Why jazz is close to my heart

You are known to many as one of the best jazz musicians around… who is Aaron Rimbui?

I am an East African, a Kenyan and a Nairobian who loves art in its various forms.

I have two siblings but I am the eldest.

When did you discover you had a talent in music?

My interest in music started at a tender age and was nurtured at home and in school. I take after my dad who also liked music. I am told I turned our tables to drums until my dad got me my first set of drums.

 My passion for music was, however, nurtured at Nairobi School where I learnt to play some of the instruments.

Which instruments do you play so far?

I started out as a drummer but later took to Piano and Keyboards.

What is your favourite instrument so far?

The Piano is so close to my heart because it is through it that I express myself as a musician. I must however admit that I have fallen in love with the sound off the vibes and plan to teach myself how to play them soon.

 What did you study after high school? 

I wanted to enhance my music career at the Musician’s Institute (Hollywood CA), however I was unable to enrol since I did not have funds at the time. I instead interned as a producer at Johari Clef Studios after which I got a chance to tour United States as a pianist.

Making a career out of jazz music back then seemed almost impossible. What inspired you to take a risk that has paid off so well all these years later?

I am passionate about jazz and I have a great desire to share it and grow the jazz culture in Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa and the continent as a whole. My dream is to one day see our fellow Kenyans and East Africans feature prominently on jazz stages around the world, win Jazz awards, run Jazz festivals here and around the world and who knows, even have a Kenyan receiving the NEA Jazz Masters award. I have dared to dream that much.

You have a band. Tell us about it.

 My Band is in three forms, a trio; The Aaron Rimbui Trio, a quartet; The Aaron Rimbui Quartet, and a quintet; The Aaron Rimbui Quintet. There is a drummer, a bass player, a percussionist and a guitarist. The band in its original formation came together in 2005. We aim to contribute to the growth of the jazz culture here, represent our music abroad and of course spread the jazz. We play at our very own concert All That Jazz, at Tusker Project Fame, Jazz Festivals like the Jahazi Jazz Festival-Zanzibar). We also partner with visiting musicians for concerts here. We have played with artists like Dwele, Maurice Kirya and Deitrick Haddon. We have also opened for visiting artists like Hugh Masekela and Gerald Albright.

What is the highlight of your career?

There have been many great moments but opening for Hugh Masekela was really special. I will remember that for a long time to come.

You have also branched into production. Tell us about that.

My professional music career actually started off in production, at Johari Clef Studios owned by Bruce Odhiambo. I also produced my first and second records; Keys Of Life and Alfajiri. In addition to that, I have also produced artists such as Eric Wainaina, Atemi Oyungu, Kanji Mbugua and many more.

Being a churchman in the music industry is not easy. Wåhat keeps you grounded?

My faith, family, close friends and of course remaining focused.

You were involved in a serious accident in childhood; how did you overcome that?

It was a gas explosion and I was 14. It was bad but through God’s grace I survived.  It took me three years to recover fully. I had to undergo a reconstructive surgery and I thank my family for helping through the difficult moment when life seamed meaningless to me.

You jumped the broom a while back… what do you love most about being married?

Having a companion who believes in me as a person and in what I do is great. I loving  Sarah and being committed to our relationship keeps it going.

Any advice for newly weds?

Enjoy your new journey and commit to making it work.

How did you know she was the one?

Her values, her beauty, her wonderful personality and she loved me too.

Any kids yet?

Not yet but we are looking forward to it.

What should we expect from you this year?

I am working on my third Album.

Where does Rimbui see himself in the next ten years?

We are looking forward to having our own All That Jazz festival in East Africa and I am optimistic I will get a Grammy award soon.

Any advice to upcoming musicians?

Life will always be full of twists and turns and roadblocks to your destination. Despite the odds, just keep charging on because it will pay off in the end.