That Bungoma is a hotbed for musical talent isn’t a fact in dispute. From the days of yore, we had legends such as the late Kisache Wa Mwasame. Today, the likes of Wanjala Okumu keep dropping them hits. Moreover, new age musicians from Bungoma and it’s environs – the likes of Steve Kay from Bumula and Amos Barasa of the Bindu Bichenjanga fame – continue to push boundaries by experimenting with new sounds. To this list of fame, add new Afro RnB sensation Lawida Leche, a son of mulembe, who as he claims his own space promises fans something different.
Mulembe Nation recently had a sat down with the rising star. We talked his roots, music, likes and intimate stuff people don’t know about him. Here is the interview’s transcript.
Who is Lawida Leche?
Lawida leche is an Afro RnB artist based in Bungoma.
Real names?
Brendan Wafula. My home town is Kimilili, aka Kwa Pascari, in Bungoma county.
When did you realize you had talent in music?
I started fully expressing my talent back in 2016 after I was done with my high school education. Pretty early in life, I made the decision to face the world since I had no one to pay for my college fee. Initially, I tried different things like playing soccer but the call to do music was hard to ignore. After much contemplation on the kind of music I wanted to do and how I could use music to uplift my life and that of others, I finally landed in a music studio.
Why Afro RnB?
I was drawn to the fresh sound of Afro RnB because when I did my research, I realized that almost every artist on music industry is doing the bongo style. Besides, I loved the versatility that Afro RnB afforded my art. With Afro RnB, I can do Luhya music, a Luo sound and even Taarab or Lingala and still stay on brand. The many sounds of this genre allows me to distinguish the Lawida Leche brand in many unique ways. That’s why I chose Afro RnB.
Who or what inspires your music?
I can say…. mostly life experience. Things that I witness transpiring in everyday in society. Also stories I hear, stuff that I read about…. that kind of thing. Being an Afro RnB artist, it goes without saying that the greatest message – love – is at the center of it all.
Do you write your own music?
Definitely. I do it myself, and I also write for any other artiste or person who’s willing to pay me for my creative input.
Any Album Released so Far?
Not yet, for now I only have singles out.
How many songs do you have out So Far?
Eight songs… Chuchu Love, Mwambie, Kesi Baadae; just to name a few. These tracks are all my babies, but my favorite so far has to be Kesi Baadae.
What challenges are you facing as an upcoming artist?
Lack of funds to record, shoot video and marketing my music. My wish is to see Kenyan music played more on radio, in the club, at weddings, in the gym…..anywhere, everywhere as music is life. I can’t stress that enough. Then we must do a better job collecting royalties and ensuring the owners of the intellectual property justly benefit from their work.
What don’t people know about Lawida Leche?
I think kitu watu hawajui kunihusu (what people don’t know about me) is that when am hurt, I do cry alone…Naenda kujifungia (find somewhere private), put on headphones then listen to music and cry my pain out as I write some music if I can. Then nakua sawa (am okay).
Where can fans get your music?
You can find my music on YouTube and mdundo.com. Hit me up on social media on my handles and let’s connect.
Lawida_leche on Instagram
Lawida leche on Facebook. Or my Facebook page: Lawida.
@lawidaleche on Twitter
What are Lawida Leche’s favorite things in the world?
Music and working out.
