Guitarist Kato Change Details Intense Prep for Sharing Stage with Kenny G

The ‘One Night Only with Kenny G’ concert at the Nairobi KICC on 27 September was a major event. Kenyan guitarist Kato Change was tasked with warming the stage for the Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and his crew.

Ahead of his set, Change spoke exclusively with Mpasho’s Kalondu Musyimi about the massive effort required for the performance.

The Intense Preparation

The preparation for the high-profile show involved extensive work behind the scenes. Change confirmed that a significant amount of coordination was necessary.

He detailed the different elements that required synchronisation. This included coordinating with the lights team, the screens personnel, and the sound guys.

He also mentioned numerous band rehearsals leading up to the concert night.

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In addition to technical preparations, Change undertook promotional work. He shared that he had to go on a media tour before the event.

“A lot of band rehearsals happened, coordinating with lights team, coordinating with the screens, coordinating with sound guys, doing a media tour. So, a lot a lot went into what tonight will be,” Kato Change revealed.

Warming Up for the Main Man

Kato Change’s set was scheduled to be brisk. He revealed that he would only have a 45-minute set. The show was designed to be "in and out" as he warmed the stage for Kenny G.

“But I'll just have a 45-minute set. So, it's going to be in and out just warming the stage for Kenny G and his crew.”

Fans attending the concert were promised an interesting musical blend. Change’s performance style was described as music mixed with jazz.

He assured the audience that they could expect “good vibes and good times”.

Change was visibly excited to perform alongside the iconic American musician. He confirmed that he was looking forward to the entire night.

READ ALSO: What Nairobi Fans Had to Say About Kenny G’s Nostalgic Performance

He also noted his excitement to see Costa Baba Africa perform.

“Of course, Kenny G and Coster Baba Africa. So, yeah, I'm excited for the whole night, not just one point of it. I'm excited for my set for Costa set and the main man himself.”

Emotional Surprise Steals the Show

While the music was the main attraction, one moment defined the night for the guitarist. After finishing his 45-minute performance, Change, who was dressed in a sharp cream suit, joined the MCs Lotan and Cess Mutungi on stage.

The hosts had collaborated with the organisers to plan a carefully orchestrated surprise.

A woman in a black-and-white cocktail dress walked onto the stage. Change immediately realised it was his mother. She had flown in from the United States, where she currently lives.

Change’s composure broke as he rushed into his mother’s arms. The pair shared a long, emotional hug as the crowd responded with thunderous applause.The emotional reunion left many guests visibly touched, with some reportedly crying.

When asked when they had last met, Change softly replied that he had seen her “earlier this year”. His mother expressed her pride, saying: “I’m so proud and happy to be here”.