On our Discussion Isle, we get to feature Nairobi based singer Marris Kadi. Singer, songwriter, poet and aspiring actress, we can surely say she is a multi-talented artist. Marris music is versatile and cuts across different ages in which she uses her sound as an opportunity to tell people her story through her music..In this exclusive interview, we delve into her journey as a female artist, her passion for music, and her aspirations for the future.
Kindly describe who Marris Kadi is?
Marris Kadi is a beautiful Kenyan Nairobi based singer, songwriter, poet and aspiring actress.
What first got you into music?
As weird as it may sound, peer pressure plaid a huge role in as much as I woke up one day and
discovered that I could sing and write my own songs. Also having the opportunity to tell people’s stories
and mine pushed me to go to the studio and start doing music.
How would you describe the music you typically create?
My music is versatile and basically cuts across different ages. I would categorize it as “amafriano’ ’which
is basically a fusion of Afropop, Lingala and amapiano, but I also like experimenting with new sounds and
fusions.
Speaking of music creation you have a new release? Briefly describe how the creative process went about while creating the song?
I currently have two new singles out on all digital streaming platforms worldwide. TENA Or MARA
NYINGINE TENA which means again or one more time, is a song that basically talks about wishing or
hoping for a reconnection either with oneself or a lost loved one either by death or distance. This song
was inspired by a time I got so lost within the normal struggles of life that got me wishing to reconnect
with my old self that was happy, free and full of life.
SHAKA on the other hand which in English means trouble, talks about how love and relationships turn
sour over time and the promises we make to each other eventually go unfulfilled. These songs are most
of the time inspired by events that are happening either in my life or other people’s lives.
Is there usually a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Well yes and no. because it depends on the type of information we are trying to pass. sometimes I
include hidden meanings to tone down vulgarity and also spike a debate on the true meaning of the
song.
What is your most favorite part about this line of work?
I would say is the creation process. I get to enjoy the top layer or rather fresh flavor of the song and
sometimes the music that not so many people get to hear. My least favorite would be the pushing part
because of how tiresome it can get as much as it is a really necessary part of marketing your music. I’m a
lazy girl lol.
How do you balance your music and other obligations?
Being an organized girl is really important. Knowing what to do when and how to do it to save maximum
time. Which entails creating content in advance, waking up on time and adequate planning.
How do you go about writing a song?
Writing songs is a really interesting thing that comes in weird styles and manners. I could be doing dishes
and that’s how a song will come. Sometimes I just walk into the studio and the song will find me there.
Other times I listen to beats then I will feel a part that inspires me to sample. And the other times I could
be commuting and I will hear a melody in my head that I will either hum all the way or record it then
write later. The song writing process can take from as little as 30 minutes to days, months or even year to
complete. Again…it all depends.
What inspires your writing?
I draw most of my inspiration from life in general. That means from people, events, other artists, media
name it all.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to create music?
Listening to new and upcoming artists a lot because that’s where the hunger to create and grow is. I
listen to instrumentals and ancient music from China, west Africa and Native America in as much as I’ve
not incorporated it in my music yet but it plays a huge role in my creation process.
What do you hope people to take away from your music?
I would say enjoyment, lessons and more enjoyment.
Would you like to collaborate with anyone?
Absolutely!
These would be Zuchu, Nadia, Ben sol, Bien, Vinc on the beat. And in future some other more. Basically,
because these artists are talented and hardworking.
What role do you fell technology has played in your music making process?
I feel like if there wasn’t to be the availability of tech I’d be suffering a lot. Tech has simplified everything
even in terms of finding inspos, instrumentals, marketing and writing my music.
Lastly, As a music artist, what do you hope to achieve before the year ends?
Pesa kwa wingi, a wider audience, bigger stages, more inspiration. Halafu last but not least, a
collaboration with my favorite artist.
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