‘We are the voice of the people’

Achieng’ Abura is one of the best known female afro jazz artistes in the country. She has been a singing sensation since she released her debut Afro-jazz single, ‘Maisha’.

She spoke to about her latest single ‘I believe’, as well as what she’s been up to and her plans for the future.

It’s been a while since your last album. Your new single, I Believe, is attracting a new and much larger audience locally; what inspired it? 

My inspiration for "I Believe" came from what US President Barack Obama stands for: a better world for all. Where everyone has a right to live in dignity and be the best they can be.

How does it feel releasing  music again?

I love recording and even between albums, I am always involved in recording music for a cause or with friends. I truly enjoyed recording my new album, Rebirth.

What impact have your songs had?

I write music with timeless messages. Some people feel I am too artistic. I feel it is only through passion that one can truly inspire and change the world.

What’s the one thing you found out about yourself while doing this record?

That my music is a reflection of my deep faith in God and the consequent desire to make the world a better place.

What inspired you to become an artiste?

My late mother bought me a piano when I was 12 years old. That laid the roots for my career in music.

Did you start singing as a child?

Yes, I did. I made noise all over the place trying to put melody to the poetry that I loved then. 

How would you describe your song writing process?

The source of inspiration varies; from an emotion, melody, sound, beat, message, etc. Something triggers the need to write.

Which musicians influenced you?

When I was a little girl, I admired Miriam Makeba, Letta Mbulu, Aretha Franklin and Barbara Streisand. When I grew up, musicians, like Youssou N’dour, Salif Keïta, Whitney Houston and Patti Labelle were my greatest influence.

What would you like to do that you haven’t done?

Win a Grammy one day!

Do you ever wear Western clothing on stage?

At one point I was very set on African clothes but these days I do.

What genre of music can’t you stand?

None, actually. Music may be subjective, but that does not mean it is genre dependent. I always find a good song in each genre.

Do you still play the piano?

I try to play every day. Apologies to my neighbours!

Has your son shown any signs of taking up music and are you teaching him to play the piano?

He is interested but I am not the best person to teach him. He intends to learn some instruments.

You strongly advocate that artistes use their music to transform the country socially, economically and politically.  Do you see yourself as a role model for young artistes or does it sometimes feel like a burden?

This is the part that I love most about music – inspiring and effecting change in our society and the world at large. It is never a burden. I feel I have not done enough and I am taking it to the next level.

When you are stressed, from where do you draw your strength?

From God; my faith is my rock. I am grounded knowing that our Father is in control – always.

What’s the craziest thing you have done in the name of love?

Ha! Ha! Oh my! Let us leave it at that. Remember, artistes are very passionate people, so it is best left unsaid.

Which artistes are you currently listening to, both local and international?

I am listening to a lot of movie sound tracks, mystique, classical and divine music.

Do you plan to produce or collaborate with any other artistes in the near future?

I am actually learning to collaborate and it is fun. On my new album, Rebirth, I have done collaborations with Kidum, Abbi and my long-time back-up singer and artiste in her own right, Feli. I will definitely do another collabo on a Christmas song of mine, Sulwe, with a young artiste.

You have achieved so much, any more goals?

There is much to be done in our country and region. So long as ethnic and governance issues divide people, we will still have conflicts and wars,  and terrorism will continue to rise, let alone the issues of global warming and widespread poverty…As artistes, we are the voice of the people and we need to get busy and foster change.

The work of realising a better world never ends because, as things get better for a few, it gets a lot worse for many.