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James Nyamu is a versatile youngster who has withered seven years to see his childhood dream take shape. Known by the stage name Ji-Me Young, he has been nominated to a national music competition within a year of his musical debut.
“I didn’t see it coming my way because many big names sent applications, and I was but a rookie,” Ji-Me Young said.
He was the only musician from Machakos County nominated to the National Xtreem Awards. He was shortlisted in two categories – the promising musician of the year and the Breakthrough.
He travels to Nairobi on the 18th of this month to attend the event where winners will be revealed.
Born and brought up in Tala, Machakos County, Young has experienced much of the roller coaster life events that can come upon an average village chap.
He completed his form four in 2013. He later joined Nairobi Technical Training Institute to study electrical engineering but dropped out after the first model.
“I just realized that it was not what I wanted to do in life,” Ji-Me Young said.
He would return to his home area and become a barber until 2019, when he started writing songs for various artists.
In August last year, he went into the studio and had a moment with the passion of his childhood for the first time.
“I have always wanted to sing. That is the career path that I had chosen (at least in my mind) from high school. Life’s hardships have derailed me, but I’m glad I’m living the dream finally, even though as a novice for now,” the soft-spoken youth said.
Ji-Me Young said following his dream hasn’t been without challenges, especially financial ones, but keeping his eyes on the ball is what has kept him moving.
“I saved and saved before I could get enough money to start recording,” he said.
He said recording good quality music needs at least 20,000 shillings, which is not easy to get. Due to that, he has had to opt for lower-quality productions because it is what he can afford.
“The established producers charge a fortune. I can’t afford it for now, and that’s why I opt for producing my songs for Ksh 5,000. I hope to improve with time and engage better quality studios,” he said.
So far, Ji-Me Young has only produced audio songs. He is yearning to shoot a video someday, soon, he said. However, on his Youtube channel are a few videos, most of which are lyrical ones. That notwithstanding, his videos have an average of a thousand views, and 1.4k subscribers. That’s what motivates him, he said.
“If lyrics can get such several views and subscribers within months, then when I will start shooting videos, I’ll definitely improve,” he said.
He hopes to get money from his Youtube songs and skiza tune codes.
To get paid on YouTube, their channels should have over a thousand subscribers and at least 4,000 viewing hours. He has already hit the first requirement, only working on the next.
“I hope my viewing hours will increase when I start uploading quality videos and songs. At the moment, the few videos there were recorded during my live performances, and the phone camera was not so good. But I will do better with time,” Ji-Me Young said.
Young sings urban gospel songs in a Gengetone style. Gengetone is an urban Kenyan signing style, especially loved by the younger generation, with the characteristic of using Nairobi.
“More than 90 percent of my songs target the youth. This age group mostly uses Sheng as a language of identity and communication, and that’s why I use it in my songs. I want them to know that leading a godly life can be fun too,” he said.
His music has yet to generate income directly, but it has marketed him by proxy.
“I get invited to crusades, parties, and churches. They give me (bus) fare and a little appreciation. In addition, I get to increase my fan base, which is my greatest gain from such events,” he said.
He lauded Phillip Munyao for bringing the first-ever music studio in Tala. This, he said, is a big step in supporting the grassroots and upcoming musicians in the region.
Ji-Me Young, 25, is yearning and planning to go back to college someday, but to study music this time, not engineering.
“I want to do music professionally,” he said.
While Ji-Young is not yet a household name in Kenya, his music is entertaining and fun to listen to. The nomination of his song Kunabamba to the National Xtreem Award Championship may just be the first step in becoming a superstar.
To support him, subscribe to his youtube channel by clicking here.
Find another Ji-Young hit song below.
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