Story of Fariji Napa, a musician from the DR Congo, making a living in Kenya

Tell us about your journey from the DRC to Kenya.

I was born on November 23, 1987 in Bunia, a small town in the North Eastern DRC near Lake Albert on the border of Uganda. You can even find pigmies (bushmen) there. The area has been going through political instability for the past 30 years, so we have really been through a lot. 

How did you becoming a musician?

When I first fled to Uganda in 2001, I lived in a refugee camp called Camp Mbuya. I was idle there as a young man and would spend a lot of time in church where I met a young artiste named John Katabuka who taught me how to play the guitar. From here, myself and my family returned back home where I finished my high school studies. Later on in 2010, we fled again back to Uganda then I moved alone to Mombasa for a year. By this time, I had gained more knowledge in music. Things were quite difficult there so I came to Nairobi in 2011. 

Has it been difficult adapting to the Kenyan music industry?

Yes, I’ve had many difficulties as a Congolese musician here, but Kenyans appreciate good music, a thing that has kept me going. 

How did your collaborations with Ayrosh and Bengatronics come by?

This happened after they watched me perform with the Wakurugenzi Band led by Dave Otieno. I was invited by Gregg Tendwa to join a project that fuses benga and electronic music. Here, I also got to perform with Udulele, Abaki Simba, Makadem and Moseh the Drumist. 

Give us an insight about your travels and achievements?

In 2013, I had the opportunity to participate in a competition called ‘African Sings Korean Soul’. It was a project aimed at promoting both African and Korean culture through music. Through good fortune, I won the competition and even gained the privilege of recording an album of three songs, which was recorded in four different languages including Lingala, Kiswahili, French and Korean. One song titled Bolingo Zonga (love comes back) was dedicated to peace in Congo. I tried to personalise love as I came to understand that we used to live in great harmony in Congo and I am crying for the love to come back. The other was a classic traditional Korean titled Arirang. 

Tell us more about your songs Telema Africa and Mon Village Disparu?

Telema Africa was my first single release in 2020. The song is about the Covid-19 pandemic. The message is about perseverance. My friend Roseti directed the video and produced by Benjamin Magambo. I lost my village Blukwa in the North side of Ituri province 25 years ago due to the ethnical conflict. This is what inspired my song Mon Village Disparu, which simply means ‘my lost village’. 

What’s your upcoming album all about?

It’s about life experiences, since I see life as a journey and classroom and we came here to learn and discover our best selves. Most of the songs are about positivity and uplifting people from all walks of life. The album is a fusion project mainly inspired by Congolese sounds, but also with touches of some local music that I like. The rest is a suprise! 

So, what inspires you?

I am inspired by African and Western music despite coming from a Lingala background. My message is to give peace, love and hope. I hope to bring change as I believe in love and that music is spiritual. That’s why I call my music mziki ya roho safi, which is also my slogan and hashtag. Music has to be pleasant to your ears and compelling to your heart. I believe when it comes to music, we’re all great in our own way.