Born in northern Burundi, Kidums’ love for music started way before other kids of his age could tell 6 from 9. At just 10 years, he started playing drums and by 12 he had joined an active band where he honed his skills for six years. Today, anyone watching him on stage or listening to his latest album can confirm this guy was born to make music.

Exiled by genocide that ravaged his home nation of Burundi in 1994, Kidum found himself in refugee status destined for Kakuma refugee camp. This is where most of his country-mates ended up, in the punishing scorching climate of Northern Kenya. But not Kidum. He would not let fate format his destiny; he would stick to the city where he was more of an intruder than a guest and somehow seek to craft it himself.

Ultimately, his resilience and hard work paid off. In 1995, he joined the Hot Rod Band, a high-riding live band that had maneuvered its popularity to the peak right when live music was the in-thing. This would be Kidum’s platform until 2003. In 2004, he formed his own band, the Boda Boda Band which today, Nairobi clubs are jostling to have as part of their entertainment master show.  To many fans, his music is like a brand new toy, that no kid will let go.

With 3 albums and a fourth one on its way, Kidum live gigs are a must attend. His voice is loaded, compelling, and will for sure awe the listener.  He is East Africa’s musician of the moment, more so confirmed after he scooped the Best East African artiste during the annual Kilimanjaro Awards in Tanzania this year. As such, his performances are infectious, keeping his diary full with at least four weekly live performances around Nairobi.  

On Saturday nights though, anyone seeking music that speaks to the soul, will find him at the blissful Rangers Restaurant.  With its homely and African décor, Ranger’s is the only place in town where guests wine and dine in the company of wild animals, and Kidum’s music completes a perfect evening repose.

This particular Saturday, I arrive late, confirming how Nairobi traffic can be unforgiving, regardless of the day of the week.  But I am just in time to hear my favorite hit, ‘Haturudi Nyuma’, a song that has the ability to spark love emotion in an instant. It’s a musical marvel he has collaborated with Uganda’s Juliana to produce. The crowd, a blend of young and old, is enjoying every beat of the tune. Visibly, everyone is having a good time, and a good chunk of the crowd is in another world, teeming to every word.
With each passing minute, fans are craving for more and I notice all other restaurant activities have clearly taken a back seat; no more than music is renting the air. Kidum’s band performance is like a journey to a place you’ve heard of, but never been to. His songs are a collection of Kiswahili and Kirundi. The message in each is genuine, told in the sincerest of voices. It’s a perfect realization that music respects no boundaries; good music speaks to the soul.  

As the show concludes late in the night, it’s evident that all emotions have been stroked. Despite the fact that fans would cherish to have him go on, it’s done, finished.  It’s an evening well spent.