Theluchi the faceless artiste: Why I hide my face

THELUCHI is an up-and-coming artiste who has chosen to hide his face to thrive in a competitive music industry. He shares with JAEL MUSUMBA why he hides his face and how his family and ex-girlfriend are yet to learn about his musical life.

 

Who is Theluchi?

Theluchi is a Kenyan musician, performing artiste, and record producer who chooses to be faceless because deep down I want to let people concentrate on my music and not me as a person. Theluchi is just a messenger, music is the message.

 

Why Theluchi and why how did you come up with all this uniqueness?

I am a pandemic baby. I lost my job during the pandemic and since I had a laptop and passion for music, I tried a career in music from around April/May. I was just bored in the house watching videos on YouTube and before I knew it I found myself watching tutorials on how to make a Reggaeton beat. It was fascinating. 

 

After watching several videos, I tried it out and that’s how I got into production and finally into a music career. After a few months of trial and error, I perfected my skills and could easily produce beats and in October I decided to release my first song, Rivas.

 

How has this impacted your career growth?

Hiding my face has created a lot of curiosity among my fans, which made me get a lot of followers and viewership. I never imagined that being faceless would attract so much attention as it has. I have had negative and positive criticisms, which make me noticeable. It was a move that I don’t regret.

 

Do your fellow artistes see your face, and how do you record your music?

I’m very private, very few people know my music career. I own a studio in my house and I record my music with very little external help. Even artists I’ve worked with don’t get to see my face. Only the people in my team get to see my face and I prefer to keep it that way. Even my family doesn’t know of my musical life.

 

What is the biggest challenge you face in music?

I go through normal challenges other musicians go through. First, it’s been tough, especially financially. Pushing a brand like Theluchi isn’t cheap. We try to put out well-done videos, which are costly. Also, some people still believe that my face has to be seen for me to be successful so they are hesitant to give me a chance but these are normal things in life. Challenges make me stronger for the next level.

 

Have you ever thought of revealing your face to your fans?

How can I even think of unmasking myself when I have just started? I prefer keeping my identity secret so that I can still enjoy a normal life when I am successful.

 

Other than hiding your face, what distinguishes you from other musicians?

I would say probably I have managed to move gengetone music to another level with the crazy moves.

 

Is this how you dress all the time?

I live a normal life. I mask up only when recording or performing, but when I am out there, I’m the Wakamaitho and nobody knows who exactly that is.

 

How many people know who you are?

Only my team, including my manager, choreographer, dancers, and director. Before I put up anything, I told them the whole plan. Also, my family, but they discovered it after they failed several times to recognise who I am. I didn’t tell them. They ambushed me.

 

Do you think masking has helped you musically?

For me, masking protects me from the reality of fame. People focus on my music rather than me. Some people may not like what you do for a living. My ex-girlfriend loves and plays my music but she doesn’t know I am the one.

 

Was this your idea? Did someone advise on this or did you borrow it from somewhere?

The idea of being faceless was inspired by American DJ/producer Marshmello who has successfully pushed a similar brand and I am keen to get to higher levels like him. He is young and creative. Reading his story got me inspired, though it took me time to research other masked artists. 

 

Do people talk about you when you are around?

Several times. I bumped into some women watching my music and critiquing my identity, saying: “Why did this guy decide to mask up?” I just kept quiet and took it positively.

 

What is the story behind The Luchi?

The Luchi doesn’t want you to talk about the person but the story in the song, creativity in it, and the good vibes coming from the music itself.

 

What inspired you on the mask, did you sit and design, or what came of you?

This is the second brand since I started my music. The first one was a Ninja and didn’t give me room to breathe. One of my members who stays in New York wanted us to do something which looks like a biker so she brought this but we are working on something Kenyan.

 

Why is it important for artistes to have a team that manages their operations?

Music is like business and in business, you need to have structures.

 

Advice to upcoming artistes?

Be creative, come up with a brand that would easily stand out in the industry. It shouldn’t necessarily be wearing a m