Blinky Bill: I want it all

BUZZ: Your name Blinky Bill is derived from a cartoon character, is there anything that you relate with in it?

When people hear the name Blinky Bill they automatically remember the cartoon, at least those who saw it. And they’ve actually just released the movie. The cartoon was light and I’d like to believe that I tread lightly. 

What is your real name?

Bill Salanga

Do you think you have achieved what you want out of your career? What more do you want to do?

There’s a lot that’s remaining because someone can look at me or Just A Band and think I’m an established artiste. When we play outside of Kenya that’s when we see that we are actually infants in this industry.

You can be the biggest artiste in Kenya but on a global scale that means nothing because when you see someone’s song like Wizkid being remixed by Drake, one of the biggest artiste in the world, that’s when you can really tell yourself you are on the path towards achieving the ultimate goal. But for us, we still need to work. 

Does that make you feel small or have the urge to do more?  

It makes me want to do more, that’s the nature of music because a lot of people who we think have made it really have six or eight albums. By Kenyan standards if you have three you’re considered big. Rihanna is releasing her ninth album, and how many albums did Michael Jackson have? 

You are working on your own projects these days, does that leave less time for the band?

Everyone is doing their own thing and we have been since we started. Mbithi is working on a film project which is coming out next year, Dan is working on a series of comics and I’m mostly working on music. I feel like I can do more, it’s not that I’m giving the band less time, I want to do more than I did before. 

What’s the best part about being a producer?

When people really connect with the music. I’m a producer who performs and I get to experience it on both levels. When I make a song and someone puts a dance video to it, translates an idea into something else that I didn’t envision, that’s nice. I made Something for You for Octopizzo, when I go to see him perform and people just dance, it makes me feel good. 

Do you think you have an ear for good music?

Yes, when I was a kid and songs used to play for the first time I would know if a song was going to be huge. Most good producers have an ear for music. Did I just call myself a good producer? (Laughs) 

It doesn’t hurt to give yourself a pat on the back

Of course. But in Kenya we are taught to be humble. But then we are in an environment where people will not give you the credit that you deserve. We’ve had artistes who in my opinion are great but people won’t let them believe that they are good.

If you are good at your work you just are, like Kanye west. He is my hero. At the end of the day you want to be remembered for what you contributed to society and be as excellent as possible. I think he embodies that.

People thought this guy couldn’t rap and he gave us one of the best hip hop albums in the world. 

Are you specific in the genres you produce for?

I believe I have a super wide range because I listen to everything. 

Do you listen to love songs?

Yes, our (Just a Band) new song is a love song. 

You had the chance to attend the Red Bull Music Academy, who did you meet that you were awed by?

The academy brings some of the best musicians in the world, I was in a studio session with Just Blaze who’s made most of Jay Z’s big tracks. They look at people who are not necessarily mainstream but are doing interesting things, it was a bunch of musicians some established and some not so much but doing amazing things, one of the guys produced a track on Drake’s last album.

It’s a great experience because as a Kenyan, there are not many opportunities that a professional musician can get to interact with some of these people. 

You seem like a pretty laid back person, what’s the craziest thing you’ve done?

Bungee jumping, I don’t know why I did it but I did. I can’t say other stuff because my parents will be reading this. My dad is around and he reads the newspaper a lot, he’ll be like Bill is in the newspaper and what is this you said? 

What are you watching right now?

I just finished watching Narcos, it was amazing, and I really liked it. Yesterday I was watching Top Five but I didn’t finish it. I fell asleep 

What kind of a friend would you describe yourself as?

I try to be a great friend, if my friend is in trouble I will try and find a way to help them out. 

What would make you cut ties with a friend?

Disrespect, I’m big on loyalty and honour. 

What made the band decide to work with Owuor Arunga?

He’s like a brother, and you should see him on stage, he is a great performer and no one in Kenya can come close to what he’s done. He plays with one of the biggest hip hop acts-Mackelmore. We are good friends. 

Are you single?

I’m floating. 

On purpose?

I think the path I’ve taken has necessitated me to be single. 

That is being in the music industry?

Not necessarily that but being a musician trying to make an impact in the world, that’s my biggest thing. I don’t think I’ve found someone who can walk with me on that quest. A relationship is hard work, it’s a job outside of my job. (Laughs) I’m not ready, but it’s possible that I could be ready within the next two years.

It needs work, attention and dedication and that’s what I’ve given to my job, now that I’m stabilizing I could give that to a person without feeling stressed. 

Who is your favourite Kenyan artiste?

That’s a hard question, from which generation? 

In recent years

Over the last 15 years I would take Ogopa Deejays because people never gave them credit for what they did. I can’t think of anyone who helped open up the space - there are - but they are one of the biggest players who gave opportunities to musicians. They had some of the most innovative music of this era. After a while everyone started making the same sound and diluted it, but when people are writing about the history of Kenyan music, Ogopa Deejays deserve a chapter in that book.

From back in the day I would take the Mighty Cavaliers. I really love the history of Kenyan music. I sample the likes of Slim Ali and the Holy Boys because I feel everyone should know about them. Here’s the thing that upsets me about Kenya, we have so many great musicians and athletes but we are very dismissive of our talent.

Guys will go out of their way to go to a Davido show but no one will go to a Juma tutu show. Nigerians have great movies in terms of output because they have a supportive audience. Ours is one big movie a year because the support isn’t there.

Aki Kenyans.