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 album project is underway.

The main genres on the album are rhumba, benga, mwanzele, and contemporary styles such as gengetone. Guided by leading drummer and teacher, Sage, Freddie has studied and played with bands across Nairobi and the country as a whole.

Freddie would like to give a special mention to Tabu Osusa, a pioneering researcher and producer of modern Kenyan music. His seminal 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 develop across several phases, 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; and in venues such as Dagoz. Once recorded, the music will be distributed and promoted.

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