Gabiro Mtu Necessary opens up on Grammy consideration and his music turning point
Renowned Kenyan musician Gabriel Ogonda, widely known as Gabiro Mtu Necessary, has revealed how an unexpected moment of international recognition marked a major turning point in his music career.
Speaking during a candid interview, Gabiro said that the Grammy Awards nomination came at a time when he was juggling life away from the spotlight and working in a barber shop.
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Recalling the day vividly, Gabiro said that he had just finished his personal routine, cleaning up and checking his phone, when he saw an email that seemed unbelievable, stating that his EP had been considered.
Gabiro says that at first, he thought it was a prank, but as he looked closer at Instagram’s tags, he realised it was serious.
“Kuna siku nimerauka tu pale nafanya usafi wangu, so ile kumaliza usafi nikaka, kuangalia simu nikaona email. Ati, ‘your EP has been considered for a Grammy,'” Gabiro revealed.
“Nikajiuliza ama hawa ni wale masharp boys, nikachill nikawachana nayo juu mimi nilikuwa nimewacha hiyo life mimi usanii nmewachanayo. kidogo nimeingia Instagram napata ile artwork nilikuwa nimeunda nimetagiwa kwa page ya grammy.”
“Ndio nikaona nikitu serious.”
Impact of the consideration
Additionally, he disclosed that global recognition changed his life, revealing that well-established artists called him, enquiring what he did to earn Grammy’s attention.
“Hapo ndio life yangu ilichange, I think hiyo siku nilipata simu kupita mia za watu kuniuliza nilifanya aje. Na mimi ata sijui ilifanyika aje,” he added.
“Wasanii wakubwa walikuwa wananipigia kuniuliza nimefanya aje.”
Asked whether he applied to achieve the recognition, Gabiro admitted that he himself did not apply
“No, mimi tu ilihappen,” Gabiro stated.
“During hiyo time nilikuwa na imba, kuna connections nilikuwa nimemake, kuna wale wasanii nilikuwa nimekutana na wao, na pia hiyo wakati ndio nilikuwa nimesafiri sana nje ya nchi countries tofauti.“
“Nilikuwa na kutana na wasanii walishawai kuwa kwa grammy na ata wale watu walikuwa kwa hiyo board ya grammy, so I always think kuna mtu mmoja kwa wale watu nilikuwa najuana nao walifanya mambo yao.“
Turning point
This unexpected moment reignited his passion for music. Gabiro had been considering stepping away from the industry, but the Grammy recognition made him realise that his hard work was paying off.
He disclosed that after the recognition, he returned fully to music, releasing a studio album titled Saint John, which also earned consideration for the Grammy Awards.
“Mimi hiyo ndio turning point ya life yangu juu from hapo vitu tu zimekuwa smooth hadi nikarudi tena kwa music nikatoa sasa album juu ile ilikuwa EP ya ngoma tatu,” Gabiro added.
“Nilitoa album inaitwa Saint John alafu tena hiyo album ikakuwa tena considered for Grammy.”
