Biz Lounge: How saxophonists are cashing in on Nakuru’s live music boom

Dennis Nyaga alias "Chamberz" is a saxophonist in Nakuru.
In Nakuru, two young creatives are proving that talent and business can blend together as effortlessly as a Sunday evening jazz session. For Dennis Nyaga better known by his stage name, Chamberz and Pierson Derrick Malingo, the saxophone is not just an instrument; it is the foundation of a growing enterprise.
Although they are at different stages in their careers, both musicians share the same philosophy: that music can be both art and business.
Chamberz's journey began in 2018. After years of playing the drums and keyboard in local bands, a bandmate offered him a saxophone to borrow, along with lessons and weekend practice time. When the band disbanded a year later, he decided to take the leap and focus on mastering the saxophone.
“What began as a hobby turned into something much bigger. My turning point came when I performed at the Midland Hotel and earned my first Sh15,000 gig. That’s when I realised I could make a living from this," he says.
Today, Chamberz performs regularly at the Sarova Woodlands hotel, at private events and at major shows in Nakuru such as Naxhouse, where he charges from Sh20,000 per gig.
Beyond performing, he has built an additional income stream through his music school, where he mentors aspiring instrumentalists, a model that combines artistry and entrepreneurship.
He acknowledges that Nakuru’s entertainment market can be tough, but says that consistency and personal branding have helped him stand out.
“It’s all about knowing your audience and positioning yourself as a professional,” he says.
For Pierson Malingo, his saxophone journey started later, in 2023. Already a musician and vocalist, he was inspired to take up the saxophone after attending the Safaricom Jazz Festival, where the energy of the live performances sparked a new dream.
Malingo is mostly self-taught, but he also trained under a local saxophone veteran. He started out practising on borrowed instruments before finally buying a second-hand saxophone for Sh60,000 after a year of saving.
Today, he performs at the Serena Hotel in Elementaita and at private events, charging up to Sh35,000 for a three-hour set. He says that playing the saxophone can be profitable if you have the right mindset.
“When you get the right crowd and the right music, it pays well,” he explains, adding that maintenance costs and physical endurance are some of the challenges instrumentalists face.
Both Chamberz and Malingo believe that Nakuru’s audience is slowly developing a deeper appreciation of live instrumental performances. They also see growing opportunities at weddings, corporate functions and high-end events — markets that value premium live entertainment experiences.
Their stories highlight an important lesson for young creatives: with the right strategy, branding and resilience, art can evolve into a sustainable business.
“Believe in yourself that’s where success begins,” says Chamberz.
Through their passion and professionalism, the two saxophonists are redefining Nakuru’s music culture and inspiring a new generation of creative entrepreneurs to view their craft as a viable business opportunity.