Artist of the Week: Pascal Tokodi

When Pascal Tokodi took the stage at the 56^th Poetry Slam Africa, his distinct voice made him stand out.

Pascal was born in Wamba (Samburu land) in 1993 and raised in various counties in Kenya. His dad’s job required him to move around. They finally settled in Nairobi, Kenya when he was 7.

His debut single, Usiniache (Swahili for don’t leave me) cuts through the mellow lovey-dovey hearts with hard hitting lyrics, vocals and captivating beats.

Realizing he could sing at age 10, Pascal kicked off with Lonely by Akon, which he performed in front of his mother almost every day after school. He didn’t really understand the meaning of the song, but nevertheless he loved everything about it… Still does, he shyly admits.

Drama at Lenana School just went on to prove how much this chap was into acting. At the Slam Poetry event, he went ahead to give the crowd a taste of his prowess - taking on impersonations of personas from around the world.

His talent was eventually recognized by the well-known award show The Insyder “Chaguo la Teeniez” where he won the ‘Best Entertaining Teenie’ award and in June 2014 he was nominated for a Kalasha award for his role in a musical TV show “Groove Theory”. He then realized that he was ready to record his first studio album in April 2015 when he met Kush (Sauti Media Production Producer).

“I believe I will achieve all his dreams through determination, support from his family, friends and fans and God’s guidance,” Pascal told UP.

Pay cursory attention to the Usiniache and you will assume it is some languid easy-listening R&B soundtrack for carefree summer loving. Move closer and you will hear the deep message of a man expressing his heart to a woman fed up and ready to go.

All in all, on his début single, UP rates it as a hit!