Artist Spotlight: Phyllis Mwihaki Aka PHY

She was among the finalists in the Airtel Trace Music Star Competition and came in second to the winner, Benjamin Webi. Not one to give up, Phyllis Mwihaki or PHY as those in her close circles call her, went on to take up the Maisha Superstar challenge. She was crowned the winner in the close competition that saw her saw her face stiff competition from, Rookie, Damian, Spirit Soul and Fi-lah.

The Maisha Superstar reality contest brought together the biggest names in the East African entertainment industry, among them star mentors Rabbit and Nameless from Kenya, Maurice Kirya and Jose Chameleone of Uganda and AY and Shaa from Tanzania.

UP writer Vincent Libosso sat with the new star for an exclusive.

1. From being a runners up in Airtel Trace Music competition, anyone would have given up and not go ahead to join another music competition. But you did. What inspired you?

I can’t say Airtel discouraged me in anyway. In fact it made me uber excited for Maisha because being a runner up showed me that I can be a worthy contender. What inspired me was the passion I have. That overruled any self doubt and the gruesome competition that was Airtel. I felt more prepared for Maisha having come from another competition.

2. Being mentored by Rabbit Kaka Sungura, a man many consider king of hip hop in Kenya. How was the experience working with the legend?

Working with Rabbit was surreal. He not only understood my vision but helped me excel beyond what I thought I could do. It made it even easier when we became friends and would stand with me in prayer when I felt things were hard. I look forward to working with him some more in the future.

3. Looking at your journey across these two great music competition platforms, what are some of the lessons you carry with you from the experience?

The biggest I learnt was how to reach my fans and be strategic about my music. The business side of it made me realize how important it is to vary my target market and also be smart about my product and it’s launch. A large part of why a show like Maisha is amazing is because I was able to build new relationships with heavy weights in the industry that I look forward to working with. No man is an island and networking is important.

4. ‘An all rounder entertainer,’ is what Maisha Magic website describes you. Tell us how the journey to music began…

5. Money aside, you won a recording deal and that puts you at a level among some of the best East African acts. Do you feel pressured to live up to the deal?

I don’t feel the outside pressure of expectations. I believe that one should push themselves to exceed what they are capable of. There is a gap in kenya of great urban female singers and i want to step in the void, not only for myself but for younger girls in kenya. Being an upstanding role model is important to me. I want to give hope with my music.

6. What was the most memorable time while at Maisha Superstar?

Ahhhh winning!!(Laughing), also meeting people I have listened to since I was a child. Meeting them was a dream come true.

7. How can you fans link up with you on social media?

@physhaki for twitter, @phyngetich for instagram and PHY on facebook.

Images Credit: Maisha Magic website

Here are some of the show’s best moments!

And when PHY won: