Meet CECE the G.O.A.T—Kenya’s dynamic multi-disciplinary artist breaking creative boundaries through her music, dance, and art. CeCe’s journey is an inspiring mix of Afro, RnB, and Hip-Hop influences, infused with her unique touch. Not one to shy away from challenges, this self-declared “greatest of all time” channels her Capricorn resilience into every track, and performance she creates. Discover her passion, grit, and vision in this exclusive interview that dives deep into the heart of a true artistic powerhouse.
Who is Cece the Goat? What is the story or meaning behind your name?
CeCe is a multi-disciplinary artist and creative. I express myself through various forms of art including singing, rapping, dancing and painting. Art is life to me I wouldn’t survive a day without it. The name CECE the G.O.A.T is made up off my first name which is Cecilia in full (I don’t like it in full) and GOAT kinda stuck after I recorded my first song Mbuzzi. I’m also a Capricorn and our symbol is a mountain goat which usually climbs extremely high heights in very challenging circumstances and I like to think I’m like that. I do also genuinely believe I am the greatest of all time.
How and when did you make your debut in the music industry?
I’ve been a lover of music since I was 4 years old and I’ve been performing live and doing covers through primary and high school. I recorded and dropped my first song MBUZI in 2021 April. The song was initially meant to be a freestyle but my producer at the time, Abidoh, turned it into a full song that we later on released. This was after I had recorded and released a few cover songs on my YouTube. That song is what inspired my current artist name and it solidified my identity as a recording not just performing artist. I’ve dropped a couple more tracks since then and I look forward to expanding my catalogue even more.
What has been your experience navigating the creative industry here in Kenya?
My experience has been interesting! There is nothing simple about being a creative here in Kenya especially an upcoming musician. I’ve faced numerous challenges in my journey but that is normal and I’ve used them as an opportunity to learn and grow. I think what is most challenging in our industry is that there’s really not a lot of people ahead of you willing to show you the ropes and you kind of have to learn everything by your own. There are also a lot of people willing to take advantage of others for their own benefit, I’ve experienced it first-hand unfortunately. Aside from that I’ve been fortunate to meet some very gifted and genuine individuals in the process so it’s not really all bad. I’m still figuring out how to navigate the industry and I feel I still have a lot to experience.
How would you describe the music that you typically create and what drew you to your preferred genre?
My music is like a long island cocktail. I make different kinds of music based on what I’m trying to express in the moment and I started off my career experimenting with different sounds since I do both rapping and singing. Over-time I’ve found my sweets spot to be a blend of Rnb , Dancehall and Hip-Hop although I do enjoy occasionally hopping on a drill beat to keep them ops in check.
Which artist has been most influential to your sound?
I don’t think there is one single artist I can point out because I grew up consuming a lot of different music from different genres. In RnB I listened to a lot of Alicia keys, Ne-yo and Chris Brown and I was also exposed to a lot of dancehall from the likes of Popcaan and Vybz Kartel. But I think for me Rihana is one of the first artist that made me feel like I want to be a musician.
Talk to us about some of your current music releases this year, what was the creation process behind it, when composing the songs?
This year I’ve done more recording than releasing because I’ve been working on my debut project. I’ve dropped around three songs this year. My creative process is very solitary mostly. I like creating in solitude so what mostly happens is I’ll get a beat from a producer and write to it in my own time then hit studio for recording. For WHAT FREESTYLE we made the beat together in studio then I recorded later. FOR ME was also pre-written before hitting studio then Unspoken added his verse in studio. As for the songs in my upcoming project I drew my inspiration from personal experiences especially in matters relationships and collaborated with like minded individuals to bring life to the songs. I like creating in a space I feel safe and where I won’t get distracted as I pen.
Do you plan your music releases, or do you just finish a song and release it?
Depends. If it’s a freestyle I’ll mostly just drop it and if it’s a song I really like I’ll overthink the drop and it usually ends up taking way longer . Currently I’m finding a balance between the two where I drop in a strategic manner without really overthinking. I’m glad I’ve met people who can help with that now and I’m also in a place where I can fully focus on my music having completed my first degree.
One can say you have an amazing flow as a rap artist, Where do you draw your inspiration from when writing a new music?
Life! Rap for me is more of a skill than a talent. I’ve only rapped for a few years so I’m always trying to get better by writing a lot and freestyling. I can say that what inspires my rap is mostly things I experience for example BEEF NA PORK was a dis track to a certain crew I had a fallout with. I feel like rap is very emotion driven for me so if I experience an intense emotion I’m able to easily turn it to a rap flow. I’m still sharpening my pen and I believe there is a lot of room for growth.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
I hope my music inspires people to be authentic. To believe in themselves and go for what sparks them up. I also aspire to re-write the stories that we have been told as black people and as women through my music. I want someone to have a glimpse of what it means to be black, female and powerful when they listen to me.
You have gotten to collaborate with some amazing artist with the latest including Gibo ‘Close to Home’. Which other artist are you open to collaborating with this year on your next project?
My next project has a lot of collaborations that I am very excited about. I have Teslah Kenya and HR The Messenger just to name a few. I love collaborative projects because they just bring a completely different vibe to the song, Moving forward I have my eye on certain individuals in the game both in Kenya and outside and I look forward to making it happen!
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be? Why?
I would open a show for Rihanna because she’s one of my icons.
What could you change in the music industry if given a chance?
If given a chance I would figure out a way to ensure that musicians are fully compensated for their work and protected from infringement. I would create systems that allow upcoming artists to connect with established artists for guidance and I would also put up a space that allows artists to create and collaborate freely.
In your on opinion how do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
The internet has positively impacted our industry. Now we are able to share our ideas across the world and consume music from wherever. I think it’s a big plus to our industry because now we don’t have to depend solely on mainstream media for us to get our music to the people.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thank you for your support and we are only going up from here!
Lastly what should we expect from you this year?
My debut project. Its dropping before this year ends.
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