23:43 Ask the the ladies, and they say, “He is on fire!” When he makes a comment on Facebook, it is usually followed by numerous, almost-instantaneous, responses. When he has a show, he pulls crowds that rival the rallies by smooth-talking politicians.
As he begins his Salari Tour in North America, The African Accent had an opportunity to talk to David Mathenge, to gain some insight into this Kenyan phenomenon, better known as Nameless.
The name, Nameless, suggests obscurity. However, the reality is that you have made quite a name for yourself, and you are very much in the limelight. How did you decide on the name, and is it still relevant?
It initially came up because I was in the industry for a while without recognition: I did many shows without local appreciation for the music, and without pay. I kept looking for the right name and image … however nothing seemed to work. When my break came, I was asked what my name was ... I just found myself utter "Nameless" and that was that!!! And yes, the name is still relevant today because it reminds me where I have come from!!!
It was in 1999, your second year of university, when you broke into the music scene. In a previous interview, you said that back then, it was more economical to produce and release singles, as opposed to whole albums because of weak domestic sales, and little to no radio exposure for artists. Has the domestic situation improved? If yes, what has been the most significant improvement? If no, what would you like to see improve, or what are you doing to better the situation?
No, the domestic situation hasn’t improved. In fact even the international situation is becoming similar; whereby CD sales are being negatively affected by downloads and piracy. Now, even international record labels are contemplating releasing singles and fully exploiting singles through ring tones, downloads, concerts, et cetera; they say it is more economical and less risky. I met some record executives in Europe who told me this. I secretly smiled because in my own small way i was using this principle ten years earlier! hahaha!
Nameless is synonymous with mega hits. 'Ninanoki' was on Kiss FM's number one spot for 110 consecutive days. Your music is also known for its wide appeal: 'Megarider' is a perfect example of a song you could find a ten year old enjoying just as much as an 80 year old. Is that part of your strategy, or is it coincidental magic that Nameless has?
It is every artists hope and dream to get a wide appeal through their music. It is also very challenging to get a crossover appeal with one song; and if you do you are lucky!! Some of my songs have managed to cross over, however, others have been more targeted to different classes and age groups. So I guess its part strategy, part luck, part magic and part blessing!
Do you feel restricted as an artist by censorship, fan attitudes, fan expectations, or even by your role as a husband, and father?
Definitely! The number of songs I have had to hold back due to fan expectations, censorship or my role as a husband and dad are many ... these are some of the challenges of growing as an artist or brand. You get more restricted, and, you are under more scrutiny.
Your 2009 tour has taken you across Europe and now North America. Is there a venue that you were looking forward to most?
Well, I look forward to anywhere that I will meet my fans and entertain. I have been to Europe and Canada before but not as intense as this. In Canada I have four shows across the country. In Europe I had 6 show in different countries. This is very exciting for an artist; to travel and meet different people and experience different cultures through music.
The East African Standard newspaper included you in the list of 100 most influential Kenyans in 2007. How much does this influence hinder or advance your ability to lead a normal life? For example, are you able to walk around down town Nairobi without drawing fans, or does the novelty wear off?
It was an honor to be on that debatable list. However, to be considered was definitely a moral booster in what I do for a living. It means that I do influence peoples lives (hopefully positively). Once you are in the public eye you have to accept to belong to the public. So yes, you get approached by strangers on the street, and get a lot of stares and whispers following you. After some time you get used to it. Kenyans are also very conservative, so you don’t get people jumping all over you in the streets like in the West. You can live a more or less normal life with a few stares here and there. hahaha!
Rumor has it that Wahu's new album, due in January, will include your first duet with her. How come we have not seen more collaborations?
Yes. I have collaborations with my wife, which are to be released soon. The reason we haven’t released them before was because we wanted to grow as different, and separate brands that are strong individually, before we do our collaborations. We live in the same house, so we had to consciously separate our brands in music, so that the collaboz can be stronger.
Zari Media Ltd. What is its core business, and how successful is this venture?
You definitely have done your research! Zari is a separate company that I have with two partners. It is an audio-visual studio, media house. Our core business is commercials and jingles as well as song recordings. We may get into signing artists soon but we are still young and growing.
Media people, look out for Zari!
The fans had a few questions for you. The most interesting being: Do you have a stalker?
hahaha! Yes of course. I have some fans who have taken it too far and become obsessed. It is normal for some people to be clouded by the hype and imagine you are in a deep relationship with them or want more than you can offer.
Is there anything coming up for the 10th anniversary of E-Sir's passing?
Yes. We will definitely do something big in memory of E-sir, his legacy and the other artists we have lost in our industry. They are our brothers and sisters who made major contributions in our growing industry and we must thank them for that!
Where can fans legitimately acquire your music?
Blast My Music found on MySpace Nameless Kenya, or on the Facebook Nameless Fans or my personal page, David K Mathenge.
Thanks again for a very intriguing interview that was well researched, intellectual and different.
There you have it: an insight into Nameless the brand, by David K. Mathenge: performing artist, entrepreneur, husband, father, and role model.
Upcoming Salari Tour Shows:
Friday, July 3rd, 2009 – Ottawa, Ontario.
For tickets, contact DJ Biko of SoulChild Entertainment at (613) 796-6778Saturday, July 4th 2009 – Toronto, Ontario.
For tickets, contact Rigzklan Entertainment at (416) 975-0535, or Zink Productions at (647) 299-9646Friday, July 10th 2009 – Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, contact Ground Up Entertainment at (604) 746-6429, or james.kibugi@gupentertainment.com
Saturday, July 11th – Calgary, Alberta. For more information, contact DJ AZ of Afro-Beat Entertainment at (403) 667-5864
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