Elly Wee, a dynamic Kenyan recording artist, is making waves in the music industry with his infectious rhythms and heartfelt lyricism. In an exclusive interview with EpicPulse Magazine, we delve into his musical journey and the inspiration behind his chart-topping hits.
Can you take us back to your early years and share a bit about the musical influences and experiences that shaped your passion for music?–
I was introduced to music during my elementary school days. A few of my peers had a strong passion for music, so I believe that’s when my interest in it began to develop, even if I wasn’t fully aware of it at the time.
At the tender age of 10, you penned your first song. What inspired you to start creating music at such a young age, and how did that early experience influence your artistic journey?
I was inspired by my friends who were already doing it. The influence now was that I just could never stop writing
Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of musical luminaries, both locally and internationally, including icons like Jah Cure, Turbulence, and Sean Paul, how have these influences shaped your musical style and identity?
Initially, I would mention that I had to familiarize myself with Jamaican Patois, as it’s the prevalent language in reggae and dancehall. Additionally, I was deeply interested in their songwriting techniques. Performing covers of their songs has also left a mark on my own musical style
Your debut single, “My Lady,” showcased your versatility and willingness to push artistic boundaries. Can you tell us about the creative process behind this track and what it meant for you as an artist?
My lady was among the numerous songs I had composed, lacking a fully formed melody and structure. Upon entering the studio, I discussed the concept with my producer, Petrooz. Collaboratively, we brainstormed and crafted something cohesive.
“Belly Dancer” has been a standout track in your repertoire, earning recognition both locally and globally. What was the inspiration behind this song, and how did the collaboration with American rapper G.M.E Yung Mac come about?
I was casually scrolling through YouTube when I stumbled upon some belly dancing videos, sparking an instant idea to craft a song inspired by it. Surprisingly, despite being a novice in the industry, the song gained traction internationally. It even made its way onto Jamaican playlists and was featured on reggae-themed media channels like reggae vibez media. Then, out of the blue, a stranger reached out to me expressing admiration for the song and proposing a collaboration. This individual turned out to be G.M.E Yung Mac from America, and that’s how the remix came to fruition
Collaborating with top-tier Kenyan artists such as Adasa, Atommy Sifa, and Johnny Skani, you’ve forged connections that transcend geographical borders. How do these collaborations contribute to your creative process and musical evolution?
For independent musicians, teaming up with others is among the most effective strategies for increasing visibility and expanding their audience. Collaborations not only help raise awareness of your music but can also attract fans of the artists you work with, potentially expanding your own fanbase. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of networking in the music industry.
Your music seamlessly blends afro-dancehall fusion with infectious melodies. Can you tell us about your approach to creating this unique sound and how you strive to stand out in a crowded music scene?
I strive to ensure that my music resonates with the local crowd as much as I can. What sets me apart is my knack for singjaying, a fusion of singing with the Jamaican toasting and deejaying techniques
Your recent release, “Guh Dung (Kalcha 1 Riddim),” has been gaining traction on platforms like TikTok. What was the inspiration behind this track, and how do you feel about its reception?
“Guh Dung” is the track that enlightened me about the sound I should pursue. Despite Kenya’s love for reggae, we lack prominent local reggae artists. Recognizing this gap, I aimed to fill it, and the enthusiastic response to “Guh Dung” confirms the demand for this genre.
As an artist, what message do you hope to convey through your music, and what impact do you aspire to have on your audience?
overall my desire is to use my music not just to entertain but to educate and trigger conversations on various societal issues.. music is a powerful tool and would love to use it to inspire people
With a growing international fanbase, how do you navigate the challenges of balancing global appeal with staying true to your Kenyan roots in your music?
To be frank, I don’t believe I’m currently at that point, however i believe that staying true to your roots is very important because it sets you apart on the international stage
How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also adapting to changing trends in the music industry?
I believe I have a clear vision for the direction I want to take my music in terms of its sound. This entails avoiding frequent diversions and not hastily following every trend that emerges. My strategy for navigating trends involves collaborating with artists who are deeply immersed in popular trends at any given time.
Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from your journey as a recording artist that have had a significant impact on you personally or professionally?
Engaging with live music and different bands has shifted my perspective on music. Crafting music using live instruments and starting from scratch has fundamentally transformed my approach.
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How do you see the future of Kenyan music evolving, and what role do you hope to play in shaping its trajectory?
The music landscape in Kenya is incredibly diverse and dynamic, encompassing a wide range of genres. While we haven’t established a unique, definitive sound yet, I don’t see that as a significant issue. Rather, our main challenge lies in the scarcity of investors willing to invest in the industry.
As you continue to evolve and grow as an artist, what aspects of your music do you hope to explore further?
I’m interested in focusing on performing with a full live band for all my performances
How do you approach the creative process when writing and producing new music?
There isn’t a singular method for composing music. Inspiration can originate from various sources and manifest in different forms. Sometimes, you might conceive the melody first and develop the lyrics afterward, while other times, it’s the reverse. Occasionally, a complete song materializes within minutes, whereas others might require months to finish. It all hinges on numerous factors.”
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry, based on your own experiences and lessons learned?
My less mainstream viewpoint suggests that beginners should prioritize honing their skills patiently. Engage in music out of passion, not solely for financial gain. When you genuinely love music, it reciprocates, and financial success naturally follows. Hence, at the onset of your journey, divert less attention to monetary concerns and instead emphasize becoming exceptionally skilled in your craft.
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Beyond music, are there any other artistic endeavors or passions that you explore, and how do they influence your creative process?
acting is also something that i enjoy and just like music it involves being creative and entertaining and educating people
Finally, what can fans expect from Elly Wee in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?
My supporters can anticipate more personalized projects designed with them in mind, focusing on deeper connections. Exciting collaborations, both domestic and international, are on the horizon.
With his dynamic sound and cross-cultural appeal, Elly Wee is undoubtedly a rising star in the Kenyan music scene, poised to make an even greater impact on the global stage in the years to come. Keep an eye out for this talented artist as he continues to push boundaries and inspire listeners with his innovative approach to music.
