Wilka Kayoko
Acquiring the skills to play the piano is something many people yearn for, especially since it is regarded as the most versatile musical instruments, yet so costly. However, pianists are one of not well-regarded people in the industry.
The Namibian-born pianist and piano teacher, Star Keys who started playing at the young age of eight and has been in the industry for 12 years and most of it has been tough for him.
“I got left behind by other musicians, especially on gigs, tours, competitions and other music-related things. My parents declined most of my deals because I was too young and I was in school,” he said.
He further added that his biggest breakthrough came in 2014 when he performed at a memorial service during exams and to his surprise, it was the largest crowd he had ever played for that year.
“I was nervous and scared of the crowd because I never got such opportunities, but I kept my cool and kept playing,” he said.
According to the pianist, being an instrumentalist in Namibia is difficult, especially since most people do not recognise them on stage and most studio producers do not give them credit when they add melodies to their tracks.
“I started travelling annually with the church choir for the convention in Windhoek. I kept being humble and practising and in 2016 I was awarded as the best keyboard player in the church” he said.
Star Keys has worked with many well-known musicians such as Timo Kevin, Dj Kboz, Dj Castro, House Guru Gang and played for Adora, Ann Singer, Kay Sax and Tulisan on stage. Additionally, he hopes to work with Chikune, ML, Vikta Juiceboy and Yessonia.
