Lento String Quartet

Oprah Winfrey once said, “The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be.” Music in Kenya has brought this quote to life as it is continuously evolving and growing. Music in Kenya has come far enough for many to nod their heads in approval. How far it evolves from this point will depend on the the inovation of musicians in the scene today and the evolution of their audience.

One reason given for this musical leap is a brave troop of youths braving the harsh industry and trying something new. One such dynamic group of young musicians asked the question “What do you get when you mix two violins, a viola, and a cello?” And the answer was: Lento String Quartet.

Speaking to Chilumo Mbwana, the band leader, UP Magazine finds out a bit more about the string quartet. “Lento means graceful and smooth in Italian,” Mbwana explains, “it’s a musical term that refers to a slow tempo.” The name desribes the music, the youthful group play, but also some tango, salsa and jazz as they move from their comfort zone.

“We’re university students. We met at Kenya Conservatoire where we all took lessons and played for the National Orchestra before branching out and forming the group.” The string quartet is composed of Mbwana and Kenneth Mwiti on the violin, Emmanuel Nacher on the viola and the violin, and Masala Sefu on the cello. Together, they represent the courage of university students, or recent graduates who are finding a means to profit from what they love and bring to the world new, sophisticated and diverse music.

But like anything worthwhile, starting out isn’t easy. “New talent faces a lot of challenges,” Mbwana goes on to say, “you have to have a thick skin, perseverence, and always look forward, never giving up.” Sound advice to anyone starting out, no matter the industry.

Check them out:

Email address: lentoquartet@gmail.com

Facebook Page: Lento String Quartet

Twitter Handle: @lentosq

Blog: lentosq.wordpress.com

By Ondi Madete