Their albums are loved both abroad and at home, with hits such as Aoko, and albums such as Journey cementing themselves in the annals of Kenya’s most loved works.
With exposure to many different artistes, styles and cultures, the band has experimented and blended with other sounds but remains true to its African sound and beginnings.
“In any song that Jabali Afrika touches, our roots have to be in there,” says Joseck.
That is what has given them an edge over others, yet that is also the hurdle faced by many other artistes at home.
“We need to change this mentality that anything that is traditional or anything that is cultural is not good enough for the main stage,” Joseck explains.
He narrates how when they performed at some venues, they could be placed at the entrance while a cover band was on stage.
“If I stand with a guitar even in church, I will look cool. But, if I come with a Nyatiti in church, they’ll tell me I’m a sorcerer. We need to change this mentality,” he says.
“I cannot compete with an American to be an American. Even when people like (Hugh) Masekela and Miriam Makeba, when they came in with their music they fused it with their own style,” adds Justo.
Of the album that won them the spot, Joseck says; “All One tribe amplifies black and who we are. African music and our diverse cultural heritage.”
As they reach the highest honours of music, home is where their hearts are.
Justo says; “Even if I went down to the ground, I cannot forget the streets of Nairobi. These are the streets that made us.”
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/…/jabali-afrika-from…
