Piece by: PAUL AMUKO

03 July 2023

• Behind Fena Gitu's remarkable live shows, there is an unsung hero, Isaac Ainé , the bass guitarist and live lead .

• We delve into Isaac Aine's journey as a versatile musician and his thoughts on the power of live performances.

In the vibrant world of Kenyan music, one name stands out when it comes to live performances and captivating stage presence - Fena Gitu.

Behind her remarkable live shows, there is an unsung hero, Isaac Ainé , the bass guitarist and live lead of Fena Gitu's band.

In an exclusive interview during Fena Gitu's "Love Art Lust" album launch, I had the privilege of delving into Isaac Aine's journey as a versatile musician and his thoughts on the power of live performances.

Isaac Ainé is a true polymath of the music industry, mastering the art of singing, composing, producing, and writing lyrics.

His collaborations extend beyond Fena Gitu's project, including notable contributions to King Kaka's 2nd Life and collaborations with esteemed artists like Wakadinali, Bensoul, and Matata.

However, it is his work on Fena Gitu's "Love Art Lust" that has truly cemented his position as an instrumental force.

When asked to describe the overall sound of Fena Gitu's album, Isaac Aine's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he exclaimed,

''The sound is crazy!…so its love art and lust, so there is journey through the whole album that Fena told me is supposed to captivate the audience, so we go through sounds of hype, sounds of reflection thinking about songs like rise up, we explore that whole setting... it’s great album , my guy, its good vibes.''

He elaborated, explaining that each track explores a different facet of this voyage, immersing the audience in a tapestry of sonic exploration.

Isaac couldn't help but express his admiration for the album, remarking on its infectious good vibes and the sheer brilliance of Fena Gitu's artistic vision.

One aspect that Isaac Ainé takes immense pride in is being a part of what he unequivocally believes is the most exceptional live band in Kenya.

With Dre on the drums, himself on the bass, Tugi on the guitar, and Hendrix on the keys, this powerhouse ensemble combines their extraordinary talents to deliver unforgettable live performances.

Isaac's eyes lit up with a sense of camaraderie as he confidently asserted,

"Well am biased but, am gonna say Fena has the best live band in Kenya, we are good at what we do, we are all very talented people, we are all incredibly talented individuals who live and breathe music.''

Drawing a sharp contrast between live performances and playback, Isaac Ainé underscored the incomparable authenticity and raw expression offered by a live band.

With live performances, each musician's unique narrative unfolds in real-time, allowing the audience to witness the intricacies and emotions behind every instrumental choice.

''So with a live band what you are getting is a very honest expression from each individual person, because live means in real time all these people are telling you their different stories, all these people are showing a different side of themselves depending on the song.''

In contrast, playback performances limit the scope of individual expression, as only the main artist holds the reins of emotional connection with the audience.

Isaac Ainé passionately encouraged artists who have primarily relied on playback to embrace the magic of live performances, emphasizing the transformative power of the symbiotic relationship between performers and their audience.

''So a live band gives you the bassist you are hearing the choices they are making live, the drummer you hearing all the choices they make live, when it comes to play back, its different because it’s already set, so the performer the main artist is the only person that has a say in what the audience feels.''

Reflecting on Fena Gitu's musical evolution, Isaac Ainé reminisced about their fateful meeting at the Blankets and Wine event in 2019.

He was instantly captivated by Fena's ingenious stage presence, noting her ability to command the spotlight with grace and authenticity.

Ainé marveled at her unwavering control over the stage, asserting,

''She is a very clever person a clever performer she blew my mind if you noticed she doesn’t jump around, she doesn’t move all over the stage, she is in control of everything that is happening and she owns the space.''

Isaac Ainé's profound insights have shed light on the significance of live performances and their indelible impact on both artists and audiences alike.

Fena Gitu's collaboration with Isaac Ainé and the undeniable magic they create together has elevated the Kenyan music scene to new heights, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of those who have witnessed their mesmerizing artistry.