Every successful artiste, whether in music, acting, or painting, begins with a solid foundation.
Without this grounding, even the most gifted performer risks fading after the initial wave of hype.
That is the message veteran Bongo Flava star Precious Juma Nkoma, popularly known as Domo Kaya, is urging the younger generation to heed: learn the craft before fully stepping into the industry.
In a recent exclusive interview with The Citizen, the singer noted that while it is not wrong for upcoming artistes to learn by observing others, the key is ensuring their art can stand the test of time.
“Some artistes are unwilling to learn from those who came before them. But at the end of the day, it depends on the legacy one wants to leave behind, because life itself is short,” he said.
Domo Kaya explained that in his generation, artistes focused on mastering their skills first before venturing into the market.
“Many people today take art too lightly, and that’s why learning becomes difficult,” he said.
The Man Dojo hitmaker pointed out that today’s artistes often believe making a song is simply freestyling over a beat.
“The easier it comes, the easier it goes. That’s why you need to take your time,” he added.
He further argued that one reason stakeholders feel the original taste of Bongo Flava is fading is because artistes prefer experimenting with other genres.
“We try to make pure Bongo Flava. If today’s artistes did the same, they would comp.
Instead, he said, many opt to adopt South African sounds, making it harder to compete on that ground.
“When you face a South African with their own sound, it is difficult to win. But if you have your own identity, you can achieve something greater,” he stressed.
As someone deeply rooted in the industry, Domo Kaya emphasised that success requires not just creativity but also discipline, professionalism, and consistency.
Audiences can easily tell the difference between raw passion and polished talent.
Artiste manager, Mr Godfrey Abel, echoed this view, saying art is not only about self-expression but also about building a career.
“A career needs structure. Understanding how the industry works, the value of intellectual property, contracts, and audience engagement gives artistes the tools to thrive,” he said.
He added that by first learning their craft, artistes set themselves up not only for recognition but also for financial stability and respect.
“Before being fully immersed in the entertainment market, every aspiring artiste should pause and ask: Do I truly understand my art? That answer often determines whether one becomes a short-lived trend or builds a lasting career,” Abel noted.
For more than 15 years, Domo Kaya’s group, Man Dojo & Domo Kaya remained relevant until tragedy struck with the loss of one member.
Unlike many groups today that dissolve quickly, their longevity, he revealed, was rooted in commitment and craft.
Currently, Domo Kaya has released a new single titled Why? which is gaining traction across social media platforms.
He is also preparing to release an album featuring more than 10 tracks.
“For this generation, I am not here to compete with anyone. I’m here to do what I can through my art. I believe I am here to leave a legacy. But right now, it’s tough because I’m fighting to protect the legacy of two people while standing alone,” he said.
