I was never a drug addict — Atemi

What influenced you to pursue a career in music? That has to be my father’s death nine years ago. My father, Dr Frank Ayungu, used to love music a lot, but unfortunately never got to pursue it since he was a professor. I realised that life was too short to ignore my passion and what my heart truly desired.

What caused his death? He had TB, but unfortunately, it was discovered at a late stage. My father was a very stubborn man who believed that when you are sick, all you needed to do was run to keep fit. It was too late by the time he sought medical help.

what were you doing Before his death?

I graduated with a degree in marketing and was working with various organisations like Kahama Hotels as an entertainment manager. The group’s hotels included K1 and K2 Klub House, Bottoms Up, Pitcher and Butch Bar, as well as Small World Country Club and Kenya International Hotel (now Kahama Hotel). Music, by then, was just a hobby.

So what stopped you from pursuing music professionally at the time? Before my father’s death, I didn’t take life seriously. I was just surviving instead of living. It is my father who told me that I needed to pursue what I really loved. He was convinced that I was cut for music. He however insisted that I should first get my degree as a special gift for him. He believed that it would help me manage my music career in future. Looking back, he was right!

Did you know that music was your first love? Yes, I did, though at first, it was just a hobby. I come from a musical family. My mother would sing with me and my siblings in church. The rest of my family is equally talented and so, seeing them work and pursue their education in other professions made me assume that was life’s success ticket.

How come your dad never pursued his music dream? He regrettably lost so many opportunities. However, being a professor, circumstances could not allow him. He only got to play the guitar indoors and got involved in music behind the scenes. He never got a chance to explore his talent.

After his death, did you quit your job to pursue music? No, it was gradual. At the time, I was working for one Ann Kabenga. She was like my mentor. When I told her I was quitting employment to pursue music, she offered to sponsor my first video. She gave me her ATM card and asked me to withdraw all the money in the account to shoot my first video. Unfortunately, I did not.

Your father sounds like a major inspiration in your life. Were you daddy’s girl? Yes I was. Most of my family members were living abroad and we were the only ones in the country. We spent a lot of time together. And yes, I was the most affected by his death.

Is it true that you began abusing drugs after his death? No! I have been asked that question before and I really don’t know how that rumour came about. The only time I had problems with my health was when I had severe tonsillitis. The doctor advised that my vocal cords could be affected if I had them removed. I was also surprised to hear about the rumours on drugs.

How has the journey been since you quit your day job to concentrate on music? I am yet to achieve my goal in this career, but I am nevertheless happy. My last job gave me first-hand experience in business. Music is a business. I have also had opportunities to work with some of the most influential names in East Africa.

What are you currently working on? I have been working with Tanzania’s Lady Jay-Dee, trying to tweak things a little bit. We are combining different sounds to see what comes out of it.