Capital Campus had an opportunity to interview an upcoming gospel music duo, Gibson Lewa and Jay Poetree, two 3rd year Kenyatta University students with a deep love of music and contemporary art.
CC: Your song is called ‘Zaidi’. What’s the message behind it?
GJ: Zaidi is a gospel song about us getting to know more about God. As you know the word ‘zaidi’ means more.
CC: How did you two meet?
GJ: I was playing, well practicing how to play, piano when Jay came into the music room at Kenyatta University-Main Campus. He had come to practice too, so that’s how we started conversing. I knew from that moment he was the right guy for a collabo.
CC: Many young upcoming musicians have attended training at music academies. Have you been to any music school?
GJ: (Chuckles) No. We usually practice on our own, from playing guitar to vocals. Another platform that has helped us a lot is YouTube.
CC: Why did the two of you opt for modern gospel music?
GJ: We are born again, and that holds the foundation of the message we wish to put out there to the world.
CC: Who inspires you most on a daily basis in your art?
GJ: Mike Manoa, here in Kenya. He’s a good gospel singer. Outside Kenya, I get inspired by Daniel Johnsons’ work. His music is awesome.
CC: Where do you see your career in the next 5 years?
GJ: We can say it’s a journey. I’m embarking on inspiring other souls, considering the kind of society we live in right now. We wouldn’t speak of winning awards, but getting more people to appreciate my art.
CC: Do you think the modern gospel musicians in Kenya have completely lost the intent behind the gospel music?
GJ: Not all of them. Some, I think, have missed singing about what the Scripture demands-the real message as Christianity would expect.
CC: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced so far in developing your career?
GJ: A number of challenges from marketing our songs, getting avenues to perform not to mention the financial needs for recording some nice HD audio.
