. Things like opening fast-food chains, clothing lines Do you see yourself retiring soon from the world of artistry? No coz we never stop What other work do you do apart from music? I'm a full-time student and a fashion designer. What challenges have you faced in your life and how did you overcome all of them? Some of these challenges are related to getting exposure or meeting the right individuals that would help us move forward or sometimes getting the money for studio time. The best way is to persevere and understand that nothing is given. One must work for it. Any last words for your diehard superfans? I'm grateful for the love and support. You are the reason we are doing this. And don't forget to never give up and to never stop
