Phenomenal Fena

When did you get into music?

I come from a musical background. I grew up watching my mum sing in a choir and my grandfather was a singer until his death last year.

I have always been intrigued by the world of music and when I was younger, I dreamt of becoming a DJ or music producer. My sister also sings classical music.

What prompted your switch from aspiring to be a deejay/producer to becoming a singer?

When I was in high school at Precious Blood Nairobi, we used to hold mini concerts in our dormitories where I would entertain my friends and it was from the reactions I received that I knew that my destiny lay in singing.

But I only got serious about it after I won a singing contest in Alliance Francaise where I was a student back in 2008.

Tell us about that

Well, it was a talent search dubbed Féte dé la Musiqé organised by the institution and it was actually my friends who nudged me to audition for it.

I decided to give it a shot and managed to win the overall prize, which was an all expense paid trip to France. It was at that point that I made up my mind to go into music full time.

How has the journey been so far?

It’s been interesting I must say. When I started, I was a background vocalist for Muthoni the Drummer Queen and later for Dela.

Then Adelle invited me to sing at her first ever open mic event, which was also a first for me as an individual performer and from there everything just followed a natural course.

To date I’m convinced that it was these early experiences that shaped my path as a musician.

Would you say you are where you want to be in your career now?

I have made a lot of strides but I can’t say I have reached the peak.

My music is getting a lot of airplay and people are slowly beginning to appreciate my work even though my sound is not similar to what is common in the market.

But I’m yet to reap fully to a point where my music pays all my bills. Still, I’m confident that I will get there.

What have been your highs and lows?

My major lows would have to be finances because sometimes it’s really difficult to meet the costs of producing new music but through determination I am able to overcome this.

With that in mind you will understand why I consider recording and releasing my first two singles as one of the highest points of my singing career right next to curtain raising for Vivian Green. In both cases the reception has been more than moving.

Now that you mention it, how did it feel performing alongside one of the most accomplished musicians in the world?

I have had the pleasure of performing on many platforms including Blankets & Wine, Kinanda Festival and Sawa Sawa Festival among others but I can tell you nothing compares to the feeling I had when I shared the stage with Vivian Green.

It’s indescribable. Up until the actual day of the event I still thought it was too good to be true.

Were you nervous?

Naturally I was a bit nervous. When I first got the call to perform at the concert, the person who called me told me they had never heard of me but apparently someone told them I was good and after hearing some of my songs I sounded okay so they decided to give me the slot.

With such high expectations I knew I had no choice but to give it my all and that’s exactly what I did.

Is that why some people have been saying you stole the show from Vivian Green?

Haha. It was my biggest gig this year and by far in my career. I can only say I gave it my best.

What about your studies?

I’m currently in my last semester at the United States International University where I have been pursuing a degree in International Relations.

It has been really hard juggling my career in music and my studies both of which are very demanding.

But I’m naturally good at multi-tasking and I believe it’s my commitment to both my studies and my music that has carried me this far.

So which is it going to be, music or International Relations?

Actually I love both. I always imagined myself as a diplomat since I have a keen interest in social issues and I’m very patriotic.

I haven’t exactly figured out how it’s going to work out but I’m sure it will make sense at some point. Hopefully some day I could become a music ambassador for some good cause.

What is your social life like?

I’m just the ordinary girl next door. I do normal things like normal people. I love karaoke and I prefer spending time at home than out.

Before you even ask, my music is my priority right now so let’s not talk about relationships. It’s never that serious.

Tell us something unique about yourself

I want to learn to fly a plane and I love fast cars. I usually take a drive to cool off when I’m stressed. Subarus are my favourite. I also have a huge collection of sunglasses.

To wind up?

My advice to fellow young people: Aim for the galaxies because the stars are certainly not the limit.

I also would like to thank my fans on Facebook and Twitter for the support they have given me. Without them I probably wouldn’t be here.