Plunging into the world of music as a member of musical duo Deux Historians with hits such as Hey DJ and Heppi, French Boy, has opted to pursue a solo career as he awaits his musical partner to return into the country. He shared his moments with Caroline Nyanga and Matilda Nzioka

Pulse: Musically speaking, Historians have been on a hiatus, why?

French Boy: We have been busy with schoolwork, hence the silence. We were both pursuing our Diplomas in Graphics and Design. I studied at Graffins College on Mombasa Road while Swaleh was in a town-based college. Swaleh later got a job at KBC where he hosted the show, 254, before leaving the country for Malaysia.

P: Does this mean end of the road for Historians?

FB: Not at all. It is temporary until Swaleh comes back probably sometime early next year. I plan on working solo in the meantime.

P: Having been in the industry for a relatively long time, will we ever hear of a Historians album?

FB: Definitely yes. It’s our dream. The name can’t just fade away without an album.

P: You have just made a comeback to the scene. What have you done to make yourself relevant in accordance with the current market?

FB: A while back when Historians were the talk of town, we were doing a lot of Boomba music. But now, I have a different sound. I’m bringing in Caribbean zouk, neo-soul, fused jazz and salsa. This will enable my music cross borders and appeal to people of all age groups. I am also singing more, instead of only sticking to the former style of rhyming.

P: Do you have any strategy as a solo artiste?

FB: I’m focusing on opening my own studio. I guess that will lift me higher. Flame Entertainment is also managing me. Being a serious entertainment company, I believe I will achieve a lot.

P: So what is your latest project?

French Boy
FB: My first solo album is in the making. It’s going to be a six -track album. My freshest release is the one I did with Ray C known as Motomoto. We met at a show I was doing in town and I approached her for the collabo. R Kay has produced it.

P: Speaking of producers, aren’t you working with Ogopa anymore?

FB: Contrary to popular belief, we have never been signed with Ogopa. We always paid for our music. I think it’s because we had gotten comfortable there, and doing all our songs with Ogopa that people thought we were signed up with the stable. I would have stuck with Ogopa but there’s some complication in management. Moreover, I wanted a change.

P: So which other producers are you working with?

FB: Apart from R Kay, I’m doing some stuff with Ambrose of Mandugu Digital and Musyoka too.

P: Your working relationship with Ogopa Deejays for more than half a decade?

FB: Fantastic! Ogopa are the ones who found us way back in 2004 and made us who we are today. They are like a family to us. Because of them we secured a contract with Tamasha and Safaricom that saw us go places with our first hit single, Heppi.

P: Is there anything else you do apart from music?

FB: Music is my job, and I love it. I’m a full time singer.

P: Therefore you get royalties and other benefits from your music?

FB: When I got into the industry with Swaleh, I was still in school and we did not know those things. I’m more informed now, and already registered. So far so good.

P: Is it true that you are in a financial crisis?

FB: I think matters of my bank account and financial status are personal, so I can’t discuss that.

P: Which artistes have you worked with?

FB: Ray C, Collo of Klepto, Pilipili and a group of street kids with whom I have done a mix tape.

P: What are some of the challenges you faced while working on the album?

FB: Time factor. It was not easy observing the deadline due to many other things that kept coming my way.

Secondly, it is not easy for an artiste to limit themselves to the number of songs to be featured in an album. Sometimes you may limit yourself to six songs and end up doing more great stuff.

Also the fact that there are always people out there making suggestions about your songs means that I have to take time to consider their ideas.

P: Tell us about some of the best and worst moments of your music career?

FB: My best was when I heard the song Heppi play on various radio stations when I was at home together with my family. The worst is when I know I have a good product ready in studio, only to be told to wait until it is the right time to unleash it.

P: What of your family?

FB: I am the first born in a family of four siblings. I have two sisters and one brother. One of my sisters is a hairdresser and the other one is still in school. My brother runs a tattoo parlour.

P: Are you in a relationship?

FB: I can’t really call it a relationship, but there’s someone special I’m seeing.

P: Tell us about your educational background?

FB: I studied at All Saints Cathedral Primary Nairobi before proceeding to Highway and Arya Boys Secondary. At the time, my ambition for music was a far- fetched dream.

P: Who inspires you musically?

FB: It is the late King of Pop Michael Jackson. His song Billie Jean is my all time favourite.

P: Why the name French Boy?

FB: It is a name I acquired while in high school because I was a French language student. I also do some of my lyrics in French.

P: Do you think local awards are helping musicians in any way?

FB: Yes they are; but only if you are willing to help yourself. This simply means that if you cannot push your music or market yourself well, then you are bound to remain down there.