LYRA AOKO: Trading the mic for the lens in passion

You started off as a musician, then suddenly you’re this unrelenting photo blogger? What happened there?

Art is a calling you cannot ignore; and it exists in many forms. I consider myself an artiste and a creative one in every sense of the word, and I am very blessed to be talented in a number of art forms.

I do not believe in labels and so I chose to explore the different sides of my creativity. Music was one way I chose to communicate initially but, over time, I picked a few other interests that I felt passionate about and couldn’t ignore. I am a content creator and, although I do not sing as much as I used to, it is still a big part of my identity. 

What was your reaction when you met South African star Lira after you won the Samsung Zikistar Search in 2011?

Many people mispronounce my name because of her. I do not remember much of our conversations during the concert period. But the experience is one of my most cherished ones because I got to perform in front of a very large crowd in South Africa together with Lira and her band.

I loved the Zikistar experience because it inspired my love for music in a way that I appreciate up to today. 

What have you been up to since then?

I have been creating amazing visuals and documenting the wonders my country has to offer through photography and videography on my lifestyle and culture blog Cynosure. That is where my heart lies now. My passion is to document the world and uplift others. 

What does ‘Cynosure’ mean?

Something that strongly attracts attention by its brilliance and interest. It also means something serving for guidance or direction. 

How does blogging go with your previous identity as a musician?

My blogging largely centres on documenting the best of Kenyan culture and lifestyle. I talk about my experiences — ranging from events, food, city guide, art, music, the best travel spots and more. My blog seeks to inform people all over the world about our collective coolness!

I started the blog to spread the love and show my readers just how cool our country is, and how amazing we are as a people away from all the negativity we are fed by the media. Through my “Play Kenyan Music” posts, I highlight all the latest Kenyan songs released on a monthly basis, which helps sustain my love for our music.

This has also increased the general appreciation for our very hard-working musicians. Music is life. It is the reason I wake up in the morning, the reason why matatu rides are not so hectic, and the reason why I can dance on a stressful day. Who knows? Maybe I’ll release a song next week. 

From your writings, one gets the impression that you travel (and eat) a lot. Is that so?

I have experienced everything I have written about on the blog, but there is so much more out there that I am looking forward to discover. Very many people have experienced more than I have but they do not share it with the world. 

How do you fund your travels?

In a recent trip for example, I took a Kenyan-related selfie and won a trip to Dubai, courtesy of the Travelstart Ultimate Winner challenge. It was a very simple contest but I got to experience Dubai in a way I had never imagined I would before.

I had a fantastic time with my boyfriend and we took a billion pictures together. I wrote all about the experience on my blog. 

But does blogging pay the bills?

It does through the sponsored partnerships I have with various brands. My photography and videography services contribute to the blog’s financial success and I also offer photography services for travellers. It is very satisfying when your talent and passion earn you money but in reality it is only hard work that will pay the bills. 

What criteria do you use to decide what to document on the site?

I am a professional lifestyle, portraiture and wedding photographer, so my work revolves around capturing beauty. I am always scouting for faces for my personal photography projects and, through social media, one-on-one interactions and referrals, I get to meet and work with some truly gorgeous and lovely people. 

How did you find out about your Kenyan Blog Awards nomination?

I got an email from the Blogger’s Association of Kenya notifying me that for the first time I had been nominated in two categories for Best Lifestyle and Entertainment blog and Kenyan Blog of the Year. The association recognises exceptional bloggers in their various fields every year and when I read my blog’s name in the first category, I was so elated I stayed in total denial for the better part of that day.

I only realised I was actually in two categories when a friend told me they would be voting for me in both categories. It took everything for me not to scream. For me, being nominated is more than enough. It lets me know that people read and appreciate my work and I am definitely looking forward to the ceremony in May. 

What inspires you in life?

Life inspires my life. There are so many people, places, experiences, moments and lessons that have contributed and still contribute to my zeal for life. I am constantly inspired by everything around me and the interactions I get to have on an everyday basis.

In the end, I want my work to inspire and make people feel good after interacting with me on any basis. I am here to serve and I know my work will one day be bigger than me.