Inside the making of Nakuru-based Inka sound band

‎‎The Inka Sound Band, a fast-rising group from Nakuru, is redefining the local live music scene with its unique fusion of sound and youthful energy. 

‎‎The band consists of six talented members: vocalist Newton Kiprono; drummer Jayson Ndung’u; lead guitarist Martin Kimani; vocalist Tisha Luganji; keyboardist Steve Irungu; and bassist Victor Oroba.

‎‎Their journey began in 2021, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Kiprono, who initially performed solo at the PinkCity Reaction Event, realized that the growing audience needed a fuller sound. 

‎‎“I used to perform solo in the PinkCity Reaction Event, but the event grew big and there was the need to form a band, so that’s why I called a few people I knew and we formed the band,” he explains.

‎‎Even though the members had never performed together before, their personal connections made blending musically much easier. 

‎‎“We practiced for about a month or two before the event, and since we already knew each other personally—like one knowing a drummer or guitarist—it was easy to connect,” Kiprono adds.

‎‎Ndung'u says their chemistry during the first gig was undeniable, prompting the team to make the band official. 

‎‎“We thought, why not just continue as a band and launch it officially so we can get more gigs?” Ndung’u recalls.

‎‎But the early days came with challenges. Nakuru had limited performance venues for bands, and not every member was immediately ready to commit fully. 

‎‎Tisha notes that convincing event organizers to give them a chance was another hurdle. To stand out, they developed creative concepts. 

‎‎“It was the concept of what we were doing that made us sell our band to event organizers. We also started hosting our own events where people paid at the gate to watch us perform,” she says.

‎‎Attracting a paying audience was difficult, but the band viewed free shows as marketing opportunities. Kimani emphasizes that staying true to their sound helped define who they were. 

‎‎“We started with a different sound, and that’s why we called it Inka Sounds,” he says.

‎‎Oroba adds that the group’s balance comes from open communication and mutual respect, with each member encouraged to express themselves as artists. 

‎‎Irungu explains that the band now practices twice a week and treats music as a full-time career. 

‎‎“We perform at Wave XO on Wednesdays, Hideout Lounge in Kiamunyi on Sundays, Leiyan Grill in Naivasha on Thursdays, and Kettle House in Eldoret on Fridays,” he says.

‎‎They have also shared stages with top Kenyan artists, including Avril, Wyre, and Nameless. “Being called to perform is always a highlight because it shows people believe in us,” Irungu says.

‎‎Tisha reflects on the values that keep them going: discipline, hard work, and perseverance. 

‎‎“It’s not easy to do a show and not get paid, but those values keep us going,” she shares.

‎Looking ahead, Inka Sound Band hopes to expand by hosting more events, producing original music, and eventually opening a music school to nurture young talent.

As they continue to rise, the band remains deeply grateful to their fans and supporters.