'Nataka tu Mkale': Meet Kalenjin stars behind viral hit song

While speaking to Citizen Digital, the artists Tugen Finest and Director D say that they, initially, did not intend to record the song and release it as a single, only saying that they were experimenting with a fresh comedic  sound, which eventually became a national hit.

"We did not plan on recording the song. It was just a simply freestyle we did for Tiktok. We just recorded something simple on the phone and then posted it on Tiktok. We had already done similar viral sounds before and this was not any different. But suddenly, it blew up in ways we couldn't imagine, " Director D says.

The one-half of the comedic duo went on to reveal that an Eldoret-based music producer called Tsunami approached them with the idea of repackaging the viral clip into a song, promising to foot all studio bills.

"Tsunami told us that this would make a great song and encouraged us to go at it. He then offered to record the song for us in his studio for free and also footed the music video's expenses. He encouraged us to take advantage of how popular the sound had become and capitalise on it," Director D reveals.

On her part, Tugen Finest revealed that the idea just came to her one day and when she shared it with her partner, they both reworked it, fine-tuned it and released it as a Titkok comedy clip.

"It wasn't merely my idea. It was both of ours. I would play the female part, yearning for a romantic Kalenjin man and he would come in playing the male role, it worked perfectly and we just decided to go with it," she revealed.

Released just four weeks ago, the song has already clocked an impressive 838,000 views on YouTube and has amassed hundreds of thousands of hits on Titkok too, where it has been the number one Challenge for the last one month.

"We did not anticipate the kind of reaction this song would get. We are grateful to our fans for this kind of support. But also, mostly to Tsunami who encouraged us to hit the studio and give the sound a fresh vibe..." Director D says.

The duo also says that, besides Eric Omondi, they would love to also work with Stevo Simple Boy.

"Stevo Simple Boy has been the one person we both would like to work with most," the pair agrees. "He's creative, funny and he resonates with our type of content."

While speaking of the popular refrain 'Wuchanee', Director D revealed that it actually means 'Me, Please', as a lot of Kenyans have not only been mispronouncing it but also been getting perplexed over its actual meaning.

"'Wuchanee' can easily be translated to 'Me, Please'. When Tugen says 'Nataka Mkale', I join the chorus by begging her to pick me. I'm longing to be the ideal man she wants, and that's how the word is applied and means. Also, a lot of Kenyans have been mispronouncing it, which is hilarious anyway since the song is of comedic nature, " Director D reveals.

Despite their song's massive popularity, the duo admits that they've not yet started reaping big from their sweat, but that there are several shows that have been lined up already.

"We're not yet rolling in cash...although some establishments have reached out to us and booked us for shows. I'm sure doors will eventually open soon," Tugen Finest says with a smile.

Can Kenyans expect more? "Yes, definitely!" Director D states. "We are already working on more material, more comedy and more music. But Kenyans should remember that we are comedians first, and we just try to fuse music into our comedy. So, they should look out for more explosive material!"

Catch the WHOLE interview by clicking on the EXCLUSIVE video above.