Name: MR. LU*
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Can you tell us about this track?
"Klabu" is the first single off Nairobi Lost Tapes, Vol. 2. This project was inspired by my desire to highlight local Kenyan music whilst giving it a modern twist.
What's your process?
I feel like jam sessions where you can play each other's works or musical influences and share in your artistry are a great way to begin a collaboration between two or more artists from different backgrounds. Jam sessions can create an environment where artists are encouraged to listen and share from a place of honesty. This provides opportunities for friendships, critique, advice, as well as collaboration.
I feel that this approach helps give you a more well-rounded sense of what’s appealing about your work to others, and vice versa, providing a solid ground for fusions, in real-time. Whenever two or more musicians from different spaces are in a room, ego should definitely be left at the door. Our differences ought to be celebrated and there’s always something to learn from new cultures and forms of expression, especially when you approach it with an open mind.
Who are your biggest influences?
Knxwledge (Knx) is an artist I look up to. The trademark of Knx’s work is a collage-like approach to sampling. With obscure sounds and instantly-recognizable rap snippets, he replicates often time-sampled pockets and grooves but in the process, he has found his own sampling niche: an inexplicable knack for finding, looping, and chopping up the funkiest sounds in the most irresistible way. I believe we’d form a solid Ableton Live duo.
Who's your favorite artist on Nina?
I like what RVMP is up to. He’s one of my bandmates in our four-member collective XPRSO.
Any shoutouts?
Big shout out to all the creatives on the platform doing their thing independently.
