UDULELE: Origin Story Interview by Jenna Rose

It's been a pleasure and an experience getting to know Kenyan artist, Udulele, who's music softly and swiftly transports the listener into his world. One rich with culture, connecting to community, tradition, nature, and protecting heritage.

Lets start with an introduction what are the most important things we should know about you, Udulele, as an artist?

UDULELE: I am singer/songwriter, music producer…The pinnacle of my music career arrived this year with my ISC 2023 award win [emerging as the top contender among 14,000 global participants] and selection for the American Music Mentorship program in Los Angeles, scheduled for October 2024."

Tell us about your current project - what should we know about it? 

U: Ololokwe is a three-song EP released in October 2023. This project was instrumental in my winning the ISC 2023 award in the World Music category, specifically for my song titled 'Ololokwe'. Mount Ololokwe holds profound significance as an iconic symbol for the Samburu people, deeply rooted in their ancestral heritage. In the realm of music, it acts as a conduit, connecting individuals to their homeland, preserving traditions, and reflecting the collective experiences of this vibrant community. This fusion of elements creates a unique identity that authentically portrays Kenya, resonating with the nation’s rich cultural diversity, landscapes, and histories. The project was produced by me with Umoja, a DJ/Producer from the Netherlands.

What are the influences, messages and/or themes in this project? What are you hoping that your audience takes away or learns about you through experiencing it? 

U: My influence is drawn from rich tapestry of cultural narratives, the beauty of nature, and the everyday experiences of life. The project draws inspiration from profound encounters with cultural narratives during my travels, as well as my newfound passion for nature, harmoniously intertwining these elements through music. The Ololokwe EP project embodies a message of cultural appreciation and preservation, coupled with a commitment to safeguarding our environment and natural heritage.

Is this an evolution for you sonically, compared to past releases? 

U: Not really, as I have previously released "Piny Maru" as part of the "Sounds from Your Window" project with Voz Terra & Museum for UN, which also won The Green Latin Award 2021

What do you struggle with the most in your musical endeavors? And what does the next year look like for you and your career? 

U: Expanding my social media presence and securing regular performances.

In the upcoming year, I look forward to an international tour, scoring films, and growing my global streaming audience

You’ve got a lot of uniqueness about you, and expansion while staying connected to your roots seems very important. Describe how this plays into your musical aesthetic.

U: My music aesthetics are deeply rooted in cultural narratives and the sounds of nature, reflecting my desire to blend these influences into a cohesive artistic expression. This aesthetic represents me because it allows me to convey stories and emotions that resonate with both personal experiences and broader cultural themes. By integrating elements of nature into my compositions, I aim to create a sonic landscape that connects listeners to the natural world and evokes a sense of unity and harmony with our surroundings.

Let’s get to know the person behind the music. When you are not creating music what do you like to do in your free time? 

U: Books (currently reading Benga Man by Ooko Okong'o), strolls, and hands-on martial arts practice

What is at the top of your bucket list? 

U: Finding a sustainable income from my music career, while maintaining artistic integrity and supporting fellow musicians, without heavily relying on the commercial scene

How would your closest friends describe you in three words. 

U: Mysterious, Charismatic and Great Listener

Lastly, how has music affected your life (positively and/or Negatively)?

U: Music has enriched my life by enabling me to engage with diverse cultures, meet countless people, and travel to various locations around the world.

Connect with Udulele:

Udulele on Instagram

Udulele on Facebook

Udulele on TikTok

Udulele on Spotify