Mary Favour: The Soulful Voice Redefining Mombasa’s Music Scene

About a month ago, Ess Waceke had the pleasure of chatting with Mary Favour, a vibrant music artist from Mombasa. At the time, she was preparing for her sold-out live show, Safarii. Known for her soulful melodies and captivating performances, Mary has a unique ability to transport her audience to a place of pure joy and connection.

Mary Favour: The Soulful Voice Redefining Mombasa’s Music Scene
Mary Favour

Who is Mary Favour 

Mary Favour is a gifted music artist from Mombasa, celebrated for her soulful performances and heartfelt melodies. Known for headlining sold-out shows like Safarii, she uses her music to connect deeply with audiences, highlighting African narratives and spreading joy. Her talent and passion make her a standout in Mombasa’s music scene.

What inspired you to start making music?

Honestly, it came from going through different phases in life and looking for specific songs that spoke to my experiences. I often found that I couldn’t quite find the right songs that reflected my feelings or the seasons I was in. So, I decided to start writing music that could reflect my journey and the experiences I’ve been through.

What do you hope people will get out of your music?

I write music that highlights African experiences and centers African narratives. My goal is to depict the stories and journeys of African people, specifically. I also write songs that explore navigating the world as a young African.

When someone listens to my music, I hope they feel seen, heard, and understood. I hope my songs bring joy and remind people that they are not alone in this universe. My music is meant to inspire resilience—helping listeners feel like they have what it takes to overcome challenges—while also allowing them to see the beauty in life. I create music that makes people feel.

What is your songwriting process like?

This is such a great question. Many people don’t realize how much work goes into writing a song. You might hear one minute or five minutes of music, but the process behind it can take weeks, months, or even years. For example, I wrote a chorus in 2020 but didn’t finish the verses for that song until 2022. On the other hand, there are songs I’ve written in one sitting.

When I work on socially conscious projects, my process begins with a lot of research. I like to immerse myself in the subject I’m writing about, understanding its nuances. Then, I start writing the lyrics. I ask myself: “What am I trying to say?” and “What do I want people to feel?”

The second question—what I want people to feel—guides the melody and tone of the song. After that, I think about the instrumentation and how the instruments can enhance the mood.

Sometimes, I start with the melody and add the lyrics later. Other times, I do it the other way around. It really varies!

What is your most memorable live show?

Oh, I like this question. My most memorable live show is Safari. Earlier this year, in April, I self-produced a show called Safari. It was a headlining event where I launched my music to Mombasa, and it sold out a week before the event. It was truly memorable because of the people—the energy they brought made it unforgettable. We had so much fun dancing, laughing, and connecting.

Can you tell us more about Dark Abyss?

Dark Abyss is a song that raises awareness about mental health struggles and illnesses. Many young people today are facing mental health challenges, and I felt it was important to create music that reflects the times we live in.

This song aims to help listeners understand what people with mental health issues go through. At the same time, it provides a voice for those struggling to ask for help. Some of the lyrics were specifically written as a way for listeners to reach out for support.

Ultimately, I wrote Dark Abyss to uplift those going through mental health crises, to help them feel seen and heard, and to offer comfort. I hope the song can even be shared as a message or cry for help by someone in need.

Do you have any upcoming shows?

Thank you so much for coming to Pwani Got Talent! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed my performance, and I really appreciate your feedback.

Actually, I do have a show coming up this week! It’s happening on Saturday, November 30, and it will be my last solo concert of 2024. The event will take place at the Africa Nomads Art Space starting at 5:30 PM. Tickets are already selling out fast, so I’m inviting everyone who’s looking for a space filled with laughter, good music, connection, and positive vibes to join us.

I love doing solo shows because I get to curate unique, meaningful experiences for my audience.

Is there an album in the making?

Yes! I have an EP coming up soon, which will likely premiere in 2025. It’s called Safari, and it features music I’ve been creating over the last three years. If you’ve attended any of my shows, you might have already heard one or two songs that will be on this EP. I’m so excited to share it with the world!

What challenges have you encountered in your career?

At the beginning of my career, my biggest challenge was understanding the music industry in Kenya. The industry here is still young, and processes are not streamlined. Information about how it works is fragmented, so you really have to dig deep and figure things out yourself.

Another challenge is that, as a female artist, I’ve realized there aren’t many women in Mombasa creating and performing their own music. From writing to performing, the space is very male-dominated, and being a prominent female voice in such an industry can be tough.

Additionally, as a concert curator, producer, and founder of the Wayo collective, it’s been challenging to find partners to invest in the music industry in Mombasa. I believe the city has incredible talent, but we need to rethink how we support emerging artists. One way I try to help is by creating platforms like Myra Tales, where new artists can showcase their work. However, finding the right collaborators for these efforts continues to be a challenge.

What was your parents’ reaction when you told them you wanted to pursue music?

I was lucky to have a lot of support. My mom has always been very encouraging of my music career. I grew up in a musical family and have been singing since I was a little girl, so transitioning into the music industry felt like a natural path for me.

In my family, no one forces you to take a specific career path like engineering or accounting—you’re allowed to choose your own direction. I’m really fortunate to have grown up in an environment where my family supports my passion. They even attend my shows quite often, which means a lot to me.

Of course, there was some initial fear about whether this path would be sustainable, but I’m grateful for the encouragement I’ve received.

What would you be doing if it weren’t for your music career?

Oh, this is interesting! I think I would be working in branding because I love telling stories. Branding is such a creative way to share the stories of people, institutions, and organizations.

Or, I would probably be traveling all over the world! I love experiencing new cultures, meeting people from different walks of life, and trying new foods. I would definitely be hopping from one country to another, immersing myself in unique ways of living.

I think I’d do something connected to travel and exploration—learning new languages, visiting countries where I don’t even understand the local language, and connecting with people in meaningful ways. Life is all about experiences and perspectives, and I enjoy looking at it through different lenses.

What is your all-time favorite song?

To be honest, I listen to so many songs, and my favorite changes depending on my mood or the season of life I’m in.

That said, one artist I consistently turn to, whether I’m happy, stressed, or emotional, is Angela Chibalonza. I grew up as a church girl listening to a lot of gospel music, and her voice has always been so soothing to me.

I don’t have a single favorite song, as I’m always exploring new genres and artists, but Angela Chibalonza’s music is something I always come back to.