As an upcoming artist, believe you can – Sa Werrez
By Walter Namisi
Sa Werrez is a gospel artist from Mumias in Kakamega county who is currently based in Mombasa. We hosted him on Za Kisasa show, a show that promotes upcoming artists in Western Kenya and North rift. Believe you can was the message he had.
Tell us your names?
I am known by the names Samuel were. My stage name is Sa. Werrez. I got my stage name from my real names, i.e. Sa from Samuel then Werrez from Were.
Where were you born and raised in Kenya?
Ok, Sa Werrez was born in Bukura, a place between Mumias and Butere. I was born and raised there until I began primary education.
Where did you attend your primary and secondary education?
I attended Emunuku primary where I sat for my KCPE. Then I joined Ug high where I schooled up to form three then because of lack of school a fees, forced to register with a private school for KCSE exams.
What about College/university?
I managed to join college, Chesters College Eldoret. I managed to secure computer science course unfortunately I haven’t yet completed up to now due to lack of college fees but I haven’t given up, u know.
What influenced you into doing music?
I remember when I was still young I could accompany my dad who was a preacher by then into church every Sunday, and as I continued joining my dad in the church, I began to love music so much that music became part of my life every day.
I used to accompany my friends for youth rallies and I could request for a chance to perform, I believe that is how my talent was realized though I didn’t know I could reach where I am now.
Tell us about the first song you recorded?
“Najiita Star” was the first song that I wrote and recorded but unfortunately it was stolen by some guys whom I don’t want to mention, I can say that the ill motive guys didn’t want to see me prosper. But I didn’t give up, I went back to another studio and I began my music work seriously. That is where I recorded another song, “Sitarudi Misri” which was followed by “Zaidi Ya Cctv” as my third song.
Tell us about CCTV song, what is its meaning and what inspired the song?
The song “Zaidi Ya Cctv” is a song I came to write after an incident of grenade attack that happened in Mombasa Likoni.
The grenade went off injuring many people, I was there and even the CCTV cameras around that place couldn’t capture nor secure people there.
I came to say it’s only God who managed to secure me and others guys in that particular scene of attack. And so, when I say “Zaidi Ya Cctv”, I refer to God, God is more powerful than CCTVs.
What are some of the challenges you face in your music career?
The big challenge to me when I entered into music was getting that stage to promote my music. Getting my music to be played on radio was a big challenge. And as you know, an upcoming artist needs radio djs or presenters to help him or her to come up and get to be known in the music limelight.
Another challenge is finance. Without enough cash, you can’t do quality music. You might be having a big song where you need to work with a big producer in order get the best but money becomes a hindrance.
Marketing of the music I record is also another challenge.
Are you known and accepted back home bearing in mind you are based in Mombasa?
Ok, as we do this interview live on West Fm, it means am back home, and my parents, my brothers, sisters have always wanted me to come back home and try to reach to the people particularly in Mumias and western Kenya at large.
And now am happy that am back home, am live on west fm, Stesheni ya Kikwetu where I know am reaching a bigger listenership.
Have you produced a video of any of your songs? Where can one get your music across Kenya?
My music are found on YouTube in video, and one can also get my music on mdundo .com. Search Sa. Werrez and get all my songs.
Am also planning to run shows in western Kenya where I can meet my fans and give them my music at an affordable price.
How is the gospel industry in relation to the latest fight between the big gospel artists?
The gospel industry so far is doing great. And as usual there are always challenges that artists do come across. When it comes to the issues of war between artists, I think they need God’s hand. I just pray that God intervenes so that they realize they are doing God’s work and not any other.
What message do you have to the upcoming artists?
I want to tell the upcoming artists and any other artist to just believe that they can. Let them believe in themselves and moreover be themselves. Hard work and focus pays when it comes to music.
What are your hobbies
I like travelling, meeting new friends, and last but not least, I do like listening to the latest music mostly from artist who are above me. This helps me to up my game in music.
You are a fan of which team?
In Kenya Ingwe is the team, then English premier league I am a fun of Arsenal.