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Philip ‘Filah’ Tuju has nurtured some of the biggest names in Kenya’s showbiz today. He spoke to Shirley Genga about his musical journey and mentoring gifted artistes, including the latest YouTube sensation, RedFourth Chorus
Are you related to Raphael Tuju by any chance? Yes, he is my uncle and also part of the reason I have a studio today. His studio was the first one I visited and he let me do voice-overs and watch his cool music documentaries.
Your Upperhill RedFourth Chorus videos have gone viral. What is the inspiration behind them?
We posted a video online in 2007, but it did not get much buzz. This year, we have been posting consistently and we recently posted a cover of Sauti Sol’s Kuliko Jana. That video got 110,000 YouTube hits and 290,000 Facebook hits.
The online platform provides exposure for the boys, but I also want the videos to be part of a movement which involves providing leadership for the young generation. I want to use it as a platform to teach values, promote education and self-worth, the feeling of being part of something special. We usually post videos to www.fourred.com or RedFourth Chorus on YouTube.
Why RedFourth? I just like the sound of it. It feels classy.
Tell us a little about yourself...
I am a 33-year-old performer, voice teacher, writer and producer. In the past, I was part of the music group Pentharmony and we won a Kisima Award in 2008, and Chaguo La Teeniez in 2009. Currently, I am the choir trainer and director at Upperhill Secondary School, State House Girls High School and Goodrich Kindergarten in Embakasi. In addition, I own the RedFourth Music Academy.
When did you discover your talent?
At the age 12 after a Christmas musical. For the first time, I understood the meaning of harmony. Harmony is when you have two separate melodies singing independently of each other, but when you put them together, they sound in tune with each other. Music then became my everything. When not in class, I would be in the music room.
Obviously, there are moments I have questioned my decision to follow music and nothing else, but looking back, I have no regrets. Yes, it has not been easy, but it is worth it.
You have been the choir trainer and director at Upperhill for over 10 years. Which famous voices have you nurtured?
Three members of Sauti Sol, Brian of Elani, Josh of Amos and Josh, Scott the violinist, Anto Neo Soul, Enos Solik and Ciano Maimba of the Airtel Trace fame.
How did you end up at Upperhill? I went to Upperhill Secondary School and after high school, I began volunteering as a vocal coach in 2002. In fact, in Form Two, I was already training the choir.
Because things were very hard at home, I would walk to school, train the boys and walk back to Kibra and to teach Moi Girls School, Nairobi.
I was broke but my love for music kept me grounded. For a very long time, I taught high school choirs for free. My passion has always been to see students who are passionate about music grow. I love it when I get a student who does not understand harmony or tune and a month later, they are able to do it well.
Any formal training in music? In 2005, I got partial scholarship to my dream school, Berkeley College of Music. But I could not afford it, so I had to let that dream go. The other option was to go to Kenyatta University, but it did not work out. So, I continued volunteering in schools in the evenings and doing small teaching jobs.
At times, I felt used, but in life, when you really give, it is never for free; you enjoy the benefits eventually. I always believe in the power of giving, because somehow, you never lack.
Tell us about your music school...
When I began pursuing music professionally in my 20s, I wanted to go to Berkeley, but when that did not happen, I decided to create a school with similar standards here. We officially opened RedFourth Academy of Music in April this year in South B. We teach how to play all instruments, music theory, song writing, vocal classes and basic music production techniques. We waiver charges for needy students who are gifted.
Last year, you had the opportunity to be part of Maisha Superstar, how did that come about?
I have never been in any music competition and at first, I was a bit hesitant. I was curious about the creation of hit pop song as my comfort zone is usually ballads. When Eric Wainaina called me and Nameless offered to mentor me, I knew I could not let the opportunity pass. I am glad because I not only emerged third, but came back musically matured.
