tonnies interview with achieng abura

ACHIENG ABURA

Many of us have known and grown to love Afro-Jazz singer, Composer and Pianist Lydia Achieng Abura for her superlative talent and warm demeanour that commands an easy blend of respect and admiration that she well deserves to be accorded. She talks to Anthony Nabiliki

Achieng the person and Achieng the Musician. Wherein does the difference or similarity lie?

As a person I am very passionate and everything I do, I do with a lot of zeal. I try to enjoy life and achieve many of my dreams as time goes by. Achieng the musician is well on her way to where she had set to go. God has been on my side and I am grateful everyday.

What made you get into music and for how long have you been involved in it

I’ve always loved music since I was a little girl all through high school. When I finished my first degree back in 1992 I released my first album. From there I decided to do everything that I had skills for and for along time I combined my music and my career until 2002 when I decided to go full time into music. I did this so that I could achieve what I wanted seeing that I had the potential to reach far.

What is your main inspiration as you write your songs and what message do you strive to put across

I come from a gospel background, so that still remains a strong inspiration in me. I sing about issues that affect our society. From the bad to the good issues. I sing about love in as much as I would sing about AIDS. In hope that my music would touch someone out there in their time of need or change somebody’s perspective on life.

You have been in the music scene for quite some time now. Could you point out some of your most memorable achievements through your musical journey?

The beauty of music is the great moment after moment. I have had many but I could highlight a few. The first would be my debut album “I Believe” was quite an achievement. I soon realized my music could make a difference. Another great moment was working with some of my idols. I enjoyed performing in Dakar. Working with UNDP Millennium Development Goals artist’s forum, also in Dakar where I worked with musicians such as Yosour Ndour, and recorded in Baaba Maal studio. I did a song that was released in the UNDP album for Africa during the event. My first nomination to the KORA awards was also an amazing achievement since I had just released my first album. Another momentous occasion was when I won the KORA in 2004.

Which other musicians do you admire both locally and internationally

There are musicians whose efforts I appreciate, especially locally. Then there are musicians whom I admire. There is a difference because when you admire someone you in more ways aspire to achieve what they have achieved. The biggest name in my list with all due respect would be Miriam Makeba. Others I admire are Anjelique Kidjo, and Jill Scott. Locally I admire the people who first made a difference, the likes of D.O. Misiani.

Apart from music, what other things do you hold close to heart in life

My son, and that is very high on my list. My family too. I am a person who likes to enjoy life but at a very basic level. The things I enjoy most are the small moments, like when I am with my friends chatting. I love those little tiny things that are really emotional and passionate than those things that are loud and reckless.

What drives you, what gives you strength in your everyday life?

First and foremost is my God, he has taken me through a lot in my life. Then unquestionably the love I have for my son. My music also keeps me going