SNAPPY 7: Kush Tracey – In another life I would have been an engineer
At just 22 years of age, Teresia Ndoti Wambua aka Kush Tracey is making her name in the Kenyan music industry.
But Kush Tracey of the Huwezi nidandia fame, a student at Kenyatta University majoring in Theater, says in another life she would have been an engineer.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself – My parents gave me the nickname Kush Tracey and I’m from Machakos County. One thing you need to know is that I am a very humble girl who doesn’t like noise and mostly likes to be on her own.
It’s like I have two personalities, when I’m doing interviews I’m so hyped because that is the time Kush Tracey comes out but Teresia is laid back.
My mother started calling me Tracey when I was young because Teresia was a bit long. Even my friends started calling me that. Kush was derived from a baby cloth that I used to wear and I liked it very much, according to my mother. So that’s how I ended up with the stage name Tracey Kush.
2. How would you describe your genre of music – I wouldn’t describe it as Hip Hop per se, but I call myself a versatile artiste. When you look at some of my songs like Kamuti you will find it has a mix of Kwaito from South Africa, Playboy has beats that include dancehall and when you listen to Dandia it has everything, but for me it is all about having fun.
3. Does your family support your career choice – As long as I do school and make some money and my reputation is clean and has no scandals, they have no problem and they understand, especially my mother who is also in the entertainment industry.
She understands me more and I always seek advice from her before I do anything. She always gives me good advice. My mother is an actress and she has acted in different TV shows like Governor, Kaa Rada, Nairobi Law among others. I guess that’s how I found myself in the music industry.
4. Why did you choose to do Huwezi Ni Dandia – After Kristoff, Rabbit, Frasha, and Pacho did the original version, I loved it but I wasn’t really feeling the kudandiwa kama mathree vibe which sounded like a cheap reflection of the females at large. I opted to make something that would make women proud to dance. Huwezi nidandia was a big song for me and it gave me a bigger platform in the mainstream . I thank God for that and also for opening doors for me.
5. How would you describe your style – If it was for me I would always wear sweat pants, t-shirts, hoodies or vests throughout. But I also like unique things, not the common things that you will find everyone wearing on the streets. I don’t do trends, because if there is something new out there everyone will want to have it. I also like the Gothic look or the bad girl look because it is more of my personality.
6. Your most embarrassing moment – If you laugh and you had a terrible cold, what happens? I had a very nasty flu and someone made a joke and for me when something is funny I laugh. So everything came out of my nose and it was nasty!
7. What is next for you? Any advice to girls looking up to you – I’m just getting started so watch this space. I’m still warming up and I haven’t started running yet. Just remember I’m here to stay.
The industry is male dominated, but for any girl who has the guts, just do your thing because at the end of the day it depends on how you play your cards. People will turn you down but don’t give up keep trying and work hard and make sure you utilize the opportunity you get.
