ONE ON ONE WITH WAMBUI KATEE

On rare occasions have we encountered a scenario where cover songs get attention just like the originals, one particular case was Patoranking’s Suh Different cover by Wambui Katee. That was a year ago, and as we speak right now, she’s become a sensation in music industry and a master of her own art. She didn’t stop at the covers but managed to write her own and currently has original songs. TYM crew caught up with her and this is what she has for us

Who is Wambui Katee?

Wambui Katee is a resilient, honest and hardworking young lady. I take challenges as a driving force to achieve my goals and objectives within the music industry. I consider myself unstoppable and I strongly believe in hard work. Apart from that I am a pretty friendly and fun loving young lady.

When did your musical journey begin?

As far as I can remember, my musical journey began in Primary School; Kerugoya Good Shepherd. This was when I had finally gotten the courage to stand before a large mass of people and sing. Then, I could sing on the parade and other festivals organized in school. However, my mom used to tell me that when I was a child I used to sit on my ‘potty’ and sing while she went shopping and came back to find me still sited and singing!

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That’s really awesome Katee. What has been your breakthrough moment ever since you began singing?

Suh different cover by Patoranking was definitely my breakthrough song. I still feel like I haven’t gotten the breakthrough as a Kenyan Original Artist but it’s a process, right?

Of course, it is a process. Which ones came first, covers or recorded songs?

My covers came first no lie! I needed to learn how to write my own music and I began that mainly by rewriting other songs. Currently, I am confident enough and ripe as an original song writer and singer.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

My goals and dreams are beyond imaginable colors! I want the best for myself, my family and my future. The desire to be Great and Financially Free wakes me up every morning.

How has music changed your life in general?

Before my music picked up I was a barista (coffee maker, for those who may not know) in a certain bar in Karen. I loved and enjoyed my job. However, ever since I left the hotel industry and took music full time, I have learned so many things about myself, life, growth and most importantly I have grown a thick skin as a woman.

Has Patoranking reacted on ‘Suh different’ cover done by you, which of course attracted over 2M views on YouTube

To be honest, I have never spoken one on one with Patoranking, yet. But he positively responded to the cover while it was viral.

What else do you do other than singing?

Apart from being a singer, am an amazing actress and business woman.

Talk about your achievements.

First of all, I have achieved immense personal growth through this past year. If you follow me, you may have read about my depression and anxiety. My mental state has improved greatly and that’s one of my biggest achievements… Being happy. My original songs have also been a great achievement. I’d urge us to hold on that because more amazing original music is about to drop!

What are some of the challenges that you face as an artist?

My biggest challenge through my first year was having a management team. I did all the work alone for as long as I can remember. Finding a great team to believe in you and stand by you is definitely blessing from above! I have also had numerous challenges in regard to funding my music and being able to produce quality content both in video and audio. Music is quite costly, especially if you are doing it on your own.

What’s your opinion on the growth of Kenyan Music Industry?

I think 2020 has improved mainstream artists in one way or another. We have artists performing live band shows and showing us their true forms. That’s what it should have always been about, being true to our music and sharing it passionately with our audience. We are getting there.

What should your fans expectations be this year?

I have spent most of my time this year preparing; recording and shooting. I am really sorry for my fans who have missed me but I assure you that my silence has not been in vain. I have many songs that I have not released but towards the end of this year, everyone should expect new, different and amazing music. I am about to unveil a new chapter of my life.

That one thing that people don’t know about you.

One thing people don’t know about me is that, I am not as innocent as I look (laughs). I have an innocent face with a tough personality.

Your social media handles and YouTube link.

Here comes my favorite part! My socials, check me out on all the platforms as Wambui Katee. My Facebook Community goes by my AKA MALKIA.