Single and ready to mingle

By SHIRLEY GENGA

Would you call yourself feminist or a traditionalist?

I do not think I would particularly say I prescribe strongly to any of those titles. I tend to go with what rings true to me and both positions have some ideologies that I agree with and others that I do not.

Last year, you got to tour Europe… tell us about that?

The tour — Out Of Africa: A Safari Through Magical Kenya, was a musical show involving an amazing cast of Kenyan performers. We got to show what Kenya’s history, people and culture are like through song and dance. The tour ran for three months through Holland, Belgium and Denmark.

Since leaving One FM last year what have you been up to?

I have been working on a couple of acting projects. I was cast as a lead in a short film directed by Jim Chuchu earlier in the year, which premiered at the Durban International Film Festival. I then spent a month in Nigeria filming a television show for a new DSTV channel, Ebony Live TV. I am currently working on a musical TV production for an Africa wide TV channel.

You always seem to have a flawless skin; what is your beauty secret?

Thank you. I also thank God my skin is naturally smooth but this doesn’t mean I don’t take care of it. I moisturise always and foundation is my best friend.

You also have an interesting sense of style; what is your inspiration?

I love bold prints and colour, and I find that I am very drawn to African fabrics and accessories. This greatly influences how I dress

and I try to find a balance between the staples and statements in my wardrobe. Comfort is also a key factor to my dressing as well.

You are very talented, you are an actress, you can sing and you are also a great radio presenter how do you balance it all?

My father once said to me that if I wake up in the morning dreading my work, I should not do it. I find that when I do things that I love, they all seem to find a way to balance each other out, and blend seamlessly into my way of life. When you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life.

When can we expect an album from you?

An album is definitely on the way. To be honest, I have learnt a lot about myself over the last few years, and what I would want to share with the world through my music. I do not want to put out something that will not represent me; that is why I have taken time to find my sound, but I feel ready now.

You are always rocking a natural hair do, what inspires this?

I like my natural look always, but I also like trying out new styles. I have never put on the same hairstyle for too long. I am versatile. Whether it is afro, haircut, braids, cornrows, there is so much to do with hair.

What inspired the natural hair decision?

I went natural after a mishap with braids. It has been almost four years since I had any chemical treatment. I am having fun with it, playing around with shape and colour.

Are you dating?

Not at the moment. I am single and open to whatever comes my way.

What is the greatest lesson you think you have learnt when it comes to love or men in general?

To open my heart and give all to someone I love. Also, I have learnt to make decisions based on love, not fear, lust or loneliness.

Who is you celebrity crush and why?

Usually that changes from time to time, and at the moment, I cannot explain my current fascination with Ice Prince from Nigeria. I also got to meet Eric Benet a couple of months ago and I must say, I was quite taken by him. The man sings like there is no tomorrow.

What do you do for fun?

Hanging out with people I care about. A drink somewhere, movies or even staying indoors; anything that has me laughing and happy works for me.