ENTERTAINMENT

ONE ON ONE WITH YAN LEEGY

YAN LEEGY aka WYCKLIFFE OTIENO, upcoming artist

To most people, singing is a talent. However, this might just be a misconception, according to Yan Leegy. But, what does it take to acquire this “skill”? Wycliffe Otieno, popularly known as Yan Leegy, is a third year student in the school of arts and social sciences, who believes in hard work and perseverance in order to achieve goals.

Just before we had supper in our room, I sparked up the conversation with him to lift the lid on his life as a young artist. At first, he just laughed and asked where to begin. Having garnered all the courage, he gave in to the discussion.

Q: WHO IS YAN LEEGY?

A: I’m Wycliffe Otieno, a third year student in the school of Arts and Social Sciences pursuing Linguistics, Media and Communication. I hail from Siaya county; a young and fresh artist trying very hard to fit in the industry, doing hip hop/ genge. That is it.

Q: WHY “YAN LEEGY”?

A: Hahaa! (He laughs). When I was in first year I used to wear floaters, popularly known as Yana tyres. I was the unique guy in our class, the one who doesn’t put on shoes but floaters throughout. They used to make fun of me to an extent of labeling me Yana leg. So it became my identity until I got used to it and accepted it. I just modified it to Yan Leegy to suit me better as an artist.

Q: HOW FAR ARE YOU NOW IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

A: (laughs a bit) actually am not yet established, since I have only managed to record one song and still I have other three tracks pending. My songs so far are Party hustle, Identity (collabo), Treble, and Niko hai. Of course party hustle is the song that I have already recorded with Madugu Digital studio.

Q: HOW DID THE JOURNEY BEGIN?

A: my journey into music dates quite several years ago when I was still in primary. I used to sing bass in the school choir. We used to compete in the music and festivals to national level; that is how I developed the interest in music.

Q:  WHO IS YOUR MENTOR?

A: My mentors are actually Jyromy and DNA.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR BEST MOMENTS?

A: when I am performing on the stage, entertaining my fans.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEAL?

 A: Ugali kuku salad. I usually enjoy them every time my mum puts them on the table.

 

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR WORST MOMENTS?

A: Getting double-crossed and failing to impress my audience are the most annoying times in my life. I really hate it.

Q: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU HAVE COME ACROSS AS AN UPCOMING ARTIST?

A: Expensive records and video production. There are no incentives to support upcoming artists by the government and also getting a committed promoter. Last but not least is the stiff completion in the market.

Q: HOW DO YOU RATE KENYAN MUSIC?

A: I think it is not up to date. But I have to appreciate the diversity of Kenyan music, “kienyeji”. It always tastes better.

Q: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS TIME AS AN ARTIST?    

A: I will be featuring in the media platforms. I foresee my bright future in the music industry. I hope for the best. I think I will also create platforms to nature young talents, since I discovered my voice when I was in class three through drama and music festivals.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND?

A: it is complicated. Right now I’m focused on so many things including my studies and working on my tracks.

Q: WORD UP?

A: I love you, I like you but you if make me spell the love in the reverse, I got to harm you. I also encourage upcoming artists to always strive hard and above all and to trust in God at all times.