Massiger the artiste brings a new style with a touch of Afro-pop that has a Ugandan feel. We caught up with the Administration Policeman who also spits some banger rhymes
By Manuel Ntoyai @Manuel_Ntoyai
Background check
My name is Seth Mathews Massiga, born in 1987 and bred in Busia county. I grew up in a family with five brothers and a sister. Seth Mathews Massiga and Massiger the artiste are two different personas.
After my O levels, I joined the National Youth Service in 2007 and was enlisted in the Administration Police service after training. I worked in Lamu, and got a transfer to Muran’ga County where I serve as a private bodyguard.
How did you get into music?
It’s always been my dream. At first, getting resources was a rough ride but when I got to Nairobi, I could access good studios to record my music and that’s how my music journey started.
When did you record your first single?
I went to Sakata Media and did a track but did not push it through media circles. I needed more guidance and in Kenya, starting as an artiste and getting the right people to help you is a huge challenge. I approached Ogopa Deejays in 2014 and did an audio and video with them for a remix.
How did it perform?
Honestly, it did not do well. As a new artiste, I was very ignorant of the market. Nilipokuposa was a song with Bongo flavour. Although, it did not receive much airtime, my eyes opened to certain realities. Later, I composed Me and You whose video received average time on air and made me change my style from Bongo to Afro-pop.
How has that worked?
As an artiste, it was a difficult decision but I needed to satisfy market demand and surprisingly, I found a new home in Afro-Pop. In fact, my latest song Banange is derived from Uganda. I recorded the audio for three months because I needed several artistes to play the instruments and got some talents from outside Kenya. The video took two days to shoot.
Did you copy Sitya Loss by Eddy Kenzo?
Not at all, as we planned the video shoot without Kenzo in mind. Everyone has the right to think and express themselves but Banange has its own unique message.
The message in a nutshell?
Its main theme shows music as a powerful tool and how it affects us. It shows how people need to relax and breathe easy through stressful day-to-day occurrences.
Are you happy with the airtime?
Yes I’m thrilled that presenters have played it extensively both in Kenya and neighbouring countries. I have been invited to many interviews and I’m glad to be doing more shows.
Aside from music, are you dating?
I’m currently not dating; concentrating more on my music. At some point, I had to choose between music and a girl I dated for seven years and I picked the music. It’s slightly complicated.
Lastly, who inspires you?
In high school I was influenced by Akon. In 2007 when PSquare brothers came into the continental scene and exposed another side of me though, locally, I like anything from Abass.
Last year, I graduated from Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice with a Higher Diploma in Intelligence and Forensic Management, which I can proudly say has added my credit as a professional, including a supportive boss.
