Eric Wainaina: Social activist trying to figure out his style of music

Eric Wainaina was born on August 28, 1973 in Nairobi, Kenya. He often sings about inequality, political and social injustices that have eaten up the Kenyan society. His lyrics resonate with the millions of citizens who disapprove of the country’s greedy, corrupt and authoritarian political elite.

On why he decided to tackle the political and social ills in society, Wainaina told The EastAfrican: “Kenya went through a particular phase in its political history and we’re finding a need to sing outside the confines of the church.” 

The vocalist, who also plays the keyboard and sampler, released his debut studio album titled Sawa Sawa in 2001, which was followed by Twende Twende in 2006, and Love and Protest in 2011. His latest album, Brand New Day, is set for release later this year.

He has also released a number of singles including his 1998 song Kenya Only, which was adopted as the unofficial song of mourning after the 1998 terrorist bombing in Nairobi where over 200 Kenyans lost their lives. His single Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo followed in 2001 winning him several international accolades.

As to what influenced him to go into music, Wainaina said: “I had an epiphany when I was 17 while performing on stage and I knew that music was where I was going to be.” 

On music today in Kenya and East Africa as a whole, Wainaina said: “There’s some good stuff out there and there’s some really bad stuff. But this is all part of trying to work out where we’re going.” 

Although experts have attempted to describe Wainaina’s music as a blend of Kenyan Benga rhythm and East African guitars, with some modern harmony, he said: “I’m still trying to figure that out.” 

He won the 2002 Kora Best East African Artist Award and the 2007 Kisima Music Best Afro-fusion and Best Song and Best Video Awards.

He has performed in Kenya, Uganda, the US, Switzerland, Holland, Zimbabwe and at the Sauti za Busara festival in Zanzibar, among other places.

Wainaina is also involved in musical theatre. His musicals include: Lwanda, Man of Stone (2004); Mo Faya (2009); and Tinga Tinga Tales (2016), a collaboration with Claudia Lloyd and his wife Sheba Hirst.

------------------------------------------

What’s your off-duty passion?

I love to read. If I’m not curled up on the sofa with my wife watching a movie, then I’m reading a book, or gardening. 

What would you have been if you were not an artiste?

I would have been a teacher or a doctor, maybe an adventurer or a rock-climber. 

What signifies your personal style?

I don’t think about that much, but maybe jeans and a t-shirt. If I really must be formal, some kind of close fitting coat, slacks, probably boots or sneakers?

How do you manage your wardrobe?

Badly. 

Describe your best destination to visit in East Africa?
It is Rusinga Island in Lake Victoria. It is breathtaking. 

Do you have a must-visit list?

Yes. Camp Nou football stadium in Barcelona, Spain for one; the Taj Mahal on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, and the Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican.  

What is your best collection?

We have an extensive library of books that we’ve bought or inherited. I’ve also started buying vinyl records. I’m also listening widely to anything that an artist I respect quotes as an influence. Our DVD collection is pretty interesting as well. I also watch a Harry Potter octalogy once every three months.

What’s the most thoughtful gift you have received?

It is probably a navy pea coat from the woman who became my wife. Boston, where we both went to college, is known for its harsh winters. I was too broke as a student to afford a heavy coat and she bought me one.  

What’s the best gift you have ever given?

I made a water slide for my daughter’s seventh birthday out of tarpaulin stretched over a slope in our garden and soapy water. A good time was had by all. 

What have read recently?

I just finished In God’s Name by David Yallop, which is an investigation into the murder of Pope John Paul I. It is fascinating. Over the past couple of years, the book that has impacted me the most is The 100-Year-Old Man Who Jumped Out of a Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. It is hilarious. 

Which film has impacted you the most?

There are two: Dead Poets’ Society directed by Peter Wier, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows directed by David Yates.