Rock for me began as a distant echo, something undefined yet mysteriously pleasing, emotional, poetic, magnetic . I cant pinpoint exactly where or when I first encountered it but my interest was peaked by soundtracks from various series' sound tracks especially smallville ; I guess this was my burning bush.In pursuit of more music like the stuff I heard on TV I eventually discovered the fuse (capital FM) and strangely a rock show on radio Waumini (hosted by one Nandika Awamatieku if I'm not mistaken). There was no turning back from that point onwards: my world would never be the same again.
To a large extent rock was a marginalized genre back in the day.It was never interspersed with other types of music:always isolated (if allowed to show at all) in the airwaves, the leper of the music world. either you knew it or you didn't . The infamous devil worshiper or creep tag always a lingering companion of misunderstood rock-heads.
That's all in the past however . Rock has made great strides since capital FM first played it in Kenya back in 96 . Elements of rock culture are seeping into several aspects of Kenyan society take root and asserting themselves. The number of rock fans has snowballed over the past few years. Sick of the constant cooing and ululating of Rn B singers and the likes Kenyans are opting for something more meaningful relevant and expressive. Where once it was practically invisible, rock can be heard intermittently wherever loud music blares. Even those not fond of it( at least not yet) find themselves swaying to the insistent ,coaxing but pleasant sound of rock. maroon 5, Linkin Park Script ,are but a few bands drawing the masses.
Rocktober fest's appearance five years ago also gave an aveneu for ROck lovers to express themselves. IT indeed gave both rock bands and rock fans a way out of the shadows and into the public's eye. We were here unashamed and unafraid to assert ourselves. its attendance has been growing gradually over the years and 2012 will definitely be the year to watch.
From lingering notions in the mind, dark back alley studios, school auditoriums to dingy pubs and rock head haunts 2012 has proven to be the year of the Kenyan rock band. Murfy's fLaw, Parking Lot Grass (PLG) and Dove Slimme have all featured in X Fm's just released top 10 chart with PLG dominating it for over 5 weeks. All three have also been featured in Zouqka a pull out of the Nation newspaper. This is a great stride considering how hard it has been getting local media attention for local talent.
Bottom line is "tumetoka mbali" and its it is undoubtedly our time to shine. Watch out people rock is coming to get you.
i think this will change the face of our music industry, especially the rock music. i hope it gonna be a dream comes true to the young talents in the country.
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