The Kenya Project

In 2021, Freddie first went to Kenya with the intention of learning East-African music. Fast-forward to the present, and a full charity album project has emerged.

The main styles concerned are Congolese rhumba, benga, mwanzele, and contemporary styles such as gengetone. Guided by leading drummer and teacher, Sage, Freddie has gained experience studying from and playing with bands across Nairobi.

Freddie would like to give a special mention to Mzee Tabu Osusa, a pioneering researcher in modern Kenyan music. His luminary book, Shades of Benga, is an endless source of information. Without Mr Osusa’s mentorship, and the support provided by his not-for-profit label Ketebul Music - to which Freddie is signed - the project would not be possible.

The album will undergo several phases of development, aided by Freddie’s annual visits to Kenya. At present, studying, practicing and researching the various genres are the main focus. Once a certain playing level is reached, the music will be written and the musicians will assemble in the studio to record: Freddie has had the pleasure of playing with names such as Brian Sigu, Mr Bado, TBM, Sage, in studios such as Supersonic and Snowball.

Once recorded, the music will be distributed and promoted. Freddie intends to set up his own charity, allowing proceeds to be returned to the blooming education and music industry in Nairobi.

The Kenyan grass-roots music industry is fragile, and it is vitally important that all artists involved are paid, recognised, and promoted appropriately. Freddie is working closely with Ketebul Music to ensure this.

You can find more about the label’s mission here: http://www.ketebulmusic.org