Life is a long journey full of uncertainties says AY

Rapper Ambwene Yessaya aka AY is among the celebrated names in Bongo Hip Hop whose career blossomed when he was at East Coast where he often teamed up with team members such as Mwana FA and Crazy GK to release great hits in the early days.

With almost 20 years down the road which is full of success, AY has released another song and this time he is not in a party mood as the case has been on some of his songs.

In the song he collaborates with veteran Rumba singer King Kiki to tell a story that is likely to resonate with many folks.

Why did you choose to name this song Safari?

It was after careful thinking because as human beings our lives can be equated to a journey, you are born, you grow up may be get married and have children, then what is left is that you have to die. So life is a journey, I tried to compose a song that nails this message to my audience. Such messages are rare in today’s music and I hope Safari can inspire other artistes to do this kind of music.

Do you think this is the right time to release a song with that kind of message especially now that we are heading towards the festive season?

Yes indeed it is! It is the end of the year and this is the right time for you to reflect on some critical issues that have happened and as you know not many people were lucky enough to make it. This offers you a better view point on some of the mistakes that might have made that you have to correct in the coming year.

What influenced your choice of collaborating with King Kiki?

He is first of all a veteran in music who has seen it all and his experiences is something that most young people and especially musicians can draw inspiration from. That is why his choice was very easy because he was quite suitable to the message that I wanted to put across to the public otherwise the intended purpose wouldn’t have been achieved.

Was it easy to work with him?

Despite the age difference, everything went smoothly because I grew up listening to his music and besides he shows that he knows what young generation of today is doing. The chemistry was instant both in the studio and during the video shooting was done in South Africa. He enjoyed the experience as well.

Does this mean you are deviating from club songs?

Not at all there are many hits in the making; I just didn’t want to base on club songs because as you can remember I collaborated with Maurice Kirya just after I had done ‘Yule’, this did not mean that I have left my roots. As musicians we have to be flexible to show the audience that you can deliver.

How has fatherhood changed you?

Yes it is true we had a baby boy recently and for sure it has changed many things. Life is no longer about just the two of us and instead we are now three. This definitely means that a few dynamics have to change. We have to give him the right care and parenthood.

Victoria Kimani was here, what was it about?

Yeah, she was here and we worked on some very interesting projects together and god willing we shall release them in the early days of 2019.

What do you think the current trend in the industry?

This is why I say music has to be about identity when we all sing about the same thing in the long run it becomes boring. This is why it is important to find your bearing so that you relieve the audience of the boredom.