Names are things. Living things. Philosophically, socially, historically, culturally, and more. This celebrated act wears his like a creed. If there is ever an inquiry into how many Kenyan musicians bear names that embody who they are, or that they embody, a list without Charisma’s name is a travesty.
On asking him if the high school nickname predestined who he is; if he has been charismatic way before the name; or whether it is something he is striving to fully explore; the reflective singer, who asserts he was the best dressed at the recently concluded YM Life Rodeo event says, “It’s an innate thing for me. I think it’s always been there. My character, my personality, even when I’m not around the stage or around the music scene, I think it’s just something that’s in me. However, being in the scene now as Charisma has made me try to tap even to other levels of it.”
Our lengthy Google chat ends up being a therapy session. In jest, Charisma notes how he unpacks a few things about himself, stumbling upon personal epiphanies. From starting by me remarking how tired he sounds – he informs me that people tell him that any time of the day – to having a fun, honest, and introspective conversation, we reflect on how the lone ranger got to the top. How he separated himself from the pack. Saddling up and charting his way to conquest.
And the ride is just getting started.
The former Le Band lead singer has undergone tremendous growth.
His journey has been turbulent and equally rewarding. Despite not being too confident as a singer, he threw his hat in the ring and decided this would be his life. “ For me what happened is when I was starting in this group, I was at the back… When I started at Le Band I was not a strong vocalist. I used to struggle even being on stage. I was shy… Slowly by slowly, I rode my horse and got to the front and started leading the pack.”
He joined his brothers who were previously part of a high school acapella group called Singers of Christian Songs (SOCS) and they formed Le Band. The name was inspired by the wave of people adding le to their names.
While in the band for about five years, they performed at several shows across the country and released a few hits. Their biggest to date being the acclaimed “Number 1” featuring Suzziah, currently at 6.3M views helped them garner a following and build a name for themselves.
Later in their career, following one of his favorite Le Band performances ever, the 2nd Feb. 2019 GoDown Gig, a new era was on the horizon. Prior to this performance, he had spent a lot of time contemplating how to artistically separate himself from everyone. He needed a change;to break free from the herd and make his own trail. “I’ve done what I’m able to do with this group that I’m with, it’s time to separate myself from the pack and be a lone wolf.”
During that performance, he remembers being engulfed by mixed emotions; a mixture of sadness about leaving the brotherhood that helped shape him & excitement towards the thrill of the ride ahead.
He vividly recalls his statement after the performance of a lifetime with his boys. “I don’t know when we’ll do this again but I love you, guys. Thank you so much.”
While people thought he meant he was unsure about their next GoDown performance, there was a subtext, he needed a change. Only his family and his two best friends, Mwikali and Jeff, knew of Charisma’s impending transition. The lead singer from Le Band was now transitioning into the Lone Ranger, Charisma. Now, let me tell y’all ’bout how he became the true embodiment of the Wild Wild East, where the lone cowboy fought for what he believed in, no matter the cost.
On 31st Jan. 2019, he released his first song as a solo act, “Unavyonipenda,” featuring Mbithi. It ushered in a new era for him and his fans. It was all systems go henceforth. This chapter of his adventure led him to the unknown wild. It was difficult. Yet, despite being at sea, facing doubt and tribulations, he kept going. This included putting up a façade that all was well as he transitioned to being a solo artist. To which he confesses, “I don’t know if I could go back in time if I would do the same thing. I don’t know if I would look brave online.” He went through a lot which led to mental health problems. Strangely, the guise helped him brave it all because he knew it was possible. He knew that true to daring cowboy ethos, Charisma was a dreamer with no limits.
“One thing a lot of musicians or creatives are not able to do is live performances,” he shares his reflections.
Within that arena, his next thought and steps were to figure out the unique attributes that would make him one of the best. He could pull from his dancing abilities and incorporate that but his ultimate superpower is “the energy.” “I could do a bit of choreography, I could do my vocals, but the one thing I will peg my stuff on is my energy and make sure every time I’m on stage people are mind-blown.”
Since then, he has been carving out his position as a great performer. In the musical rodeo, he wrestled his way up, learned the ropes, and cemented his spot.
So, what does he feel about his well–earned title “The King of Live Performances”? Confidently, he responds, “Mi husema hivo juu mi naiamini.” which translated means he calls himself so because he believes he is. “It continues to push me every single day of my life and that’s why I don’t rest.” He reiterates, “I have crazy belief in myself.” His fans can attest to the “King of Live Music” title because “it has transcended to them because they believe I am actually very good as a live performer.” He proclaims it because he believes he is the best at it, but it doesn’t end there. There’s a science to live music that he understands and more that he is learning to master. After all, a cowboy’s work is never done.
True to his word, this cowboy really put in the work last year. He performed a lot. One performance that I consider of utmost significance is his self-organized Charisma Live on July 22nd at Winning Post. It was difficult but a resounding success altogether.
His Instagram post read, “THANK YOU FOR TURNING MY DREAMS INTO REALITY. FULL HOUSE!! WE DID THAT. It was tough! But we did it!!” He offers a definite “YES” when asked if he accomplished his goal. What makes him have such career-defining moments? His response is concise. “It’s charisma. It’s energy.” People have taken note of him and know what comes with a Charisma performance.
Apart from tapping into his charisma, he also acknowledges the lessons learnt through this journey a crucial part of his success.
As an independent artist, he notes that at times this road less taken is murky & feels like their is no chuck for a solitary rider. Financial independence seems a myth. Intrusive thoughts and a debilitating imposter syndrome are a fixture in your life. The possibility of a job in law for a law graduate is inviting. Regardless, he endured, and “at times I looked dumb. I think I looked dumb to my folks. I think even to my friends.” It takes madness. “You just have to be a bit crazy. Because sometimes it doesn’t make sense.” He says there is some insanity that has kept him and his peers such as Ayrosh, Bensoul, and H_art the Band here all these years later.
His madness kept him above snakes. Notably, conquering the nascent stages of his career with Le Band – encouraging each other they’ll make it and grounding one another – also built a sturdy foundation. It built a belief system. He knew that it was possible. Now he can make the music he wants.
Besides the stout heart that he triumphed with surmounting countless struggles, other institutions like family & church helped shape him. The church is a common feature in the story of many Kenyan musicians.
Eventually, most leave but Charisma firmly acknowledges the impact it had in his career. His mother is an academician and his father is a reverend. Seeing the former talk on podiums and the latter move masses evoked the feeling of being almost inclined to be on stage. Watching his father in awe “talk to people and people are listening and they’re so deep into what he’s saying and they’re so moved” sparked something in Charisma, or then, a young Fidel Eli Shammah. He had to tap into that strand in his DNA. Now he feels the need to always “exude that persona.” “When I’m in front of people as an entertainer, I have to be Charisma,” he notes. “I love it. It’s really an expression of myself so it’s not difficult to pull off.”
“I love the fact that my parents have always allowed us to be independent thinkers and allowed us to do what we like.” Being a secular musician who’s supported by a father who’s a reverend is a big deal. This dichotomy is another story shared by many creatives. “They’ve always allowed us to express ourselves in our own ways.” Despite being extroverted and his brother introverted, their parents have allowed them to be who they are. “They’ve allowed Fidel to be who he is, and Charisma to take center stage.”
Through this support & influence, Charisma has been able to reach heights beyond his wildest dreams. “I want to go to crazy levels,” he states.
From clubs to saloons to stadiums. His goal is to fill stadiums. Specifically, the Bukhungu Stadium. “All roads are just leading to Kakamega. Kakamega is busy because people are booking BnBs and everything. Why? Because of Luhya Heat, you know? Like, that would be such a story. I can’t imagine how I would feel after that.” You can feel that unknown feeling in his voice. He believes he is the point man to take African music to another level. There’s a lot to work but he knows he can do it.
Take his word for it. He just performed at YM Life Rodeo with a fractured rib and was in agonizing pain. It is work, a profession like any other, and once you agree to show up, you have to “give peak performances” and “be at your best” or don’t do it. He admits that ambition will kill him. Curiously, I ask, “How far does Charisma want his ambition to take him?”
He doesn’t want to introduce himself to Burna Boy when they meet. Instead, he pictures the Nigerian superstar saying, “‘Wagwan, Charisma? We need to do a collab soon, man. Love your music.’ I wanna go and meet Drake, who is my favorite, I wanna meet Drake and Drake is like, ‘Bro, we need to go in studio because whatever you’re doing is insane. I need to be part of your journey.’ I want Drake to feel like he needs to be part of the Charisma journey.” He wants to go to crazy levels.
Charisma isn’t your typical lone ranger, he is a hybrid cowboy. Currently, he stands as an independent artist but his posse from several chapters of his story continue to help get him there.
Structures are a key part of the problem. Artists are forced to do what the industry wants. The illusion is that there isn’t enough hay for everyone. Are there systems that can work and support the independent artist? Charisma asserts nothing is supporting independent artists in Kenya. The industry is cutthroat and no one cares about the artist. If the government and existing bodies function, in addition to establishing more systems, artists will thrive.
Do brand endorsements help mitigate this? “They’ve really come through,” Charisma shares. “Some of these things are not rocket science. The reason why the Nigerian industry is as buzzing as it is, the reason why Wasafi is as big as it is, is corporate backing. Because the biggest issue for a lot of artists is money.”
Corporate investment is a game-changer. Artists can benefit from brands as brands also benefit. It’s a symbiotic relationship. His brand partnership with Tusker Malt embodies the symbiosis. Their tagline “Behold the Finest” is a philosophy Charisma identifies with. He is inspired to always be the finest version of himself; on stage and beyond. It has also made him elevate his social media creativity which in turn influences his musical creativity and productivity, having seen the value of consistency. Much like his people, communities & institutions in this life, Tusker Malt allows him to be himself. He enjoys the partnership and the freedom attached to it.
After my lengthy chat with Charisma, one thing we can be sure about is that King’s reign has just began and will reach multiple arenas. The lone ranger is still riding & the rodeo has just begun.
