By Nanjinia Wamuswa
Though of Congolese origin, Solomon Mukubwa has won the hearts of many Kenyans with his big hits like Mfalme wa Amani and Mungu Mwenye Nguvu. He spoke about his amputated left arm, his family and why he keeps his future plans close to his chest
Who is Solomon Mukubwa?
I am a born-again evangelist, God fearing servant and a feted artiste who administers through gospel music. I am originally from Congo.
How did you start music?
l was born in a family of musicians and one that is devoted to Christianity. My father was a re-known gospel musician and my brothers and sisters are also musicians but based in Congo.I started singing at the age of eight.
Where were you born?
I was born in Congo 35 years ago, but came to Kenya in 2005 to try my hand in music. Since then, Kenya has been my second home. I love Kenya so much, I don’t like when foreigners speak badly about her. I am where I am because of God, and the fact that Kenyans welcomed me to their country.
How has it been breaking into a foreign market with your music?
It has not been easy, especially when I started and was new and unexposed in Kenya. The response to my first album Sijaona Rafiki Kama Yesu was poor because l wasn’t known then. Some people were not willing to show me the way.
When did you finally get a breakthrough?
When I met Angela Chibalonza, the late gospel artiste. Angela was God-sent. She showed me the tricks of the game, helped me financially, and allowed me to accompany her for various performances. Actually, I came to Kenya courtesy of Angela. I first met her in Congo, in 2002 while performing. We later hooked up and performed together several times before coming to Kenya. My songs started becoming hits when l performed alongside Angela. I would say Angela played a great role in my musical journey.
Her death must have been a blow to you?
Yes it was because she was like my mentor in music and a dear sister in the Lord. I carried the three songs-Mfalme wa Amani, Mungu Mwenye Nguvu and Mkono wa Bwana and played them during the funeral preparations in Kenya.
You are also a preacher?
Yes, l was recently crowned a pastor at the Maximum Miracle Centre in Nairobi’s Umoja.
How many albums do you have?
I have four albums, Sijaona Rafiki Kama Yesu (2003), Mungu Mwenye Nguvu (2005), Utukufu wa Mungu (2012) and my latest Sifa za Mungu will be launched soon. Others are in pipeline.
Which awards have you won?
My song, Mfalme wa Amani has won three awards in Tanzania. In 2010, it was second best song after Rose Muhando’s Nibebe. It became top best song in 2011 and last year.
Where have you performed your music?
In Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia.
What inspires your music?
My music is God-ordained and scripture inspired. Before I come up with any song, I make sure I seek the face of God, and fast.
God provides me with ideas. Whenever instruments play, God sends me an idea that goes with the beats. Sometimes l get ideas from other peoples’ songs, but God directs me how to do it and it comes out very differently. That way, the lyrics are more powerful and life changing.
Your tracks are among those highly pirated. What are you doing about it?
Yes they are. But truth be told, much as it is illegal, piracy has helped popularise many musicians. However, piracy has hit me hard. I would have made a fortune in my album, Mungu Mwenye Nguvu, but other people have benefited from the cheap sales. The Kenyan government should do something about it.
At a recent comedy show interview, you disclosed that your stepmother had a hand in your amputation. Tell us more.
Yes, my stepmother bewitched me and my left hand started rotting, leading to amputation. I would have died but God healed me.
Now I cannot play some instruments that I was gifted in handling. I only write, compose and sing. I forgave her, even dedicated one of my songs to her, Nimewasamehe Wote.
Tell us about your educational background
I attended Kibumba Primary School and later Faraja Secondary School up to Form Three. In Congolese education system, after Form Three, one chooses a career to train. It is like college. I did a diploma in teaching but I never taught anywhere. Immediately l completed my diploma, l went into music fully.
Where do you have a large following?
In terms of sales, Tanzania consumes most of my music because the government there has cracked whip on piracy. My best market should actually be Kenya, but high level of piracy is to blame. Kenya also has many musicians who have come of age, making the market very competitive. Congo has equally good sales.
Recently, Christina Shusho said that many gospel artistes were in it just for the money and not to spread the gospel of Christ. What’s your take on that?
Artistes have different agendas. There are some who are in it to sing songs that spread the word of God, and there are others who are out to compete. Gospel music has monetary rewards but what matters is whether you use rewards for God’s work or not.
Your advice to youthful upcoming musicians.
Expect challenges but seek God’s guidance. You might be talented but God wants you to become famous later in life. So stay focused and wait for God’s chosen moment. Do not compete with those who became famous before you, instead respect and learn from them.
Future plans?
I have many plans but cannot name them. I rather leave them to God because I have seen many people brag of brilliant future plans only to end up not fulfilling any.
