This archive report was first published on 29 November 2019.
On November 29, 2019, Lisa Oduor-Noah, a Kenyan singer and Berklee College of Music graduate, sat down with the Daily Nation to discuss her music career and the state of the local industry.
With a strong focus on mental and emotional health awareness, Oduor-Noah's music has resonated with audiences across the country. In this interview, she shares her thoughts on the importance of formal education in the music industry, the challenges of being a popular singer, and her vision for a more inclusive and supportive local music scene.
When asked if formal education had helped her become a better artist, Oduor-Noah replied, 'Going to music school was a blessing to me. I believe everyone has their own path, but the education I got from Berklee has really helped me. Some of the teachers and friends I made there are now my partners and colleagues. Formal education enhanced my music career and allowed me to find a platform to question certain theories and some aspects of music production.'
She also emphasized the need for artists to prioritize their mental, physical, and emotional health, stating, 'That I am more than the music I make. In a world where your image is tied to your music and your music gets tied to your character, it is easy to get trapped in the grey areas and end up making harmful choices in the hope of advancing your career.'
On the topic of the local music industry, Oduor-Noah called for the revival and refurbishment of arts and history centers, such as the Kenya Conservatoire and the Nairobi Archives. She also advocated for corruption-free Performing Rights Organizations and encouraged radio and TV stations to play songs from new artists.
When asked about the official Kenyan sound, Oduor-Noah expressed her frustration with the notion that Kenya lacks an indigenous sound, saying, 'I honestly don't know why people say that we don't have an indigenous Kenyan sound. Is it that they don't attend shows where different kinds of Kenyan artists perform? I wonder what they are listening to, or what Kenyan music is supposed to sound like.'
Ultimately, Oduor-Noah believes that every musician has their own unique sound, and that it's not necessary to have a single, defining 'Kenyan sound.'
