‘We Have To Build And Package Our Own Sound And Identity To Present Kenyan Music To The World’ Music Director Amani Baya Gives An Insight On What It Takes For Kenyan Music To Be Acknowledged By The World

Music Director Amani Baya has been in the music scene for a long time to know the taste and sound of good music with high quality. He is not only a director but also an arranger and a drummer. He has undertaken mega live music recording projects such as Secret Place 2020 by Eunice Njeri with Tumeshinda hit song, The Praise Atmosphere and release of Mwanga Album by Evelyn Wanjiru among others.

Time and again he has been called upon by artist to assist in their music projects. “It’s through God’s grace that I have reached this far.” He said. “With experience, you learn to put into perspective what the artist envisions.” He added.

Live recording captures the real moments especially in praise and worship and Kenya has started embracing this trend, following in the footsteps of some African countries such as South Africa and Nigeria. “It is a journey and a learning process but with time, we can build Kenyan music to our own sound and not imitate others.” He said.

To put up a live performance isn’t that easy. An artist has to be patient, and have a team that believes in what they do. The venue and equipment is also expensive. The artist needs to practice a lot before the actual date of the live performance to be in sync with the band and singers. Friendship and appreciating each other is also important.

He added that Kenya has its own music identity but there is need to package the music and present to the world. “Kenya has its own music, but we need to find ways to package our identity just like other countries and present it to the world.”