Meet Iguassu AC, a 'Mzungu' Who Speaks, Sings in Five Kenyan Languages

Iguassu AC came to Kenya from South America in 2010 with the sole aim of exploring his music passion but ended up integrating himself into the Kenyan culture.

Today, the Venezuelan-born artist says he can speak and sing in different local languages including Swahili. 

In a recent interview with Tuko TV, the singer, composer, actor, art director, model, dancer, lawyer (expert in international public law), preacher and sportsman said he understands at least seven Kenyan dialects among them Swahili Kikuyu, Kamba, Kisii, Luo, Luhya, and Kalenjin.

"I can speak and sing in Kikuyu, Kamba, Kisii, Luo, Luhya, and Kalenjin. My favorite song is Emoyo which was sung in Kikuyu but I have translated it into the other four languages," he said.

He says his motivation to learn local languages began after he paid some Kenyans to teach him how to speak Swahili only to later learn he was having Kikuyu lessons.

He made the discovery when he went to a shop and addressed the grocer in Kikuyu thinking he was speaking Swahili. He does not regret this though.

Iguassu has done songs in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese among other languages. In one of his albums, “Golden Kenya” he sings in different Kenyan vernaculars such as Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, and Kalenjin.

He mentioned mutura served with ugali and hot pepper as his favorite Kenyan dish. "I have tasted several local meals and I like them but my favorite is mutura and I first tasted it seven years ago. I love it up to date." 

Here is a video of his interview with Tuko TV; https://youtu.be/bZw6WtBb-6M