UP Music: Artists of The Week, Inami to Shoeshine Boy

When most artists are asked which of their contemporaries they rate highly, they often refuse to answer, or return the conversation to themselves and their crew. This was not the case with Saint Evo ‘The Myth’, who was more than happy to reel off a string of names for us.

 

Shoeshine Boy

A high energy performing reggae and dance-hall artist, Shoeshine Boy was born in a small lakeside town in the Western province of Kenya. After moving to Nairobi and finishing high school, he started as a Reggae/Dancehall vocal artist, musically influenced by Jamaican DJs like Capleton and Sizzla. Having sharpened his skills by live performances in Nairobi’s dancehall scene, he began recording and released his first album Look Beyond. Shoeshine Boy has performed together with artists like Chavelle Franklyn and Lt. Stitchie, and has toured in Europe two times within the last few years. He currently plays alongside Tune Dem Band.

Check out his work on Soundcloud.

Naomi Wachira

Lauded in 2013 as Best Folk Singer in Seattle, Naomi Wachira is an artist of formidable talents. Seattle Music Insider describes her performances as “marked by her strong stage presence, storytelling and enduring smile.” Wachira’s voice is a melding of rich sources from her childhood in Kenya, her Northwest home, and such American inspirations as Tracy Chapman and South African activist Miriam Makeba. Her music & songwriting brings together harmonies that speak across continents and cultures.

Tune in to Naomi on Soundcloud and Like her Facebook Page.

HK Gachago

Gachago the Percussionist (or Happy to his friends) was born and raised up in the Eastlands parts of Nairobi where he developed a passion for African music, and was heavily influenced by the great African musician Lokua Kanza.

He is a drummer, percussionist, singer, guitarist and an all-round entertainer.

Listen to his work on Soundcloud

Inami Music Nation

Inami stands for IN me African Music Inspired. Faith Nthambi Kituku was the name given to her at birth. She was born with partial deafness which was later discovered at the age of 2. The impairment was controlled by hearing aids until her operation on August, 7th,1998 which restored her hearing. Her father played the guitar and Inami would sing back the note he played to assure him that she wasn’t tone deaf anymore. She carries these life parables into her music.

Listen to Inami on Soundcloud and like her Facebook Page.