Hulda Adhiambo Serro is an Afrosoul musician with a distinctively unique voice and uses Sheng, Luo and English to tell authentic Kenyan stories. She is best known for her hit song Rongai. NAILANTEI NORARI caught up with her to learn more about her music and her future plans.

Why is it important for you to incorporate languages such as Dholuo or Sheng into your music?

Every time I write a new song, I aim to tell the African story, however I can.

I would like for someone to know that this song is from Africa the minute they listen to it. The easiest way to do so is through language.

You have studied music at Sauti Academy and at Kenyatta University where you graduated with First Class Honours in Music Bachelor’s Degree. What role does your education play in your music career and how has it shaped you as a musician?

Both Sauti Academy and KU played different roles. Sauti Academy made me confident, forced me to be creative, aggressive and instilled the importance of hard work.

KU on the other hand taught me the basics of music theory, which enables me to know exactly what I am doing when I write, I know why I am choosing a certain key, notes or chords and all the technical stuff, making it easier to communicate the same with my band and my producer.

Your song Ya Dunia details how most musicians suffer in silence while seemingly living lavish lives; is this song from personal experience? 

This song was definitely from personal experience. I wanted to highlight the importance of empathy in this day and age where people assume they know everything simply by going through your Instagram page.

I wanted to communicate that even the people they see on TV and whose stories they read in the newspapers also go through hard times and so we should all be kind to everyone.

Despite the music industry being fraught with risk, you have maintained the obstinate stand that you are here to stay. Why?

As cliché as it may sound, music is truly my life. I can’t describe the significance of music to me without getting emotional because of how much it really means to me.

I do not have the words for it. I do recognise how uncertain a career in the music industry is, but if we can all be honest, life is unpredictable. Nothing is certain and no industry is truly ‘secure’.

That being said, I would rather work hard and go through the ups and downs that the music industry has than go through the same doing something else.

When did you realise you wanted to be a musician?

After high school, I joined Girls’ Choir of Kenya. Through all our rehearsals and performances, I realised that there is no other thing I would rather be doing than simply rehearse and perform.

Who do you listen to and does that in anyway influence your music?

I listen to a lot of Beyonce, Sauti Sol, Amanda Black, Yemi Alade and very many gospel musicians. It definitely affects how I create.

I sometimes actually try and channel these people in my writing. Instead of ‘What would Jesus do?’ I usually say ‘How would Bien write this?’

What do you hope to achieve with your music?

Tell the African story and inspire people while at it. If I can make some money in the process, why not?

You are an exceptional live performer, and have done many live performances with The Charactaz band while most people favour playback. What makes you stand out as a live performer and what has it taken to get where you are today?

Thank you very much. I take my work very seriously and I am focused when it comes to rehearsal and planning for every show.

I believe I stand out because 100 per cent of my performances are fully live. I also recognise the role my band plays in these shows.

A good team plus intentional rehearsals are what people see on stage.

What are your plans for the future?

I am very excited about releasing my album later on this year and launching it with a concert bigger than I have ever done.