KB: Congratulations on your new single Closer. 20k streams in under a week! How did you and Harmonize put this together?
Abby: Harmonize is my industry mentor. He's my go- to person when I need advice on the music industry and we often have these sessions where we just vibe and listen to music in the studio. One day, we were just chilling and the producer played us the beat. We loved it so much that within three hours, we had our verses for Closer written & recorded!
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KB: Wow! That's musical genius right there! How did you conceptualize the video? We're loving the visuals and outfits
Abby: Thanks! I really wanted to do something different for Closer. It's a love story but I didn't want the cliché 'lovey dovey' video of two people on a date. So I approached renowned Tanzanian music video director Ivan (who directed my first video Tucheze) with my vision, he came up with the script and executed the video which has a Bonnie and Clyde vibe. My sister, who also happens to be my manager, styled me. It was super fun making the video for Closer.
KB: For a 19 year old you seem very hands on with your career. How long have you been in the industry?
Abby: Music has always been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was still finding my footing in the industry in my mid-teens, I had a lot of big names in the Tanzanian music scene approach me for collaborations but it wasn't until last year when I turned 18 that I released my first single (Tucheze) and then this year, I signed with Sony Music East Africa and dropped U & I in June which was succeeded by Closer in August.
KB: Not too many teens in East Africa get signed by Sony Music. How did you get so lucky?
Abby: I met Sony Music East Africa's rep Christine Mosha and we really hit it off. She liked my energy and vibe and she believes in my talent and craft. Mosha introduced me to the team and It was a 3 month deliberation and eventually we signed a deal!
KB: You're in Nairobi promoting Closer. How do you like our city so far?
Abby: I love Nairobi! The weather here is great, everyone is so vibrant and full of energy. People are kind and gracious. It's been a great experience so far.
KB: Who are you listening to in the Nairobi Music scene?
Abby: I love Sauti Sol! Would love to work with them someday. I'm also listening to Nvirii The Storyteller, Ben Sol, Otile Brown, Iyanii, Tanasha Donna…those are just some of the artists I can remember off the top of my head. I listen to a lot of Kenyan music.
KB: You really know your stuff! This debunks the misconception that KE music is barely played in Bongo Land
Abby: There are so many Kenyan songs in rotation on TZ radio and clubs! Furaha by Iyanii is the hottest right now. Otile Brown and Nvirii also get a lot of love here.
KB: That post by Beyoncé, let's discuss it
Abby: That was surreal! I was asleep when she posted a video of me on Instagram. I woke up to a flood of notifications, calls and texts. I am not even a morning person so for me to wake up to that was such a big deal.
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KB: What's your fave song on her new album Renaissance?
Abby: It's hard to choose because they're all great but I really like All up in your mind and Plastic off the Sofa.
KB: What's a day like in the life of Abby Chams?
Abby: When I'm not making music I am in uni studying Business and Finance, chilling at the beach or exercising in the gym. I also work with The Talk a mental health programme for youth in Tanzania,
KB: Let's talk about The Talk
Abby: The Talk aims to raise awareness on young people's mental health. As someone who's previously struggled with anxiety, The Talk has provided me with a platform to address mental health issues with young people in East Africa. This is a taboo subject in Africa but I want the youth to understand that it's Ok to not be Ok and we're here to help.
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KB: Wanna try KenyaBuzz quick-fire questions?
Abby: Bring it on!
KB: Star sign?
Abby: Taurus
KB: Sweet or Savory?
Abby: I'm a sweet tooth! I eat Ice cream almost everyday.
KB: Beyonce's Renaissance or Lemonade?
Abby: Renaissance!
KB: Coco beach or Watamu?
Abby: Coco beach but only because I haven't visited Watamu yet. Let's circle back in a year.
KB: Fanta or Sprite?
Abby: Fanta. It's sweet and colorful.
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*This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
