In Conversation with: Steph Kapela

Steph Kapela is an ordinary guy with extra ordinary dreams. A guy who loves music and entertaining people. 

How did you get into music? 

It’s hard to say when it caught on, when I was young my mom enrolled me in junior choir, and I used to sing during parade at school. I think music has always been a part of my life from the very beginning. 

Where does the inspiration for your songs come from?

Real life situations, I mostly create from my own experiences, but also mixed with the different emotions those experiences invoke. Good or bad I have to tell my story. 

How would you describe your style of music? 

It’s like a perfect mix of all my influences growing up RnB, Hip hop, Afro pop and Soul. Take all that and slap it on top of a dope trap beat and its magic. I wouldn’t say I do any specific genre, I just do good music. 

What have been the highs and lows of your career so far? 

The highs are things like performing on the same stage as Kwesta, Casper Nyovest, Western, Keri Hilson etc. Even just going to the studio or writing a fire song is an extreme natural high for me. Lows are so many we can’t even count them. The industry is still young, and we don’t have many structures to protect artists and creatives. As a result, there are a lot of low moments. 

Who are your music influences? 

Before my teenage years I was into RnB heavy, so Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Joe, Neyo and locally Harry Kimani and Mercy Myra were some of my biggest influences. When I hit puberty, I got into Hip Hop with thelikes DMX, 50 Cent, Eminem, Kleptomaniacs, K-south, Kantai, etc. Later, when I got into music Drake became like a god to me. At last I didn’t have to choose between being a rapper or singer. 

What do you hope people will get from listening to your music?

I hope they relate to it, see themselves in the same struggles and/or triumphs. But beyond that I want them to be inspired by the music in whatever way they choose to better themselves every day. 

Where has been your favourite place to perform your music? 

So far, I can’t say I have a preference, I love small intimate crowds where you can really engage with the audience, it’s so much easier to connect with them and really move them. However, you can never discount the energy of a massive show, I literally feed of the energy and vibes of a huge crowd. Only place I don’t like is an empty one.

What are you currently working on? 

Currently I’m working on my debut album, it’s been along time coming and I’m ready to give my fans an incredible body of work. I honestly can’t wait for the world to hear it. 

Of all your songs which one is your favourite? 

Got the sauce will always have a special place in my heart. It’s by no means the best song, but for me it marks the beginning of great things. 

What is the one thing that you can’t live without?

That’s easy, music!!!! 

Which artists would like to work with and why? 

I’d love to do something with Nyashinski, Victoria Kimani, Yemi Alade, Casper Nyovest, Burna Boy, Drake and many more. I think we would compliment each other’s abilities and give the people something amazing. 

What is the soundtrack to your life? 

Currently Win win win win!!! By Jay Rock. What can I say, it speaks to me.

Describe a typical day in your life. 

Wake up at 5 am, gym by 7 am, from 9am I’ll run errands into early afternoon, studio by 2 pm, back home between 11pm and midnight.

How would you like to be remembered? 

I’d like to be remembered as someone who overcame all obstacles to become one of the most influential musicians in Kenya and beyond. Dreams are valid. 

What advice do you have for aspiring artists? 

Start where you are and use every tool available to you. And try to enjoy yourself. The destination is nothing compared to the journey. 

Social media

Follow me at @iamkapela on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook/YouTube