Interviews Kinoti - Photo Courtesy of Kinoti - Twitter

Published on February 1st, 2023 | by Jackson Ngari

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Kinoti Reflects on Debut EP ‘Green Room’

Over the past year, Kinoti Kinyua has without a doubt emerged as a talented, special new artist to watch in the Kenyan music arena. Displaying a strong, impassioned voice and writing unfeigned, thoughtful songs, he has the opportunity to become a leading singer/songwriter in the R&B and Afro Soul music genres.

He has recently released his admirable debut EP dubbed, Green Room which is a refreshing body of work. This 6-track EP is a well-done assignment, that showcases his high level of singing, songwriting, and performance. The EP contains his most popular song “Nitangoja,” and five other notable songs including “S.O.K.O,” “FALL” and “Alone

Kinoti - Green Room - Photo Courtesy of Kinoti

Kinoti – Green Room – Photo Courtesy of Kinoti

Cutting through the chase, Green Room EP is a tranquil safe space where the artist retreats to reflect on his romantic and life experiences. He questions his actions and reactions to situations as well as the motives behind them.

Through his outstanding talent, charm, and attitude, Kinoti has been able to carve a niche for himself as a young Kenyan artist with an artistic depth that affords him the confidence to aim for the stars.

He’s clearly on the rise, and it’s fascinating to follow him as he makes his way to the top.

In this interview excerpt, he shares with The Hype Magazine about his foray into music, debut EP, newfound success, superstar ambitions, and how he hopes to impact his fans with his music.

Kinoti - Photo Courtesy of Kinoti - Twitter

Kinoti – Photo Courtesy of Kinoti – Twitter

How did you come about the stage name, Kinoti?

Well, it’s not really a stage name. My actual name is Kinoti. I actually never settled on a pseudonym so I just went with my second name, Kinoti.

Tell us more about your background.

I’m the last born in a family of two. My dad and brother aren’t as musically inclined as my mum and I are. I’d say I got this ‘mojo‘ from her. [Laughs]

Let’s hear more about your music career.

My career started pretty much after I completed high school. I had the thought of being a cover artist since that was what was popping at the time. Also, I couldn’t write a song to save my life. Fast-forward, to a year later, I’d learned the guitar and found an avenue for channeling or rather, releasing the emotions I felt after Nairobi, did its thing. I later wrote a project about what I felt (heart to hurt) and people were enamored by it and that’s how my career kicked off. Though, I’m still a newbie to the industry considering I just hit two years doing it professionally.

What genre of music do you do?

I’d say it’s a fusion of Afro-RnB and alternative pop.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I’m mostly inspirited by the situations I go through. On most days, what I experience is what I write about.

Your new EP just came out in December 2022. What was the inspiration behind Green Room and what do you hope to say as an artist?

My brother’s room has these beautiful LED lights that display green most of the time. I frequently found myself in his place when I wanted to scribble down songs or do something music-related. The aesthetic ambiance really intrigued and awakened the creative life in me. In a nutshell, Green Room is a compilation of the songs I wrote while in his room.

Is there still a layer of the EP that hasn’t really been explored yet?

There’s a little hidden message within Green Room that not so many have deciphered yet. I guess it’ll be clearer with time.

If you had to pick a song off Green Room that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?

I’d say S.O.K.O. It’s the most experimental song I’ve done and to be honest, I’m quite an experimental artist. I love taking the time to experiment and understand different genres of music and how I could interblend them with what I do. It’s quite breathtaking too.

Your song “Nitangoja” is your most popular so far. What inspired you to write this song?

Long-distance relationships sulk, but the idea of overcoming the hurdles of it is absolutely magnificent. I just thought I’d talk about the promises of a return and reassuring someone that they are worth the wait ‘no matter where you are, nitangoja.’

As the creator of the EP, which song has the closest place to your heart?

As I mentioned, Nitangoja is closest to my heart since I wrote it in a time of vulnerability and openness and I feel like it encompasses exactly what I felt during that moment.

What are the next steps you’re taking? Is a new album already in the making?

I’ve been whetting my skills just to make sure I showcase the full width of what Kinoti, can do as a singer-songwriter, and producer. A little bit of dance here and there too. Just trying to make sure that I show off the full capabilities of Kinoti. About an album, well, I can neither confirm nor deny.

What are your thoughts about the Kenyan music industry?

So far so good, the ground is shifting and shifting quite fast. People are slowly but unquestionably beginning to recognize and appreciate the hard work that Kenyan artists are putting in to ensure they put out A-level content, and it’s only a matter of time before Kenyan acts reach global heights.

Lastly, have you been able to work with any of the big names in the industry?

Yes. I’ve gotten a chance to work with different people within the industry in different capacities and it’s been worthwhile. The likes of Brandy Maina, Ethan Muziki, Hendrick Sam, and Trevor Magaak just to mention a few.

Thank you Kinoti for doing this interview. Is there anything that we haven’t talked about yet, that you’d like to mention for this article?

Thank you for having me, Jackson. Cheers!


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About the Author

Jackson, is a Journalism Majors with an unbowed knack in writing. Besides writing, he’s mostly busy finding new artists to spice and spruce up his music playlist. He can as well curate a Spotify Catalog that best describes everything. Literally.


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