Apr 15, 2024 6 Min Read
Andrew Gudah Man, also known as Gudah Man to his fans, is an incredibly talented musician, dancer, deejay, and hype man who helps get the crowd going at an event. He met with Buzz writer Mercy Kavutha to share his highs and lows in the industry, as well as why he is one to watch.
What do the terms 'Gudah Man' and 'Genje Worldwide' mean, and where did they come from?
Gudah is my real name, and Gudah Man is my stage name. Genje is a slang term that denotes something that is naturally good. Genje Worldwide is a creative community of dancers, and as the name implies, they are naturally good, genuine good people, with a loving family and a good church.
When did you become a hypeman?
I developed an interest in 2012, but decided to pursue it professionally in 2014.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
One thing I really enjoy is when I'm on stage and I look at my audience and realize I've made them forget about their problems for at least 15 minutes, and they leave feeling good and happy. My inspiration comes from the happiness I bring to those around me. Happiness inspires me to create hype.
What inspired you to create Genje?
God did. I believe God will encourage you as long as it is what He wants you to do. He will give you encouragement. There was this guy from the United States who came and planted the seed of hype in me, and he is still there today, providing me with any kind of support. Isn't it divine intervention when a stranger enters your life and directs your plans?
How long have you danced?
Funny thing is, I was terrible at dancing. In 2010, after finishing high school, I joined KKrew as a musician until I met Zionous Dancers, who introduced me to YouTube, where I discovered dance crews from other countries and decided to pursue them.
You've shared the stage with Sinach and Omarion, despite your lack of dance ability...
It's amazing, and I always tell people that if it's God's will, it's God's bill, and He will allow you to do things you thought were impossible at first. If God is in it, it is sufficient.
Sharing the stage with Sinach and other well-known celebrities has been an incredible experience, and I am grateful to God for making things happen for me.
Do you have any haters? How do you handle them?
I don't call them haters; instead, I refer to them as people who dislike what I do. The beauty of it is that they know and appreciate what I do and how good I am. I live a good, fulfilling life and pray for them.
Which style of dance do you specialize in?
It's primarily dancehall and African. I believe there is a significant difference between acrobatics and actual dance.
Dance is moving to music rhythmically, and for me, real dance is African pop and dancehall because I can move rhythmically to the beat, which allows you to better control crowds. Normal people cannot just perform summersaults and breakdances.
Your least favourite moments as a dancer?
I once fell off stage. Several times, the organisers failed to pay me what they promised after a good performance. There was also one occasion when people did not show up for an event.
Pambio, you recently launched a new television show. What is it all about?
Pambio, a gospel show featuring Djruff and Size 8, airs every Sunday. The show includes artists, a live audience, and dancers.
What is the most bothersome aspect of the job, despite the fame it brings?
Perceptions and expectations of people. I live in Kawangware, which is not a bad place, but most people expect me to live in Runda, Karen, or somewhere similar. Some expectations bother me so much. I'm just like everyone else, and people should understand that.
Who do you attribute your success to?
DJ Mozz, Njugush, DJ Soxxy, Kevin Mulei, DJ Johnny Celeb, Nairobi Chapel, Pastor Nick, Pastor Barrack, Genje Worldwide, and any other DJ who has been on this journey with me, to name a few.
Is Gudah Man taken?
Do you mean taken by Christ's love?
Just kidding; yes, I am seeing someone.
How do you spend your downtime?
I work out. I am a huge fitness enthusiast. A day at the gym also keeps the doctor away. I work out five days a week, Monday through Friday, with my focus on my arms, back, and abs.
I enjoy working out because it has become a part of my lifestyle, and being healthy makes me feel good about myself. Being in great shape also benefits the hype man's image.
What are your thoughts on competition? People are constantly comparing you to other hype artists.
I believe that as they grow, it will benefit both me and the industry. We don't compete; we complement one another.
We even interact with each other, offer advice, and encourage each other to grow.
We can't help but be pitted against one another because those are external forces, so we just do what we're supposed to do and move on.
What are your most memorable moments?
That must have been in 2013, when Groove Awards chose me to travel to Rwanda for one of their events. It was a very different environment, what with the language barrier and all, but the audience was fantastic, and we had a great time.
Challenges?
Finances. Just like every other artist out there. You start something but lack the funds to see it grow, and this is why many people give up on their dreams.
But I was fortunate to receive both financial and emotional support from my church and family. Also, when I first started, no one really understood what hype was. They assumed it was just someone coming to make a noise and then leaving. Frequently I felt judged and misunderstood.
The internet has been very helpful to you.
Very. Before I started making music, I didn't get any airplay on TV or radio, but the internet gave me a platform to sell anything, whether it was a new dance or music. It's essentially a media house for me, so I can post whatever I want; it's opened up so many opportunities not only in Kenya, but around the world.
I was voted one of Tanzania's three top hype men solely through social media. So I acknowledge that the internet is as important to my career as it is to any other.
What other career would you have pursued if you weren't doing what you do today?
I would have dedicated my entire career to music. My work has a strong musical component; I hype, dance, and play a variety of instruments. I sing and train vocally, so if it weren't for the hype, I'd devote all of my focus and energy to music.
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