ONE ON ONE: Gilad Millo on why he wants to work with Khaligraph and how corona virus changed his life

Gilad Millo needs no introduction. The diplomat-turned-musician has treated us to some dope love ballads that will be played for many decades. Of course my favourite is Unajua which he did with Wendy Kimani circa 2015.

Also read: Gilad Millo is living proof that nothing is as important as passion

Anyway, we called Gilad up a few days ago to talk bout his latest track titled Mawingu (spare some time and check it out), his short hiatus, who he wants to work with, how things have changed after the novel corona virus etc.

Gilad Millo
Gilad Millo

Gilad told Ghafla that although he is not getting shows – due to the movement restrictions that have imposed by the government to protect its citizens from COVID -19 – there is something good that he gained during lock-down.

Apparently, the musician had been struggling with a writer’s block and when the government put strict measures in place to reduce unnecessary movements, he got holed up in his house writing and was able to pen down 4 jams.

“For many months I wasn’t sure what to write about. I didn’t even pick my guitar but then when the government put measures in place to reduce unnecessary movement, things got quiet at night – because of the curfew – I would go to my balcony and write. I was able to write 4 songs,” he explained.

Gilad Millo
Gilad Millo

Gilad urged music fans to look forward to his next releases because they will be worth their time since he has gotten his groove back after a short hiatus (he released his last song titled Sitaki Mwingine in November last year).

He says that he’d love to work with Khaligraph Jones and Nyashinski in future, adding that their styles would blend so well on a track. However, he is not sure whether he is even on their radar.

Listen to the full interview below.

Gilad says “I am just a kawaida guy”

Gilad says “I am just a kawaida guy” in his new single Kawaida. The former Israel diplomat has taken in Swahili language in his artwork. His song kawaida is just so amazing from the vocals. Kawaida means ordinary and in this song it is all about an ordinary guy. Also, the song is presented in Swahili and English dialects.

Gilad Millo; Kawaida guy artist

Production of Kawaida

Production of Kawaida is a collaboration of several minds. Music & Lyrics has been done by  Gilad.  Audio was Produced by Linksyd Entertainment  and the Guitar by Omer Millo. Also the  additional Vocals was the work of  Dana Kobanda. The  Music Video was Shot and produced by CJPixels. Clearly it is a great team that has given the song a very fine touch. Further, the video and audio are in sync. In addition, the video is of international standards. Although it is a simple video, the shots say a lot.

Lyrical Presentation

The Lyrics to this song are just amazing. Gilad has delivered them so well that I am sure you will want to sing a long the lines. Look at the introduction, Gilad is so creative. “Kaa kando yangu hold my hand  There’s no need for all the noise, baina yetu  Kaa kando yangu, understand There can only be love, baina yetu Yeah yah yeah, yeah yeah yeah Yeah yeah yeah, baina yetu.” It simply says ,Sit next to me, hold my hand.  There’s no need for all the noise between us, Sit next to me, understand. There can only be love, between us. If men were true and displayed honesty like it is in this verse, we would be in the moon.

Also in this verse; “And if we try yeah, pamoja we could touch the sky yeah, I’m just a kawaida guy.” Actually my best line in this song. So simple and clear. It brings out the songs title Kawaida. The song has several artistic styles used.

The song has a wide range of audience. It is culminating and easy to listen to in whatever mood one is in. Gets a rating of 7/10. Although Gilad is not a Kenyan by birth, his music makes him Kenyan by assimilation.