Odinareh Bingwa is a Kenyan artist who fuses various sounds from the past with modern Swahili dominated raps to make music.
Where did your name come from?
Odinareh is my high school nick name while Bingwa is my childhood nickname.
How did you get into music?
After taking part in the Nokia Don’t Break the Beat competition, I reached the semis in Nairobi reppin the Coast. After that I hit up the studio and that was it.
Where does the inspiration for your songs come from?
It comes from life and nature and my personal life as well.
What inspired the fusion in your music?
I wanted to make something fresh, something outstanding. I wanted to create my identity and sound.
What have been the highlights of your career so far?
My song ‘Pressure’ debuting on MTV Africa and Trace Africa, performing at Blankets and Wine.
UnKut Live at The Alchemist in 2017.
What do you hope people will get from listening to your music?
I want them to get the message and I want to change perspectives.
Where has been your favourite place to perform your music?
I have three, Diani Beach Festival, UnKut Nairobi and Blankets and Wine.
What are you currently working on?
An album with a conglomerate of the finest artists from the coast known as Kusini Gang at my studio Kusini Records. I am also working on a few singles.
Of all your songs which one is your favourite?
All of them because every song of mine reflects a different state of mind I was in.
What can’t you live without?
God.
Which artists would like to work with and why?
Fena Gitu, the vibe is real.
Octopizzo, I like the seriousness he puts in releasing dope projects.
Shukid, I personally believe he could run Nairobi sooner or later he has that ability.
Dela and Steph Kapela.
What is the soundtrack to your life?
That would be 2009 by Mac Miller.
What are you most proud of about being Kenyan?
Kenyans on Twitter, popularly known as KOT, classic tunes from back in the day which we call zilizopendwa, Diani Beach (ranked the best beach in Africa for the 5th time in 2018. It’s also where I live), the shawties…
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who did what he had to and that I lived my life like I wanted.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Find your sound. Master your craft.
Social media
Instagram: Odinarehbingwa
YouTube: Odinareh Bingwa
