Exclusive: Mr Lenny Speaks On Githurai Hit Song, Heartbreak After Dad’s Loss

• Mr Lenny has shared how he started his music career and why his music is still popping to date
• The singer also shared how the song Githurai came along and why it's the song that took him to the next level
• The Cash Money hitmaker also opened up on his family and the loss of their father after a tough illness

When you mention songs like Githurai, Cash Money, Juju and Leo, one thing stands out, the amazing voice of one of Kenya's greatest ever singer Kenya has produced.

His longevity in the game is undisputed as he continues to perform to this day, and his music transcends all generations.

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As he turned a year older, held an exclusive interview with the star to learn about the past and present in his personal life, music and health.

Buckle up for this interesting chat with one of Kenya's top stars.

1. How did you spend your birthday?

"It was just chilled, I was home with family. You know the kids have closed school, so we were just at home."

2. How do you feel about how people appreciate you as a musician and your journey in the industry?

"I'm very honoured. I think I'm 25 years in the game and in this industry, it's not easy to survive. So it's a big achievement; every time I'm called for a performance it tells me the work we have done as an industry meant something and that people appreciate the music we've put out there. Until today, they still enjoy the music and it's not easy. I'm very proud of where I've come from and that people can still relate to my music, I just thanked God for giving me that chance."

3. What do you think is the reason why music from the 2000s is still hot today despite the introduction of different new genres and artistes coming out?

"I can't attribute it to one aspect, but when we started in the early 2000s, there was a gap for new music. We listened to music our fathers played and also on radio. I remember we used to watch Music Time, I think Fred Machoka used to host the show, so there was music from Nigeria, South Africa, Congo, Cameron and Senega. As we grew a lot of music was from the West, soul music, rap and R&B. So a lot of music at that time was vernacular music. My dad used to listen to country music; he would play artistes like Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, at times Bob Marley, so you can see the bled. But there was a gap, so by the time I was clearing school, there was a need for a sound we could relate to. That is how when we joined studios like Calif Records, Ogopa Dejays, Samawati etc. By the time I was joining Ogopa, we had started getting vibes from different producers and people like akina Kalamashaka, Bambo, Abass Kubaff and then akina Wyre, Nazizi joined in and they were very young artistes. We started identifying with them because they were young and had different vibe. That is how we started to emulate those that came before us, and the blend of music we had listened to, we to now blend it all and created our own sound. So these styles like Kapuka and Genge came about. I remember we had to share ideas, and if the producer did not like them, they were out. By the time you were doing a song, you knew that it was going to hit because the production was very high level. Initially, when we started, we would produce a song and take it to the radio, and they would turn it down because of the quality. We faced a lot of rejection, and there was a lot of scrutiny, but by the time we got it, there was no choice but to play our music, but it was because we had taken time. Those days, you must have had talent, skill and good lyrics, content was a big deal back then, and even the beats were critical. Nowadays, you can record anywhere, even in your living room, but again what content do you have, how long have you worked on it and who is there to critic you?" Also woth social media anyone can be an artiste are you can release music anywhere, so competition is too much which can also affect the shelf life of some music."

4. What would you say was your best song ever or the song that made you become the star you are today?

"It's difficult choosing my best song, but if we are to talk about the biggest, one song I thank God to date that I featured was Githurai, it propelled me from just an upcoming artiste to the next level with the big boys. Before, no one knew about Mr Lenny. I had done a couple of songs, but when I did Githurai with Mr Googz and Vinnie Banton, everything changed. There was a time I was going through my social media, and a guy from Israel inboxed me. He owns a club and wanted to know if I was the real Mr Lenny, even asked me to sing for him and he was so excited. At first I thought it was a joke and he sent me photos of people singing my songs and these are Isralites, but he said they know all these songs. He said they got the music from some of the DJs, and he doesn't know how the music got there, but it has been playing there since 2004, and I was shocked. I realise how songs such as Githurai were massive hits. We were nominated for Kora Awards, did Chaguo La Teeniz, and even my first time boarding a plane to Uganda was because of that song, we had a big concert. I was being featured on the song, but it did wonders. I'm thankful to Mr Googz and Vinnie Banton for the chance. The other song I love is Cash Money because it was my first single at Ogopa, and again it worked well. I like it because it does not die because wherever you are, everyone needs cash money."

5. And had you come from Githurai?

"Hapana! (laughs). That's the funny bit; the people from Githurai were Mr Googz and Vinnie Banton, they loved there. In fact, Vinnie had stayed in Zimerman for a while, and now we ended up in Umoja at some point. People think I have lived there because of the song, but I have not. Remember, there is an original; I took part in the remix, but luckily, it's the one that got all the attention."

6. In terms of your private life, you have been able to protect that side, like the kids. How has it helped give them their space and ensure they have their purpose in life?

"The thing about being an artiste is that you have to be out there whether you like it or not. And then now it's worse because of social media, but what I tell people is it's a personal decision on whether you want them to feature. I have tried to keep them away because, especially for kids, they have friends and also in school, and depending on how you are doing in the industry, it can affect them. Sometimes, you can be bullied or treated differently because you're are so-and-so's kid. Also, it brings a lot of pressure."

7. On to a touchy subject. You were very open about your dad's illness and death in how you tried to help and even asked for help from fans. Tell us a bit about that.

As a family, it was a big loss. My father had been ailing for a long time and had issues for a long time. He only had one kidney for many years and also had issues with blood pressure, heart and even mental health. When you have a mentally ill family member, it's not easy, so it has been a tough journey. Also, my mum is not well as she has had mental issues, and we are trying to manage that, so dealing with both is not easy. My siblings have also been greatly affected, and insurance issues have been a problem, especially for the elderly. We have had to stay strong and believe in God. But we also understand that we are not special; many other families deal with the same and even worse. You try to deal with it and at times ask help from friends and if unable to you go to the public just like everyone else. No one knows when you will be struck with grief, and no one also plans, but I can only say it has been difficult, and we thank God my father was able to live his life. Last year in October, we lost him, and I believe now he is in a better place. We can only thank the people who came through for us.

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Mr Lenny reunites with Habib and Nameless for concert

Previously, reported that Mr Lenny teamed up with Nameless and Habib for an incredible tribute to E-Sir.

The three performed at Blankets and Wine in an electrifying performance as Habib, E-Sir's brother, shared the stage with artistes he looked up to.

The fans cheered on as the three created an emotional atmosphere that paid homage to the rapper, who died in a road accident just months after taking over the music scene.