Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

MARIE NJOROGE aka Marie J is an Italy-based Kenyan artiste. She is among the many Kenyans in diaspora affected by the current Covid-19 lockdown. She talks to MANUEL NTOYAI on the challenge of trying to remain musically relevant in such times 

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am songwriter, musician, recording and performing artiste with a flair for Afro fusion.

My passion for music started at a tender age as I interacted with music as a child with a curiosity for different rich styles in Kenya before moving to Italy at the age of 11.

I attended school in Bocconi in Rome, and graduated with an Accounting and Finance major from the Sapienza University.

Italy is on a lockdown due to coronavirus. How’s the situation there for Kenyans?

Personally, I was planning for a major release, but I had to postpone the plans because of the virus.

I am an artiste, but I can’t currently mingle and interact freely with my fans.

As we see the matter right now, it is possible to believe that Kenyans are scared, but as usual Kenyans are survivors; we will surely overcome this pandemic.

When did your music journey start?

I decided to pursue music professionally in 2018, releasing my debut single titled Io Sto Bene, Italian for I feel good’ and worked with Kenyan director Nezzoh Monts on its video, which was a great success.

My second single Giogode, a project directed by X Antonio, enjoyed a great reception both in Kenya and Italy. My subsequent singles are Chorea and Mi Nae.

How has it been so far?

I have been consistently working on creating uniquely blended music incorporating my life experiences as well as love tales spelt in rhythm and quintessence.

Angelique Kidjo from Benin and South Africa’s Yvone Chaka Chaka are some of the musicians who influence my music style.

Seeing the little steps of growth has been instrumental in pushing me towards becoming a better version of myself. 

Why do you look at your music as a calling?

Music is spiritual as well as a gift from God. I am deeply convinced of my talent being a tool for transformation and outreach to my audiences and society.

Music has the power to heal broken hearts, troubled minds and even in times of crisis, music keeps us going by giving us hope. 

How about your philanthropy?

While juggling between music and accountancy, I also try to see what I can do for the society through different charity campaigns to children’s homes.

I am also going big on menstrual health management, especially for women from underprivileged backgrounds.

It is time the society came to understand that a section of women suffers because of lack of information on such topics, which to some extent is taboo in African communities.

I also aspire to establish a children’s home to cater for the disenfranchised and needy.

What is your perspective on music awards?

I recently won the Best Influential Female Artiste award at the E360 Music Awards gala in Nairobi. I never saw myself as an award winner, especially since I was still young in the industry.

To me, an award should be an inspiration for me to work hard, especially when you know people recognise and appreciate your talent.

Is it true that artistes in diaspora don’t get enough support back home? 

This is true to some extent. Many Kenyan artistes in foreign countries release good music that doesn’t get support from Kenyan deejays and the media.

So, they have to put in some extra work to ensure they network with other supportive groups. I urge them to look for alternative markets where they are. 

What are your aspirations in music?

I have been observing the East African music industry for a few years now and it has been an interesting phase.

What concerns me is that the new wave of gengetone seems to have hit the fan.

I am also looking forward to working on a number of collabos across the region and also on broadening my fan base.