Who is Zonda?

My name is Kenneth Githinji AKA Zonda, An Afro-Pop artiste, born and bred in Nairobi. I was raised in a family of five and grew up listening to a diverse range of artist, from Western Music to old time Kenyan voices, such as Eric Wainaina, the soulful Didge and Harry Kimani with female icons such as Suzzana Owiyo.

What are some of the challenges you have faced while trying to break into the industry?  

It’s is still an issue, but good thing with the Kenyan industry is that it is revolutionary. The issue of unity is a factor to reckon with, it is good we are aware of it now. It’s a working progress at large.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?  

I like Vanessa Mdee’s music. I’d also want to do something with Xtatic and Vereso. I have been a Sauti Sol fan for days and I also like Hart The Band’s style.

What drove you towards the kind of genre of music that you do? 

My music career began at Sauti Academy three years ago. It was a big white canvas of creation and I loved it.

I learnt a lot from many individuals who are currently relevant in the industry. Natalie Lukkenaer, Andrew Wambua, Dempsey Omwega, Jason Sibi-Okumu , Prisca Ojwang and not to forget a  great deal of  cool students  who helped to grow the artist in me.

Describe your music in five words. 

Hip, urban and full of life.            

Who has given you the best advice and what was it?

 “God is Infinite wisdom.” When you think you have figured it all out, God is laughing. All we can do is trust in Him. My best friend told me this.

What are your future plans?

I dominantly want to work with East African artistes. Beyond the horizon, I still want explore the unseen possibilities that African pop music has the best to offer.

What advice would you give to people wanting to get into music? 

I would like to tell new artistes to keep their desires and will-power endless and always to be open to learn about the industry and business that is relevant to showbiz.

Looking back at career decisions, is there anything about your journey that you would change orperhaps regret?  

Not anything to be precise, but severally in the past. Utility of time as a factor has been an agenda. Recognising one’s potential late in the future makes you learn the magnitude of the importance of time courtesy.

What are the topics addressed by your new mix tape?   

I have looked at love with different themes and angles, I couldn’t avoid the fact that I love women and I have looked at that with different approaches to. There are up’s and downs and that is beauty of this compilation.

Are there Kenyan musicians that have influenced your music?

Kelvin K, Code Kanuni, Chief Mufasa, A-Rap Kibz and Timmmy Tim, Shappa Man and Coola Gang are to say the least. The new generation of artists have contributed in the zeal to my music. This is because of the unprecedented potential that is present.

What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened to you since your birth?   

I survived the 2007 post-election violence! That, in no way is a minor thing to appreciate life about. These were tough times. However lessons are best learned through experiences.

Who are your top 5 best local artistes? 

Currently I think Victoria Kimani is doing a good job. Octoppizzo has some good work coming too, Madtraxx is fun, H_Art The Band and Sauti Sol do also have enjoyable and influential music.

 Your house is burning, what are the first 5 things you’ll grab?  

Ha-ha! God forbid! I’d definitely go for my important stuff which is, my lifeline documents and my laptop. The phone can burn, they always go in order for better ones to come, but I refute the curse.

What else are you good at? 

I love acting a lot! I have never been on screen, but the last works I did were plays directed by a college comrade, Brian Aseli titled “Perfect” and “Sweetest Taboo”. It has been a splendid journey alongside him. I ‘am also majorly interested with cars, Formula One and Manchester United. I can give analytical opinions, all day!

What do you think is important for an artiste to reach their own goals? 

Professionalism is important. Also, one should have a team and an artiste network. If you want to move fast, go alone. If you want to go far, it takes unity.

If you were to quit your music career now, what occupation would you take? 

I am currently studying Communication in Public Relations and I love it, but I really would enjoy to practice filming and acting as a whole. The world is my oyster.