Karen Namonje is an Entrepreneur, Student and Music Teacher. She is currently studying public administration with French at the University of Zambia. Her work as a teacher of music at Donhill Music Academy involves teaching guitar, music theory and vocals. She is the co-founder of NEROKA, a marketing company that promotes small business’ products and services. Karen is very passionate about music and reading. She composes songs and writes poems. She believes in impacting our generation one note at a time.
1. When did you discover your passion for music and how have you nurtured it?
I have been passionate about music for as long I can remember. Am passionate about music because it is my way of expression of thoughts and emotions. I learn a lot and practice. I learn through videos, books and those who are good at it. I take time to practice every single day.
2. Why did opt to take French and how has your journey been?
Taking French was a strategic move. Am passionate about languages and my dream job is to be an interpreter. My goal is to learn four additional languages by the time am 35, which are Swahili, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese. The journey has been eye opening. To see various opportunities and advantages of speaking and international languages. I have had opportunities to meet delegates that I would not have otherwise met if I was not taking French. I have learnt about the French culture and I have been exposed to French music for example. Its given me an added advantage in many things.
3. Have you had any challenges and how did you overcome?
Challenges that I have had have been mainly listening especially when am speaking to a fluent French speaker. Cause am taking French they assume am a pro. So when I meet people its tricky cause they are fluent and am not. I am still overcoming it by listening to French news, radio, political debates, French music that I will familiarize with more words and vocabulary.
4. How can one make a living out of music?
It’s all about branding. There are so many musicians nowadays. So there should be something unique to yourself that no one else has that you should be able to offer. One of the things for example that make teaching easier for me though not a profession yet is my diverse understanding of music genres especially Jazz. Because Jazz is not very much recognized. When people see my passion for Jazz they see uniqueness. That’s where my uniqueness lies.
5. What is the significance of maintaining the African identity in music at local and international platforms?
Look at America and how they have branded their music industry, Nigeria and South Africa as well. Musicians are recognized. As Africans we have a culture and identity. If we can express that through music and use that to not only ourselves but attract recognition that would help move our continent forward. For example, Nigerians and South Africans are not shy to express themselves through music. They sing in their language and culture and earn international recognition for their music industry not as individuals but as a country as well. Hence competing at international platforms. Not just an individual country but representing Africa as well. So when we have an identity through our culture, expressed through music we can earn income as a continent.
AUTHOR:
Thando Chilufya is an entrepreneur, creative and educationist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Zambia. Thando is the founder of Ulimusuma Limited and co-founder and creative director of creative Space Digital. She is very passionate about Africa, personal development and entrepreneurship. Thando is a firm believer in the potential that people carry. She is always looking for ways to become better as s person and uses her experiences and knowledge to empower the people around her.
