DIAMOND reveals cost of 'Mdogo Mdogo' video

BUZZ: How does it feel to be in Kenya for such a unique project like Coke Studio?

It feels so good because this season is bigger than the first one. Season one was good but this is better than I thought it would be.

How do you feel about the concept of the show?

There is no fake stuff on Coke Studio more so because we work with a live band. I honestly feel so proud because I’m working with Yemi Alade who is so nice and talented. Working with her means I gain fans I didn’t have before and I get to learn stuff from her that I didn’t already know.

Have you learnt some pidgin from your Nigerian friends?

Yes, I know some words.

How do you think your collaboration with Yemi Alade will impact your career?

Working together will take us to another level; a new place that we weren’t before. It will give us exposure.

What is your favourite Yemi Alade song?

Her new song called "Kissing". I’m already a big fan.

You did a song with Ommy Dimpoz and Victoria Kimani, what was that experience like?

It was a great collaboration, I think it was my first time to work with a Kenyan artiste, I sandwiched her with Ommy Dimpoz and it actually turned out to be a very good song. I hope fans like it as well.

What does Prokoto mean?
(Laughs) It just came out of my mind, it’s like let’s go crazy!

You went for the Afrimma Awards in the States and went back home to a big reception, is that a normal thing for you now?

That felt really good but it’s not a normal occurrence, it does happen sometimes though.  I cannot get used to it but I appreciate it so much and a big thank you to all my fans for supporting me so much.  I’ll try my level best not to let them down.

You recently got nominated in four categories in the Channel O Awards, you getting awards left and right these days

It feels so good, being nominated means people are watching what you are doing and they appreciate it, it gives you more energy to work.

You were also nominated for the MTV Awards, what is the secret that other East African artistes can borrow?

I put God first. Secondly, I don’t believe in talent as much as I believe in hard work, if you work hard everything can be easy. Having talent doesn’t mean things come easy. You need to know the market too, if you want to be an East African artiste you can be and if you want to go global you can do that too.

This seems to be your year going by the number of awards and nominations you are getting, what do you have that other artistes don’t have?

I can’t say I’m better than them, I have a lot of respect for artistes. I believe in God first then in myself, apart from that I work so hard and it’s not just because I’m talented. I also consider myself a businessman that’s why I’ve been travelling a lot selling my music to countries that don’t understand my language, you need to show people what you have.

Is there a story behind your very poetic lyrics?

Some of them come from my neighbourhood and my family. I’ve also been through a lot when it comes to love so I think that’s the source.  When I’m about to write a song I normally look around and observe what’s going on around me, in the society and see what I’m supposed to write about.

Can you confirm that you will be working with Kenyan Gospel artiste Bahati?

Unfortunately no because I’m a Muslim, but I would love to because he is doing very well. For me to work with someone who is doing gospel it’s... I don’t know… I’m a Muslim. Maybe we can do something else but not gospel, I don’t mean that in a bad way though but that’s how it is.

You’ve done collaborations with some pretty amazing artistes from Africa, how do you determine who you want to work with?

It depends with the song, there are some you can tell which artiste will like and be comfortable with.

Do you think you are at a point in your career where you can comfortably say that you have made it?
No, there so much more to do and I need more fans. That’s why I’m here.

You’ve said you have been through a lot when it comes to love, are you still going through stuff or are you in love?
I’m still living so that means I have a long way to go but I’m in love.

Who is your dream girl?

I don’t want to talk about her.

You recently rapped on Vee Money’s show, are you thinking of venturing into that?

No, in my country it’s not easy to get money from rap; you can but not as much as compared to singing. I might do it for fun but not professionally.

So far what’s the highlight of your career?

There are so many, and Coke Studio is one of them. It’s a great opportunity and I feel blessed. I’ve had memorable experiences with all the artistes I have worked with and I respect their work.

Where was "Mdogo Mdogo" shot?
South Africa. The only thing I carried with me was the suit I wore in the video, everything else from the actors to the costumes we got it in South Africa.

Did you have to shoot it there?

No, I don’t like shooting my videos away from home because it costs a lot, something you would have gotten for a hundred shillings at home costs you a thousand elsewhere, but because you have to have a bigger target and a wider reach you have to look at what the international market has to offer and how you can win people over.

Directors at home are really working hard but there are some times you need to cross over, and when it comes to that point I have no other choice but to go to places like South Africa.

It’s easier for us to go to South Africa because we (Tanzania) don’t need a visa. Getting the costumes was easy, I was amazed at this big establishment they have that houses and rents any kind of costume you wish to have. Back at home you have to buy your own stuff.

However when I shoot videos away from home I’m also advertising my country and people get to know how good East Africa is, your songs get international airplay and nominations like MTV come knocking.

How much did you spend on that video?
If you factor in things like air fare it comes to about $40,000 (Sh3.5 million), but I believe if I’d done it in East Africa it would have been way less. I’m calling on all directors to up their game and buy more equipment because we can do these things.