Brayo is arguably one of the best dancer you can bump into in Chuka University.His dancing prowess has been termed extraordinary by many. His sense of dressing is unrivaled. I got a chance to sit with him and in this insightful interview he opens up about his personal life, dancing talent and fashion.
Brian is a second year student pursuing a bachelor's degree in agribusiness management at Chuka University and this is what he had to say
Describe your personality in 4 words.
Bold, grandiose, sassy and audacious
What's your take on Kenyan dancing Industry at the moment.
Kenyan industry has really evolved over the past few years. There are a lot of talented dancers at the top and untapped talents which requires to be nurtured at the bottom. Dancing is the next big thing to watch in the coming years.
You have danced on several big stage locally. How has the experience been like?
Yeah, I'm fortunate to have danced in some very big gigs locally. The experience has been amazing. I have been able to grow as a dancer I have also traveled far and wide and interacted with people from all walks of life.
Not mentioning that I have shared the same platform with a list of bandwagon artists in Kenya like Timmy Tdat and Kenrazy
Perfecting dance moves demands for a lot of practice. How do you manage?
I must admit it's a big challenge. We I try to create time for myself. In our dance crew 254 we have different roles for everyone in the group but occasionally we seek help from outside. As for perfecting our dance moves we begin our practice at 7pm to 9 every day. Usually we draw inspiration from international dance crews then integrate the moves with our original dance moves and practice until everyone in the group get everyone right.
How are you able to juggle between your academics and dancing?
It has not been easy, it's a herculean hurdle. As you know it and as everyone else knows it the primary reason why we're in school is to study and nothing else. Sometimes I have to wake up at cock crow to study and make up sometimes during the day to cover up for the time that I will be in for dance practice.
Let's talk finances. Does dancing pay?
Yes, I pay bills with dancing and also add up to the pocket money that my parents give to me. Of course there are numerous challenges here and there but I can't complain much. I have been able to save little cash that I get from dancing to run my own personal errands. Haha...
Speaking of challenges. What are some of the greatest challenges you've had to endure since you started out as a dancer?
The challenges are numerous but the world is not utopia. When I was still growing in dance we used to attend shows and because we didn't have a good manager we used to be exploited by some very greedy and unscrupulous promoters. They took advantage of us and as a result we used to be poorly remunerated. That was really demoralizing for me as a person.
But thanks to our new manager Dj Nabri I'm glad to say that is now water under the bridge.
Another challenge is that dancers are wrongly judged the society tends to think that we dance because we want to get groupies which is not the case. We dance because we're passionate about dancing and no any other underlying agenda.
Is the future bright for dancers in Kenya?
Yes, there is a a bright future for dance groups locally. Dance is highly valued today and hardworking dancers will definitely reap a lot from their work. Right now, almost every artist must have backup dancers when performing live. Dancing competition are also in plenty and youths out there have numerous platforms to showcase their talents which of course comes along with money.
At 254 dance crew we also have big dreams about the future.We hope to be the best dancing crew in Africa someday performing for big African artists like Davido and Mafikizolo.
If you were to send a memo to non dancers. What would you tell them?
You are missing everything
Who do you look up to as a role model and mentor?
My best international dance crew is the Black Eagle from Jamaica . In Kenya I have always admired the Shakers.
Dj Nabri and Sam 254 have been my biggest mentor ever since I arrived in Chuka. I thank them for everything
Let's shift gears now. I love your swag like you are trendy.
(laughs) Thanks a lot. Mostly I design what I want to wear. Dressing well makes one feel confident of him or herself. You are comfortable around people and this makes one productive
So where do you purchase most of your clothes?
Shazz beauty collection at Chuka Town. He's the best designer I know at the moment.
Campus girls are asking if you are dating someone?
(Laughs even louder)
No I'm not dating currently I'm just focused on dancing. I don't wanna rush in making the wrong decisions in life. Dance saved me from a life of debauchery. But of course time will come for that. I'm single and I'm proud of that.
Where do you see yourself in the next ten years or so?
There are many things that I want to achieve but mostly I want to change the society around me. I want to be the best at what I do
Anyone who wants to get in touch with you. Where can they find you?
Facebook - Brancon Bryo Membz
Instagram - Brian Membo
Phone/whatapp-0725436032
Do you have a life quote that you live by?
Hardwork, believe, behave and become
Now the obvious question which I always ask everyone I meet. Have you watched the Game of Thrones season 7?
Haha... Yes it's such a good movie but until you watch The black panther that's when you will know that The game of Thrones is overrated.
Your parting shot?
My challenge to Kenyan youths who want to join the dancing industry is to decide what they want most out of their careers. Decide if you want financial success, comfort or fame. Put God first and persist until you make it to where you want to be in life.
By Ben Mugambi
