Ricky Na Marafiki-Lovers Edition Convo..

When I first met Ricky (Founder of Ricky na Marafiki Band) he seemed like the quiet and arrogant type.Always looked at him with this “who the hell do you think you are “ kinda look, but then after getting to know him,he turned out to be this warm and gentle persona.We should all stop judging at some point by the way hehe.Both of us alongside other musicians were backing up a Female Swahili Artist known as Binti Afrika on her debut performance at Choices Baricho road and the Rift valley Festival in Naivasha.He played bass at the time,still does,he called it his baby, the casing itself was like a cage..nothing goes out,nothing comes in lol even had a padlock(I thought I was weird).Those who know him know what I mean.Ricky had an ear for music,you could tell by his keen auricle for any wrong chord played..this helped the band a lot.

We bonded so well and kept in touch ever since.This past December we coincidentally bumped into each other on our way to Mombasa.Shared the same bus,same window and straight away started joking about our time in Binti Afrika’s band.Catched up on our Musical endeavors and life in general.Told him I was a copywriter and a blogger and he was like..why don’t you  do an article about my next event which is on February?and I was like why not?

Ricky is a free spirit, funny, grounded,yet very gifted. This wild card has graced the stage for Kings of jazz,from the likes of Oliver mtukudzi,Richard Bona just to name  a few.He has also played with big names in the Kenyan jazz emporium, Eric Wainana,Aaron Rimbui,Dan Aceda,Juma Tutu,Lisa Noah,Atemi Oyungu among others.Ricky defines his sound as “Afro Jazz” a fuse of jazz with an African sound,it has a world music touch and the fuse leaves you yearning for more because no melody resounds twice.

Ricky’s event dubbed as “An Evening of Afro jazz”  invites friends and lovers of jazz from far and wide to come experience the sensation of jazz music with an African world musical touch.His music rich in content,full of antique stories and amazing descant,hits you and you feel no pain.

An evening of Afrojazz showcases different acts,upcoming,given the first priority and the troupers in the Music industry.Ricky tells me the industry is wide and is ready for fresh and new content and he and his band wish to provide a platform for upcoming musicians and build the industry more by making Afrojazz known to the masses.

An evening of Afrojazz has built its credibility.Its consistency and valour,good vibes and uniqueness has earned it several reviews in the Music Industry.Goes to tell you his sound is way out of this world!Here’s one…

http://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/weekend/Ricky-Na-Marafiki-out-to-spread-jazz-message-in-Kenya/-/1220/1913234/-/view/printVersion/-/j3x0va/-/index.html

An evening of afro jazz is put together by Patrick ‘Ricky’ Nanjero. Ricky is bassist and lead of his five-piece band, Ricky Na Marafiki. The event is held on every first Friday of every three months. Venue is Alliance Francaise Gardens.

Each event has a different line up of artists. The artists – solo or in a band, vocalists or instrumentalists – each perform two self-composed tracks. The three-four hour event culminates with a performance from Ricky Na Marafiki.

The Band Members are what have made “An Evening of Afrojazz” what it is.We’ve all come a long way to make our music what it is today “We are friends first before holding any instrument”-Ricky..

RICKY NA MARAFIKI BAND MEMBERS

Ricky Nanjero-Lead,Bass

         Steve Munge:Saxophone

                    Sam Konzi:Guitar

                            Okinyo Michael:Keys

                                      Geofrey:Drums

                                                 Hulda Serro:Background Vocals.

This year Ricky na Marafiki kick off the year with their  first show this February!Yes!I know what you’re thinking.:-)

This beautiful day’s line up is crazy, it has soughted artists who appreciate love and have a rich background in jazz music.Priscah ojwang,Halisi the band,Le band and the beautiful Kalahi will be the ones gracing the stage on this auspicious day!

Ricky na Marafiki presents “An Evening of Afrojazz” - Lovers Edition at the Alliance Francaise Gardens on the 5^th of February from 6pm.Just a week before valentines :)  Sweet I know. Superb weekend plot.

I ask him why lovers edition and why this month?

Ricky : Cathy what a cliché! Lovers edition is all about Love and February being the month of love,we choose to dedicate the show to lovers.

Me : Where does that leave those who have none? :-)

Ricky : Lol you don’t have to have to have one to show up.As in the opposite sex hahaha,even your family member can be your lover for that day..we basically want to spread the message of love because love conquers all.

Me : Lol that’s sweet.Just messing with you.

I told you this guy is hilarious lol.

Ricky na Marafiki looks forward to having you in this Red Affair.Come with a loved a one,someone you cherish or admire,a potential... and don’t forget! Your musical self.

Come celebrate the month of love in style.In rich yet so moving music.

..See ya’ll this Friday!!

My ticket is ready,grab yours at Cold stone Creamery near Imax

Thanks for the read XO