FOCUS ON A WRITER: A Quick one with Afro-fusion singer Austine Ossou

Ossou is an Afro-fusion singer who grew up eating native mangoes in Ahero. We went to school together and one thing I remember about him were his shoes. They were too big and heavy for his thin legs. The soles were re-enforced with a metal sheet which made sure they never wore out. They lasted for more than eight years because by the time we sat for our K.C.P.E exams, they were still as good as new. But “bindu buchenjanga” (things change) and Ossou’s thin legs are now the size of a Baobab tree, a product of constant visit to the Gym. His broad chest can comfortably hug three pairs of Nicki Minaj’s boobs. The voice that bellows from deep within his chest has tortured the hearts of many ladies, who have gone ahead to fight over him. This interview happened a few months ago inside his two bedroom apartment in Kayole. He had just finished frying 22 eggs and now we were settling down to have some breakfast.

1. Your real name?

Austine Onyango Sungu

2. Any stage name?

Austine Ossou

3. What are some of the titles of the songs you have done?

Aduogo dala (I am coming back home)

Akinyi

Jaherana (My Lover)

Mr. President

Aleki (I dream about you)

And many more.

4. Which one is so memorable?

Aduogo Dala.

5. Why?

It talks about my real life. My family. It also reminds me to take up my responsibilities as a son, a brother, a husband etc.

6. Where have you performed?

So many places. Will I really remember all of them?

7. The places you can remember?

I have performed at State House.

8. Are you kidding now?

I am not kidding. Do not undermine me bwana. I have performed at presidential functions at State House during the Mwai Kibaki era. I have also performed at corporate events organized by UNICEF, World Health Organization (W.H.O) etc. As a member of the Boma Tunes Band, I have performed during the various peace campaigns in 2012 targeting post-election violence hotspots spearheaded by NYTA (National Youth Talent Academy) and UNICEF. I have performed on the morning television show SUNRISE LIVE on KTN.

9. Which is your most memorable performance?

During the peace campaign in Eldoret town.

10. Any challenges you have faced as a singer/ song writer?

Con organizers and unreliable event promoters.

11. Heard you were arrested in Eldoret for not paying Hotel bills, true?

Hahaha. I remember that. We did an event but few people turned up. We could not afford to settle all the bills and we got into a small scuffle with the hotel management and some artists. They called the police but we were able to settle the case. How can I forget that?

Another challenge is transport and logistical challenges that come with doing charity events.

12. Why Luo?

Let me just say I want to appreciate my native language. I prefer to use it. Not that I cannot sing in Kiswahili or English. You should all listen to my song “Mr. President.” I did it in English and it is doing well. Singing in Luo gives me a feeling I cannot explain. You know that feeling you get when she looks at you straight in the eye and say,” I love you.”

13. What can you say about the state of Afro-fusion in Kenya?

Contrary to popular opinion, Afro-fusion has audience. It is unique. It is not about copying other people’s culture like we see in Pop and rap music. It is growing.

14. who’s your favourite Luo Afro-fusion artist?

Winyo. His sound and composition is heavenly, to say the least.

15. Any advice to up-coming artists?

Stick to who you are. Do not copy someone else.

Do what you love and it will eventually pay off.

16. Current project?

I am working on releasing my first Album. The audio part is done and I now want to work on the videos. I need actors to work with. Hopefully by the end of this year, once I come back from South Sudan, I should be talking about Album release dates.

17. Thanks man. Wish you well in your future plans.

Thank you and you are welcome, again.

18. Sure thing. We must do this again. And add me more eggs. Don’t you want me to grow some muscles too?

Yaye Omera. Terri mos.(You guy, talk it easy.)

(Are you a creative writer? Then hit me up we do this over a cup of coffee.

Email: manydaniels09@yahoo.com

or call,SMS 0727559 666.