Rachel Habona Maliwa famously known as Pokomo Princess is a young Kenyan music artist currently based in Malindi, Kilifi county.
She has recorded several songs including Unavyonipa, Sio Shida zangu, My Boy, Tsea, Moto among others.
Early this year she got two nominations at the E360 Awards, she was nominated as "The breakthrough female artist of the year” and her song 'TSEA' nominated as "The song of the year.”
In an exclusive interview with Ommy Dallah, Rachel opens up about her music and more.
1...Briefly describe yourself, who is Rachel?
Rachel is a Kenyan Songwriter, Recording & Performing Artist populary known as Pokomo Princess.
2...How old are you?
When it comes to age , we ladies are always sweet 16, we don't grow old at all.
3... Why the name Pokomo Princess?
The name is derived from my background, where it helps me to represent my community with taste of our culture in music and arts.
4...What first got you into music?
Music has been there in my lineage though I started loving music at a tender age of 13 years while in Church Choir.
5...Who inspired you to make music?
This is something that is rooted in our family where my father and grandparents were all musicians.
6...How would you describe the music that you typically create?
My music is more African culture, expressing love of my land fused with urban taste that soothes the mind and soul.
7...What is your creative process like?
My creative process is not complicated, it is about daily activities, life experience and educational, where you know truth doesn't contradict at all.
8...Who would you most like to collaborate with?
When growing up I used to have several artists in mind but with time and life experiences, things have changed and I learnt alot of creating my own foundation first before collaboration, though am open for anyone who need to feature me in their projects.
9...If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Like I have said earlier, through life experience I have learnt alot on that, life experience is the best teacher, I would prefer the new artists who are starting up now, though right now am working on building my own foundation in all areas of music plus entertainment scene.
10...What is one message you would give to your fans?
There is alot in store and I appreciate alot their support since day one. I would wish them to get in touch with me on all my social media platforms which is 'Pokomo Princess' where they will also be posted on all my new projects. NAWAPENDA SANA'. God Bless you.
11...Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I can't deny that, because sometimes I just find myself singing a new song.
12...What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Music is too much sauce in me, though am an accountant by profession, I could be in that area or doing some farming.
13...Which famous Musician do you admire?
I mostly get into likes of Celine Deon, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, and other few artists in Africa, Nandy and Nyota Ndogo, I May not sound exactly like them but they stand to a place where they speak both inner peace and physical.
14...If you could change anything about the Kenyan industry, what would it be?
If I were to change anything in our Industry, I would change the process of all, from creations, sound, market and way of reaching out audiences which I can’t say more about it because am working towards the change.
15...What’s next for you?
Change is envitable, that will let my fans to keep posted on all my digital platforms to see what is cooking plus I got alot in store. Check out Pokomo Princess on all social media platforms.*
