Joshua Kamau Kamande, popularly known as Krack Wizz, has invented a unique way to eke out a living in Nairobi.
The musician prides himself as an instrumentalist in his one-man band where he entertains people using various musical instruments earning himself an average of Ksh3,000 per day.
Unlike the conventional system in which artists set up their instruments on a stage, Wizz straps everything on his body.
“I decided to do that for portability purposes and also create a signature for myself.
“In the past, I would put the speaker on the ground but Nairobi County askaris would confiscate it,” Kamau told Kenyans.co.ke.
His is a journey of pure determination and grit having overcome great obstacles to become a local celebrity in the streets of Nairobi.
“I am recovering from substance abuse and music has been a way of reinventing myself,” the musician revealed.
Kamau told Kenyans.co.ke that he started performing in 2015, and for 8 years now, this has been his main source of livelihood.
On how much he makes, “I make averagely Ksh3,000 but on good days I can make up to Ksh5,000.”
The musician indicated that he is available for gigs such as birthday parties, anniversaries and other joyful celebrations.
“My rate card to an event is Ksh5,000 for two hours exclusive of transport logistics,” he remarked quickly adding he does not perform in bars and clubs.
While the job can seem glamorous, Kamau explains that it comes with its own set of challenges.
“I depend on street performances and when Nairobi was rocked by protests, it was hard for me to survive,” he explained.
Kamau further adds that sometimes the Nairobi County askaris harass him when he is performing in the streets.
“Unlike in other countries where instrumentalists are given permits to perform in the streets, we are not afforded such here in Kenya,” he explained.
