The first time I heard Daniel Mugoci play was in Recapp’s Never Ever video. I was then privileged enough to hear him play live was at the Recapp Road to Ambition concert in December
My curiosity got the best of me at all his talent so I then went ahead and discovered some of his videos on YouTube and it’s safe to say I was blown away by his impressive talent!
Daniel Mugoci is a young and self taught musician based in Nairobi, Kenya. He plays RnB, Jazz, EDM, Reggae, and a multitude of associated styles in music.
He has been featured in various well-known songs like:
Mistarillionare by King Kaka, Never Ever by Recapp, Lihimidi by Joyce Omondi, Pastor Solomon Sila’s live recoding on his album and one dropping soon Unishikilie by Bire the vocalist
He’s even played with the amazing Nairobi Horns Project! So you can tell how amazing he is and how vital it is for you to know him (😉)
Here’s his story:
When and why did you start playing/singing? Which instruments do you play?
I started playing music in 2012. I was looking for a way to express myself and also the life I used to get in my small ghetto in Kangemi, after doing rounds in different arts I ended up doing music. I currently play the saxophone and my life has never been the same again because of it.
Do you have a formal musical education?
Not really, I am a self-taught Saxophonist and I am currently doing the International ABRSM examinations.
What made you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?
At the time, I had no option because there were no funds to go to university and for some strange reason, the saxophone didnt just become an escape, it was my redemption.
What was your first experience with music for the first time like? What song do you remember most as a child?
I grew up listening to RnB and pop on my parents Radio almost all the time, and of course my father would come in with his Daudi Kabaka hits, my brother would come in with E-Sir hits, it was a diverse home. I don’t know why I can’t forget any Michael Jackson song.
What and what were your musical influences as a child?
I was mostly influenced by RnB like James Brown, Boys to men, Usher, R Kelly, the list is endless but RnB has really influenced my vibe.
How is the music different from what you listen to now?
Technology and upcoming trends have made everything change; on the positive side, the sound is not the same as it was. I personally think guys now are doing crazier stuff with all these gadgets coming up which has made music evolve and their sound oh so good!
On a negative side, haha, some people are becoming too fake because of what the studios can now do to give them more sauce. So you get that so many artists lip sync at concerts where so many fans have paid money and used their time to watch them perform – and they actually don’t deliver.
Who are your favourite musicians now? Locally, The Nairobi Horns Project, The Don Sax Therapy and Brian Mugenyi top my list. I mean, have you ever been to some of their concerts? Totally mind-blowing!!
What advice would you give to beginners who are just starting out in the music industry?
Do it! Whatever you think is holding you back isn’t!
Remove the fear and you won’t see the danger and risk. And let’s also remove this envious mentality and do it for the love of the game. We have plenty of opportunity for everyone to grow and thrive in their own spaces.
How often and for how long do you practice?
At this point of my career where there is so much research and input, I do 3-5 hours a day. This isn’t including the time I spend in studying and taking my music classes.
How would you describe your music to somebody who has never heard you play before?
It has a very Jazzy Touch.
My music is always full of expressions and from the heart. From happiness, anger, love, hope; you get the whole package.
What can people expect to see at your live performance?
They should expect well prepared music, energy and resilience.
Out of the songs you have performed which is your favourite song?
I have a song I wrote called ‘Music in me’
It’s very soulful and it talks about me thanking God for the music in me.
What do you think is your biggest break or the greatest opportunity you’ve gotten so far in your musical career?
Aside from working with some amazing artists here in Nairobi, I take great pride in interacting a lot with my mentors who have really expanded my musical vocabulary before I start recording.
If you had a chance to change something in the music industry what would it be?
I think it would be the amount of work and effort musicians put in their practice and research before stepping into the industry.
I would also change how musicians are appreciated for their craft along with the wages they’re given.
What are some of the lessons you have learnt being part of a band?
I have learnt the beauty of playing and still listening to the person playing on the other side of the room. Knowing when to stop and start again playing, when to go soft and when to go loud. It’s just a big beauty.
What is your favourite type of music and is it different from what you play now?
My favourite type of music is African Jazz and its quite different from what im playing. There is a new trend at this time and fitting the music I like into the ongoing trend takes quite a while.
What are your other interests outside of music? What do you do to relax outside of music?
I love basketball. I’m always up for a game anyday anytime when I’m not playing.
What keeps you going as a musician?
The urge to express more and more the issues that are going on in this world and be able to at least help a bunch who can relate through the music.
Sometimes we have no idea the way music can change the way we look at and even deal with the situations we go through and if picking up my sax to play a few tunes will help someone, then I’m here for it!
Where would you like to see yourself within the next five years as an artist?
I would like to see myself producing greater and greater music that can be passed on across ages. This also goes hand in hand with the fact that I want to do as much research, lessons and interactions in music for me to start my music business.
If you were to perform with anybody/group in the world, either dead, alive who would it be?
Fela Kuti, Hugh Masekhela and Isaiah Katumwah.
What are your up to date performance plans? New releases? Tours?
I am doing a gig mid this year with a legend and mentor – The Don Sax Therapy – titled “Two of a Kind” which is going to have a hype set consisting of our own compositions, duos and covers of famous hits.
Some songs which I’ll play there for the first time are currently in studio and will be released each on different dates.
I’ll also be part of Kidum and the BodaBoda band playing for a festival in Zanzibar. I’ll also start my saxophone lessons this year after proper certification, so i can only say this year will bring much bigger and greater things!!!
