In a world where music serves as a universal language, Venna, a 21-year-old Kenyan singer and songwriter hailing from Kisumu, is making her mark as a captivating artist who effortlessly combines Afrobeat, Afropop, ballad, and R&B influences to create a unique and unforgettable sound. In this exclusive interview, we delve into her journey as a female artist, her passion for music, and her aspirations for the future.
Can you tell us about your early experiences in Kisumu that shaped your connection to your heritage and how it influences your music today?
As a fast rising female artist from Kisumu, i infused my music with the sounds of traditional Kenyan instruments from the first band I joined at the age of 16,local languages into my lyrics and different themes that were relevant to my community. These early experiences and connections to my heritage led to my authenticity and uniqueness to my music especially growing up listening to benga music.
Your genre is a captivating blend of Afrobeat, Afropop, ballad, and R&B influences. How do you manage to seamlessly fuse these elements to create a unique sound that resonates with your audience?
Creating a unique genre involves understanding the core elements of each style and finding common threads that can be woven together. By carefully selecting elements from Afrobeat, Afropop, ballad,R&B, dancehall tunes and experimenting with their combinations, I aim to create a captivating and harmonious sound that resonates with my audience’s diverse musical tastes. It’s all about finding balance and creating a musical experience that feels fresh yet familiar.
Being a female artist, how do you navigate the challenges and opportunities in the Kenyan music industry to stay true to your artistic vision?
As a female artist in the Kenyan music industry, I’m committed to staying true to my artistic vision by staying authentic and resilient. I embrace opportunities to collaborate and connect with fellow artists, producers, and industry professionals who share my values. While challenges exist, such as gender biases and overtime fallout with fans, I use them as fuel to break barriers and pave the way for other women. By focusing on my craft, staying true to myself, and advocating for equality, I strive to create a lasting impact and inspire positive change in the industry.
What inspired you to use music as a platform for empowerment and cultural representation, and how do you hope to inspire other young women through your music?
Growing up, I witnessed the power of music to bring people together and amplify important messages. This inspired me to use music as a platform for empowerment and cultural representation. I believe that music has the ability to transcend boundaries and convey emotions and ideas in a universal language. Through my music, I aim to tell stories that reflect the experiences and aspirations of my culture, while also advocating for equality and empowerment, especially for young women. By sharing my journey, embracing my identity, and creating songs that resonate with their own struggles and dreams, I hope to inspire and uplift other young women to confidently pursue their passions and make their voices heard. Which I have already!
Your music aims to inspire change and leave a lasting legacy. Can you share a specific moment when you felt your music had a significant impact on your audience?
Certainly! One of the most powerful moments was during a live performance of one of my songs that addresses social issues and encourages positive change (Calling). As I sang the lyrics and felt the energy of the audience, I noticed people nodding in agreement and connecting with the message on a deep level. After the performance, I received messages and comments from listeners expressing how the song resonated with their own experiences and inspired them to take action. It was a reminder that music has the potential to spark conversations, unite people, and drive meaningful change, reaffirming my commitment to using my art to make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy however long it takes to reach other peoples ears.
Signing with CMG RECORDS LABEL must have been an exciting milestone in your career. How has this partnership helped you grow as an artist?
Signing with CMG RECORDS was an exciting period of my music journey. I got to meet and learn from so many important gurus in the Kenya music industry but I definitely look forward to presenting myself as an independent artist from now.
As a singer-songwriter, how do you ensure that your original music has a global appeal while still staying true to your Kenyan roots and cultural identity?
Balancing global appeal with cultural authenticity is a delicate process. I ensure that my original music has a global appeal by infusing it with universal themes and emotions that resonate across cultures. At the same time, I draw inspiration from my Kenyan roots and cultural identity, incorporating elements like traditional rhythms, instruments, and storytelling techniques. By blending these influences thoughtfully and doing keen research “I love doing research “, I create a unique sound that bridges cultures while remaining true to my identity. It’s about finding common ground between my personal experiences and those of listeners worldwide, fostering a sense of connection and understanding through my music.
Your passion for music is evident in your work. How do you stay motivated and continue to push boundaries in your musical journey?
Thank you for your kind words. My motivation comes from a deep love for music and a desire to create meaningful impact. To stay motivated and push boundaries, I constantly seek inspiration from diverse sources, collaborate with fellow artists, and challenge myself to explore new genres and styles(most important) .Connecting with my audience and hearing their stories also fuels my drive to keep pushing forward. I set both short-term and long-term goals, celebrating achievements while staying open to evolving as an artist. Ultimately, it’s my passion and the belief in the power of music that propels me to continue growing and making a difference on my musical journey.
How do you maintain a balance between the energetic, vibrant rhythms in your music and the emotive, soulful elements that add depth and storytelling to your songs?
Maintaining a balance between energetic rhythms and emotive, soulful elements requires careful composition and arrangement. I focus on crafting songs that have dynamic structures, allowing for moments of both high energy and introspection. By skillfully integrating rhythmic elements from Afrobeat and Afropop with soulful melodies and poignant lyrics, I create a musical journey that takes listeners through various emotions. It’s about finding the right moments to let the rhythms shine and when to dial back for the emotional depth to come through. This interplay contributes to the richness of my music, engaging the audience on both a visceral and emotional level. Versatility check!
Can you share a memorable experience or interaction with a fan who was deeply moved by your music and message?
All I can say is I made several fans become Artists. Imagine them finding strength from my movement!
Embracing your heritage is an essential part of your artistic journey. How do you incorporate cultural representation into your music and performances?
Embracing my heritage is indeed a fundamental aspect of my artistic journey. I incorporate cultural representation into my music and performances by infusing my songs with elements from my culture, such as traditional rhythms, melodies, and instruments. I also draw inspiration from cultural stories, experiences, and themes that resonate with me and my audience.
In my performances, I might incorporate traditional dance moves, clothing, or visual elements that reflect my heritage. This not only adds authenticity to my music but also allows me to share a piece of my culture with a broader audience, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. Through this integration, I strive to create a space where listeners can experience and appreciate the beauty and diversity of my cultural identity.
What are your long-term goals as an artist, and what kind of lasting legacy do you hope to leave through your impactful music?
long-term goals as an artist are to continue creating music that inspires positive change, promotes cultural understanding, and resonates with people around the world through all kinds of good vibes. I aim to collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds, further expanding the reach of my message. Ultimately, I hope to leave a lasting legacy of music that brings people together, transcending boundaries and fostering empathy. Through my impactful music, I aspire to be remembered as an artist who used her voice to uplift, empower, and leave a meaningful imprint on both the music industry and society as a whole in all aspects of life.
What advice would you give to aspiring young female artists who are just starting their journey in the music industry and want to make their voices heard.
I can give a thousand advice but here is just a few to ride with.
Believe in yourself.
Persist and learn, never quit.
Stay open to growth.
Stay authentic.
Build a strong network.
Define success on your own terms.
Venna’s story is one of determination, passion, and the unwavering belief that music has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together. As she continues on her musical journey, we can only expect more groundbreaking and culturally rich music from this talented Kenyan artist.
