Legendary Kenyan artiste Nyamari Ongegu, better-known as Nyashinski, made history on Wednesday, March 8, with a live-streamed performance from his home that saw tens of thousands of Kenyans tune in.
Backed by a talented band, Nyashinski's performance was streamed on platforms including Youtube and Instagram where viewer numbers peaked at more than 15,000 and over 8,000 respectively, as Kenyans savored a welcome dose of high-quality entertainment during the Covid-19 pandemic that has confined many to their homes.
The record-breaking performance which began at around 9.30 p.m. was followed up by the release of the music video for Glory, the first single off Nyashinski's upcoming 12-track album Lucky You.
Desmond Bosire, a Sound Engineer who fully produced Glory and engineered several tracks on the highly-anticipated album, spoke to Kenyans.co.ke revealing the incredible behind-the-scenes work that went into the much-talked-about live performance.
Bosire revealed that they had agreed to do the live performance after they finished recording the album at Junkie Records Studios around a month ago.
Around the same time, Kenya's first Covid-19 cases were confirmed causing the government through the Ministry of Health to introduce various measures meant to limit movement and curb the spread of the virus.
The determined artistes, however, did not let this stop them from accomplishing the project as they practiced for the performance for weeks in Nyashinski's home, with many of them forced to spend time away from their families and loved ones.
"It started with the album. Work had been ongoing on the album for a period of time, since last year in fact. After we finished recording the album about a month ago, we started preparing for the live-performance.
"We stayed in quarantine for weeks as we practiced because it's around the same time that all these restrictions were introduced. We literally practiced for weeks, it was difficult because it meant some of us were away from our families," he disclosed.
Bosire revealed that many Kenyans who watched the show missed the notable fact that it took place on Nyashinski's birthday.
Sharing the team's reaction to the incredible support the show received from Kenyans, Bosire stated that it was quite fulfilling for them as artists.
"It was magic, especially for us because we really wanted to put up a show. The feedback was crazy.
"It was good to give Kenyans something to smile about and excite them during this Covid-19 period. It is very fulfilling for us as artistes because this is what we do, this is our job," he noted.
He maintained that they were happy to have set the bar high and encouraged other artists to do their own live-streams.
Veteran rapper Juliani, for instance, took to his Twitter page to commend Nyashinski for the stunning show even as he promised fans that a similar live performance of his own was in the pipeline.
Nyashinski's album Lucky You is set to be released on Friday, April 17, on all major platforms.
Questioned on whether the team had another live-stream planned for the release, Bosire told Kenyans.co.ke that they were exploring several different ideas noting that their plans were complicated by the Covid-19 crisis.
"There's a couple of things we've planned around the album but you know we also have to consider our safety and the measures put in place by the government.
"We have a lot in the pipeline. Even this live performance took a lot to accomplish," he stated.
