His career highlights, at least from what we think, include composing Kenya’s substitute National Anthem- that one song that feels like we can even sing at national functions. His music has defined our sometimes-contentious statement of patriotism, with profound hits like Daima and Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo coming at key points in our national discourse.
But have you ever wondered how they all came to be?
Eric Wainaina takes us on a journey, diving deep into the early days of his music career in The First Draft.
Debuting on 18 December, The First Draft takes us to Eric Wainaina’s upbringing. Right from the roots, with the full support from his parents and how that pivoted him to discover like-minded artistes, studying his art and performing not only in church events, family functions and the like, but also venturing abroad.
His stay in London and Boston, US, in the 1990s sharpened his skill but also raised a question about rooting his craft to his home.
It looks inward to an inner struggle that was laid to rest after an interesting event occurred. During the final days of the Moi regime, during a protest occurred, Eric found himself walking the streets with his brother, unable to veer off the happenings around him and finding himself in a police cell. That interaction with the rude but undoubtedly hilarious police officers inspired the song, Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo.
After Harambee Stars qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations, a drunkard at Green Corner urges Eric to write a song about it, which he agreed to, but a new inclination sets in. Why not base it on a national level? Something that will ignite a spark of unity in Kenyan hearts amidst the 1992 and 1997 tribal clashes.
Work began. At first, writing the lyrics in English, but a friend from abroad nudged Eric to write it in Swahili. With the help of a close friend, lyrics were translated and sent through a fax machine (remember those ones?). That is how Daima was born. Twenty-plus years and the track still hasn’t left its place in Kenyans’ hearts.
If you want to divide countrymen, strip them of their culture. That statement was laid bare in Kakuma Refugee Camp as Eric was prepping for his song, Dek!. With cultures from different countries like Burundi and South Sudan, a revolution was born as they joined in, notwithstanding their different cultures, to make Dek! a reality. A song fuelled by the valour of the protestors who stood their ground this year to have their voices heard.
The First Draft contains more heartfelt stories from this exceptional artist. His ability to craft his story arc in chronological order through music is not only entertaining but fascinating to watch. Backed up by other greats like Dela Maranga, Sage Chemutai, Vincent Ngugi, and Timothy Arinaitwe on the guitar, Eric makes sure you groove on from start to finish with tracks ranging from Wandia, Too Far from Home to Joka and Mama Luca.
The First Draft is still showcasing at Braeburn Theatre, Gitanga Road from until December 22. Get your tickets here.
Elevate your brand as a creative via Sanaapost Talents
