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"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain" a timeless quote of Marley. Well, how good a piece of art would it be, were it to be created by a gifted artist? Well, Nathan Amani, is nothing if not a gifted poet. A Spoken Word Artist and rapper.
The Coastal Artist popularly known as Nate Speaks is the founder of Art Talks Entertainment and a member of the Wadau East Music Group alongside, Cardiac Poet, Masufuria Mabakuli, Baba Zora, and Mbokani.
We sat down with him and talked about his 7-year journey in the industry, the one-year hiatus, upcoming projects, and the entertainment industry on the coast.
Q. What inspired you to venture into music, and how did you discover your passion for performing?
Nate Speaks: For me, Art is the mouthpiece through which one communicates their essence, and that’s beauty. I’ve always loved art from a young age. I performed poetry in high school and spoken word art. When I finished school, I decided to pursue it professionally. That’s when I joined Wadau East in 2018
Q. Can you tell us about your musical style and what has influenced your sound?
Nater Speak: I write a lot. Let’s say I’m a curator of my experiences and so, my sound is influenced. I believe as a spoken word artist; my art is who I am and that way I can easily relate to my audience. As we all go through the same Mondays and Fridays.
Q. What is the story behind your stage name, and how does it reflect your artistic persona?
Nate Speaks: Nate is from my first name, Nathan. I originally went by Nate the Poet. Interestingly, whenever I put out a project, my fans would always say, “Nate Speaks again..†Well since the piece of art was words of my persona, Nate Speaks came to be.
Q. What makes the music industry in the coastal region unique?
Nate Speaks: One word, “Diversity.†The coastal artist is versatile, this mainly stems from the vibrancy of the diverse cultures in the coast. For Instance, I can perform in both English, Swahili, and vernacular comfortably. I also do drill, hip hop, RnB and Spoken word, the list goes on and on and that is our strength. I have an upcoming vernacular project with Masufuria Mabakuli, called "Marigiza". It’ll be my second project after a year-long hiatus. The first one was the cypher with Ajus Media, Venom.
Q. Why the hiatus?
Nate Speaks: Well, let’s say that’ll be the surprise in store for my fans during my upcoming event #VibesWithNate, an unforgettable night of music, rhythm, and good vibes, 22nd February at Studio Belabela.
Q. What challenges do artists in this region face, and how have you navigated them in your career?
Nate Speaks: I know I may probably get some smoke for this, but the coastal audience is not as receptive as compared to Nairobi. My catalogue numbers show that majority of my listeners are from Nairobi and other cities across the globe. Some of the best shows I’ve had, have been in Nairobi too. Though it’s looking up with the rapid growth in art spaces like Studio Belabela, Swahili Port, Jukuaa, Nomad and more.
Q. What has been your most memorable milestone in your music career so far?
Nate Speaks: For a Milestone there has to be a risk and I’m a risk taker, but so far my biggest leap is founding, Art Talks Entertainment. We manage artists, events management, production and clothing.
Q. What motivates you to keep creating and performing, even in the face of obstacles?
Nate Speaks: Mentality. Well, you know what happens when you quit. It’s like all the effort and time were for nothing. I have been in the game for 7 years and as I continue to create, my motivation burns even hotter.
Q. What can the audience expect from your performance at #VibesWithNate, and how are you preparing for it?
Nate Speaks: The event is alongside Vibe Lee AKA Mr. RnB. Expect vibes. There are surprises Q. What are your dreams for the coastal music scene?
Nate Speaks: Take over the country and become the arts capital. We can do it.
