• He was lured by the 'scale and potential of what we could achieve' when offered deal
Image: Courtesy
Legendary music producer Eric Musyoka has been tasked with producing music for an upcoming musical drama called 'Famous'.
'Famous', which is the second-ever musical drama in Kenya, was created and directed by video director and filmmaker Enos Olik.
It stars Khula Budi, Brianna Wanjiku and Michelle Tiren as three young artistes trying to navigate the intricate music world in Nairobi.
When Olik approached Musyoka with the idea of making original music for 'Famous', he jumped on it right away.
"I saw the scale and potential of what we could achieve," he said.
"I have also been involved in musicals and it's been a while since I did an interesting project musically that wasn't a label project or that involved an active artiste in the industry, so for me, it was both interests."
Musyoka, through his record label Decimal Records, has churned out timeless hits for artistes including Ukoo Flani Mau Mau, P-Unit, Kleptomaniax, Bamzigi, Wyre, Sauti Sol and Just A Band.
He’s also worked on critically acclaimed films like Wanuri Kahiu’s 'Rafiki', 'Nairobi Half Life', 'Veve', 'The First Grader' and 'Disconnect'.
He says working with Famous’ actors to perfect the show’s music has been “blood, sweat and tears, but an amazing experience”.
"Having to do so much in such a short time can be nerve-wracking, especially with looming shoot deadlines. But all the actors came through magically, and I was really impressed by the speed at which they worked."
He’s confident that all the long hours have paid off, and that the music will certainly supplement “the raw emotions and experiences that the actors bring to the screen” when 'Famous' premieres.
The 10-part musical drama will air exclusively on Showmax.
Famous actors included are former Mr World Kenya Khula Budi (Maria) as the troubled rapper and producer Magic, newcomers Brianna Wanjiku as Nyota and Michelle Tiren as Nikita.