Cedric Kadenyi alias Cedo, stands tall among East Africa’s most influential music producers, having shaped the sounds of stars like H_art the Band, Sauti Sol, Nyashinski, and others.
In this interview, he delves into his evolution in the music industry, shares hard-earned insights on longevity, and opens up about his breakup with his long-term friend, Nyashinski.You have worked with some of East Africa’s biggest names. How do you approach collaborating with such diverse talents?
H_Art the Band member Kenneth Muya performing on stage at the H_Art Unplugged concert held at The Alchemist on April 1, 2017.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Is there a project or song you produced that didn’t get the recognition you felt it deserved? Why do you think that happened?
Producer Cedric Kadenyi alias Cedo.
Photo credit: Pool | Nation
Honestly, I would say it comes down to consistency. To build anything lasting—whether it’s a sound, a brand, or a career—you have to continuously invest time and effort into it.
Yes. My sound is copyrighted. Every song we release is documented and protected to ensure that the creative work remains ours.
Producer Cedric Kadenyi alias Cedo.
Photo credit: File | Nation
How do you decide which artistes to work with? Is it about talent, vibe, or what’s your main focus?
Honestly, at the start, it was purely about money. I’d sit in the studio, artistes would pay, and I’d make the music. But I soon realised that approach wasn’t fulfilling or sustainable. So I shifted my focus to working with one artiste at a time to build something more meaningful.
How has intellectual property (IP) or the lack of it affected your journey as both a producer and a musician?
Studying law at university gave me some insight into intellectual property (IP), but our market is still developing when it comes to recognising and compensating creators fairly. Many artistes focus on creativity, leaving the business side, especially IP, as a grey area.When a creative partnership ends, especially one that has been successful, how do you handle that?
It really depends on how things end. Sometimes, the chemistry fades, trust is broken, or one side feels wronged, making it easier to walk away and avoid future collaborations. Other times, it’s more complex, requiring a mediator—someone neutral and experienced in the industry—to help interpret matters without emotional bias.In the past, you have faced diss tracks and public criticism from an artiste you have worked with. How did you handle that?
Everyone handles conflict differently, but I believe in prioritising conversations and mutual understanding. When that fails, some people turn to public approaches. While I don’t judge how others deal with disputes, I think calmer, direct resolutions are healthier for everyone involved.
Kenyan rapper and singer Nyashinski performing during Sol Fest Event at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi on November 4, 2023.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation
There is been a lot of speculation, and I understand why people are curious. I think we just need to give it time and see what happens next.There are also rumours that you demanded more than what you contributed. What’s your take on that?
In any deal, it is about "willing buyer, willing seller."With AI now generating beats and even full songs, do you worry that the role of a producer might become irrelevant? How are you adapting to stay ahead of the curve?
When something comes along that threatens your place in the industry, you can either fight it or figure out how to work with it and AI is not going anywhere. It’s incredibly fast and accessible now.
