In an exclusive interview, we had the pleasure of chatting with the talented emerging Kenyan dancehall artist, Krugar Gush. Hailing from Nairobi, Kenya, Krugar is not just an accomplished musician but a passionate artist who found his musical calling at a young age.
Krugar’s musical journey began in high school functions, where he passionately honed his craft. Specializing in rap and dancehall, he injects a fresh and distinctive sound into the music scene, seamlessly blending infectious rhythms, thought-provoking lyrics, and powerful melodies that captivate listeners. Krugar draws inspiration from personal experiences, surroundings, and fellow artists, allowing his songs to explore raw emotions and diverse life experiences. His authentic approach to music has garnered praise from both fans and fellow musicians, solidifying his presence as an artist with a unique voice and compelling storytelling.
Can you share the defining moment when you realized that music was your true passion?
There was this time, back in primary school around 2013, when we are about to start the final exam. I remember it was a math lesson and mwalimu wa math was going around asking what we aspire to be after completing schooling. Everyone in the class wanted to become a lawyer, a doctor, an engineer and so on (haha, you know how the list goes). When it was my turn, I innocently said I want to be a DJ and the whole class bursted with laughter… But still, that didn’t sway my decision. Deep down I could hear the music calling me. Beat rhythms, random lyrics flying in my head… from that moment, the desire and urge to dig deeper into music has almost been a part of me.
How did your experiences in high school functions and gatherings shape your early musical journey?
High school functions and gatherings offered a discovery ground for genuinely legit talent, a platform to showcase it and a ready fanbase. From that I was able to cultivate my stage performance skills at an early age and the ability to connect with the people through the music and beyond it. In addition, the experiences have has also helped me build my confidence when presenting myself or my craft.
Your music is a blend of rap and dancehall. What drew you to these specific genres, and how do they influence your sound?
I used to consume a lot of Dancehall and Reggea music while I was young. It has always been my favorite genre. I could sing along almost all hits from famous Dancehall artists such as Vybz Kartel and Popcaan from A-Z. On the other hand, Hip-hop/Rap hardly made it to my playlist, until I met my Poet friend, Lucky John in college who introduced and exposed me to the poetic side of rap music and the kind of freedom of expression it offers. The ability to blend the two is a show of my lyrical prowess and desire to experiment new sounds
Your songs are known for their infectious rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics. How do you strike a balance between creating catchy tunes and conveying meaningful messages?
As an artist I’m pulled by the obligation to use my art as an avenue to address themes moving me, my people and the society at large. You can tell that in tracks such as You Think It’s Easy, Wicked World and Karibu Nairobi. The rhymes and rhythms are a way of making sure the message in the music is delivered in a memorable way. I love the aspect of rhythms and melodies in music. The catchiest ones are the easiest to remember and sing along
Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, surroundings, and other artists, can you elaborate on your creative process and how these elements influence your songwriting?
My song writing process can be very messy and interesting at the same time. Sometimes I can write a whole song at a go while others have taken eons to complete (haha). I don’t know why, but at this era and time I still like to put pen on paper. And as I had mentioned earlier about addressing themes that move me, my people and the society, I write about my encounters with the two or let imagination kick in. Listening and watching other musicians sometimes can trigger you to pursuit ideas you never thought of before. Besides, you must listen to the people if you want to sing for them.
Your authentic approach to music has earned you praise from fans and fellow musicians. How do you stay true to yourself in an industry that can sometimes prioritize trends over authenticity?
I Just do me. Eventually people come to accept whatever I bring to the scene, one by one. And besides I love the diversity in music so if I collabo I’ll never try to sound like the other artist so as to fit In. That’s one way I maintain my authenticity. I also take social media breaks, especially when I’m composing to keep off distraction. Trends come and go and so does the music that shadows it. I want to make music that will last ages and resonate with the most of people, at least I’m trying to. Listening to myself and practicing a lot also contributes to the mchuzi.
Collaborating with artists like Michael Bundi, Bena wa Malines, and Hitman Kaht has been a significant part of your journey. How do these collaborations contribute to your artistic growth?
I get to experience different perspectives of what you might call inspiration, Different production teams, new locations, different environment, tap into different vibes. To me, all that is priceless experience. Besides, you know collaborations broaden your reach, which is one of the advantages I’m gaining.
How do you navigate the balance between maintaining your distinctive sound and incorporating new elements through collaborations?
I love experimenting and exploring the vastness of music. And as earlier mentioned I’m a big believer of diversity. In collabo cases if I perfect on the me part, I don’t have to worry about the rest. That’s why I hand pick the people I collaborate with.
Your performances at local venues and events have built a growing fanbase. How does connecting with your audience impact your live shows and overall artistic expression?
Performing Is another thing that makes me fond of the job. Being a Performer, you get to experience live reaction of your music by fans, interacting with them, know about the songs by me they love and even networking with them. Learning from these experiences helps me curate better shows and performances while considering the audience. Also, whenever I connect with my real fans in an audience, the show must be very energetic and memorable due to the hype they bring.
Kenya’s music industry is known for its diversity. How do you think this diversity contributes to the unique musical landscape, and how has it influenced your own work?
The diversity in our music industry brings out positive competition among artists which eventually leads to the improvement of the art in terms of quality and quantity over time. Diversity can also expose artists to new audiences and the opportunity to find their own niche. It’s also a good checker for growth in the industry.
The diversity in our music industry is just seasoning to the main dish. What Intrigues me more is how Kenyan artists can use this diversity to fabricate very new sounds and music purposely. That right there is art in its purest form. It is also interesting how in Kenya you will find everything, and an audience for everything.
So, I too put that skill to work, and making my discography assorted is one of the best things I’ve done to my music.
In what ways do you see the Kenyan music industry evolving, and how do you envision your role within this evolution?
With all the efforts Kenyan artists and other professionals in the music industry have been putting in, the world can’t help but feel the traction of our music. And in the near future we will start witnessing Kenyan music going mainstream in the international music market… you can already see it start happening. And the rapid evolution of technology is a catalyst to this change.
I make music that suits international audiences and, oh they listen, you too do and that’s why we are here.
As an artist with a rising profile, how do you handle the pressures and expectations that come with an ascending career in the music industry?
One thing I keep in mind is that people will always talk, It’s in our very nature. So, I only listen to what I find useful and let the rest pass. My focus is on making the art and making something from it and of cause my abilities. I always have to believe in myself and that I’m doing my best.
I also spend less time in a day online, especially social media and try to experience more of real life.
Can you share a memorable experience from your journey that has significantly shaped you as an artist?
In college I used to have friends whom we had formed a musical group together. We used to link up at least twice every week and work on a song. The Institution announced a cultural day show for students to showcase their talents and we grabbed that opportunity by the waist. When it was our turn to grace the stage, almost the whole school was present and the hall was filled to capacity. It was like performing on a sold-out stadium. With frequent practicing we killed the show and left the crowd chanting the name of our group. We were the best act that night. The college gave us a little token of appreciation for our performance. That was my first time to get paid because of my talent and it was very inspiring.
From that day on I vowed to myself to pursue that life and get more of that audience and pay.
How do you use your platform to address social issues or contribute positively to your community through your music?
I am an artist and it is my obligation to mirror what is happening in the society. I chose to show the positive side of it because that is how I want to be remembered. I write music that people can turn to in their lowest or happy moments and feel understood by someone else, music that urges people to take part in bringing change instead of complaining about it. Seeing the youths awakened is part of my quest.
I also use my music to raise awareness, educate, inspire, empower, and mobilize people to address the root causes of social problems and to envision and create alternative solutions.
Any last words for your fans and aspiring musicians who look up to you?
To my fellow artists and aspiring musicians, keep on going you have something great growing in you and it can take you places you never imagined. You can do whatever you put your mind to If you believe. Yes, you are talented or you got dope bars but that’s never enough. You need people to listen to you, right? So, make them listen. The world doesn’t stop at making music, that’s where the real work begins. So. if you wanna do music the pro way take your time to learn what you need.
To all my fans, friends and Family reading this right now, I’d like to let you know how much I treasure the love and support you’ve shown me. Thanks a lot for believing in me and walking with me in this crazy music Industry. Hang in there I have a lot of good music in store for you. Very soon I will be dropping my debut album titled Gush-ology which I’m currently working on.
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