Rapper Attitude back with Attitude

With his fifth album in the offing, rapper Attitude (Malimo Chahonyo Andega) says this could be the most exciting season of his music career. He tells CAROLINE NYANGA about his global reinvention and clears the air on his relationship with Mercy Myra.

Pulse: Critics are of the opinion that you may have quit music due to dwindling fortunes. What have you been up to?

Attitude: I have not, music is my love and I will always do it. I have been busy working on my fifth album, I’m Going In besides venturing in other projects back in the US. It is also not easy updating everybody while in the US due to tight schedules. Currently I have done close to 4,500 songs besides staging shows in the US. I intend to bring a popular hip-hop artiste in June. All I can say is that he is in the league of Lil Wayne and is ready to rock Kenyans.

P: When should we expect your album out?

A: I intend to release it as soon I am ready. It has over 50 songs but with only nine songs ready, I hope to pick the best 15 songs to complete it. A few songs like Definition of a Hustler was recorded at Homeboyz.

P: What makes it unique compared to what other Kenyan artistes have done in the past?

A: The fact that it features a number of prominent American artistes makes it versatile. One of the songs Made for a Boss features Young J, an Atlanta-based musician-cum-producer. Others are Don’t Forget Me featuring Akon and Go Jo featuring Jay Z. I have also recorded a lot of music with Mercy Myra and worked with US producers Mannie Fresh and Kurupt.

P: Is it true that US-based Kenyan musicians including visiting ones have always failed to capture the audience with most of them performing to only a handful of fans in small halls and clubs?

Attitude (Malimo Chahonyo Andega)

A: Of course you cannot compare the crowds in Kenya and the ones back in the US. It all depends on the nature of the event and the city. For instance the crowd one is bound to get in Nairobi is different from the one in Kisii or Eldoret.

P: What is your take on local music scene for the past two years?

A: Although the Kenyan music scene may be small compared to the US, they are similar in many ways. Both have the small compact circle which includes of friends and families that have always played a huge role in ensuring an artiste breaks through to be in the A, B or C list. I also like the fact that I am seeing more endorsements from various companies but there is still need for more.

P: Have you ever been nominated for any music awards in the US?

A: Not at all. But I attended the BET awards. Like I said earlier, the American music scene revolves around a small circle hence it’s not easy for many artistes to penetrate the market. Unlike most places, it involves a lot of effort as far as pushing is concerned as opposed to just submitting. In other words, it’s all about getting yourself known to the fans at all costs.

P: Aside from music, what else do you do?

A: I am in the process of completing the paperwork on my new company that will specialise in selling dreadlock products. I also have a tattoo parlour called 245 Tattoos in Atlanta.

P: Is that the reason you are obsessed with tattoos?

A: For me tattoos are an addictive culture. I started out thinking it would be one but today they are all over my body. I cannot even tell you the number of tattoos I have.

P: Is it true that at some point you and Mercy Myra were in the verge of breaking up due to infidelity on your part?

A: Never! Let’s just say that like in any other relationship we are not perfect. I have lots of close friends both male and female but that’s it. The fact that Mercy came back to Kenya to perform with Divas of the Nile group while I stayed back pursuing my career could have raised suspicions. But I want to make it clear that I love my wife and our baby girl Taylan. We intend to relocate to Kenya in June.

P: What of your wedding plans?

A: That may be at the end of this year or early next year. I visited her home in Yala, two weeks ago, to officially to start negotiation known as Ayie in Luo. The reception was lovely. My motto has always been; although there is no such thing like a perfect relationship, the words till death do us part is a very powerful statement. So when you make such a decision stick to it.

P: Tell us more about your gangsta image?

A: I don’t consider myself as a gangsta. It’s just that most people look at me that way. I believe this is as a result of my past life, which involved living on the edge in order to make a living. Today I’m privileged enough to have tasted both sides of life. I am glad that I am now a father trying to make dollar to support my family. At the end of the day nobody wants to lose where they come from.

P: Hip-hop artistes are known for their love for ganja do you smoke weed?

A: There’s no denying that most hip-hop artistes smoke ganja but it is not them alone. Ganja is now a worldwide culture reigning as one of the most popular drugs used for relaxation.

P: What of the Phoenix Records which you are part of tell us more?

A: I am part of the Phoenix Records Family, which comprises a group of talented people pushing for a hip-hop culture in Kenya. They include myself, Ukoo Flani, Abbas, Chiwawa, Nanoma, Double O just to name a few.

P: What is your worst encounter with the media locally?

A: That would be intricate relationship we have always had with Smitta Smitten. He has a way of making me cringe with his funny stuff. Nevertheless, kudos to him because I know that he means no harm.

P: What would you advice local artistes who take their image for granted?

A: It’s simple; Image is your marketability, which comes down to money. If you must misbehave donÌt do it in public. Don’t make your face known or seen in a bar all the time. I would like to congratulate the likes of Nonini, Jua Cali, and Redsan for not going overboard.

P: What is your take on the Naija revolution more so in music?

A: No matter how people chose to look at it, they are mimicking the west. The only difference is that unlike our Kenyan artistes they have huge support from their fans, companies and government.