Ochiko, real name Andrew Otieno, a rising Kenyan artiste.
Ochiko, real name Andrew Otieno, a rising Kenyan artiste, is set to release his highly anticipated project ‘Salt and Water’, featuring collaborations with some of the country’s top musicians.
In an interview with Buzz, Ochiko opens up about his roots, his journey from poetry to songwriting and how his personal experiences shaped his music.
He also shares what fans can expect from the new album and reflects on the challenges of balancing creativity with growing fame.
When did you first realise music was something you wanted to pursue?
I didn’t always know it was music. It started as poetry. I did a lot of writing—love letters back in primary school and compositions. Eventually, it transitioned into poetry and I performed spoken word for a long time, before realising I wanted to turn it into music. It happened when I found myself in an audition and hummed something. The judges liked it and told me, "From today, consider yourself a singer." That’s when poetry became songwriting.
Were there any key moments in your upbringing that ignited your passion for music?
Yes, I’m a pastor’s child and my dad was a musician. He was big in Nairobi back in his time and played with guys like Franco. Growing up with him constantly playing his records and the records of people he worked with definitely influenced me. Music was always around, and that exposure shaped my path.
Your music blends different sounds and influences. How has your background and personal experiences influenced the way you create music?
I’m from Homa Bay, and growing up there was very cultural. The town had a lot of music—small clubs, burials, and gatherings would play music almost every night. So, I’ve always had a strong cultural and tribal influence. But beyond that, I’ve picked up things along the way. My guitar sounds, for instance, are self-taught and are influenced by West African and Indie styles. Being around artistes and growing up in a musical family also contributed. We listened to a lot of rhumba and country music, both of which are great for storytelling and composition.
You have an upcoming project that features collaborations with some big names. What inspired this album, and what should fans expect from the collaborations?
The project is called Salt and Water, and it’s coming out on the 24th of January, 2025. It features Fancy Fingers, Stacey Kamatu, and Njerae. Stacey, as you may know, did “Coka Mucie” before she moved abroad. The project has a lot of healing and depth. It’s timeless music that fans will come back to years later. I’m proud of the production—Fancy Fingers, Kobby World Wide and I co-produced the EP. The features are outstanding, and the sound quality is exceptional. The feedback from “Ochikore”, which we released last month, has been amazing, and I'm happy with the growth.
How significant is it for you to express your own emotions and stories through your music?
It’s essential. The generation I mostly serve, millennials and Gen Z, is very emotionally inclined. They connect deeply with personal and mental health-related stories. I’ve learned to be vulnerable and share my own experiences, and I find that when I do, people resonate. Healing comes not only for them but for me too, knowing that I’m not alone in these experiences.
With your recent hit gaining traction, how have you adjusted to the growing attention? What have you learned about managing your rise in popularity?
I have accountability partners—my manager, A&R, and friends who help keep me grounded. The fact that I’m still gaining popularity only in a small geographical area also helps me stay humble. My goal is to export my music to the rest of Kenya and the world, so if I’m still not being played in other counties or internationally, I know there’s still work to do.
How many songs did you work on before finalising the tracks for your upcoming project?
The album was quite tight-knit. We started with about eight songs and ended up with four. It was difficult to choose because all the music comes from the heart, and it’s hard to let go of certain tracks. We held small listening parties to help with the selection process, and the choice often depends on the sonic appeal or the type of features. It’s a tough decision because, at some point, it’s no longer just about the sound—it’s about the impact you want the music to have.
Do you have a regular process when it comes to songwriting, or do you let inspiration strike spontaneously?
Big projects usually have anchors, like one strong emotion or scenario that inspires the rest of the work. I also write every day as a rule to build my songwriting muscle. For Salt and Water, I took time away from the music scene to focus on writing. In 2024, there was a period when I was quite scarce, and I used that time to listen to myself and write very true stories.
Many of your songs touch on relationships. How do your personal experiences reflect in your lyrics, and what do you look for in a meaningful connection?
It’s not hard to write about things you haven’t experienced, but it’s better when you can relate to it. The depth of creation often comes from experience, whether it’s travel or relationships. Writing from personal experiences gives the lyrics more depth and authenticity. As for meaningful connections, I think they are essential, but finding a real connection takes time and effort.
As you continue to grow in your music career, what message do you hope to leave with your fans and the world in the new year?
I hope my music serves as a reminder that we are all connected through our stories. Whether it's through love, loss, or triumph, I want people to feel seen and heard. My music is about healing, growth, and embracing the journey—no matter where you come from, there’s always something beautiful to look forward to. In 2025, I want everyone to carry with them the hope that the best is yet to come.
