Viola Karuri dropped her debut studio album back in 2008 without any features at all. Photo credit: Instagram/violakaruri
Viola Karuri dropped her debut studio album back in 2008 without any features at all. Photo credit: Instagram/violakaruri

Viola Karuri celebrates debut studio album ‘Everything’ 15 years after dropping It

Viola Karuri's debut studio album which was self produced and a live album opened doors for her big time!

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6 mins read

It has been almost 15 years since Viola Karuri graced the music world with her debut studio album titled ‘Everything,’ marking the beginning of her eventful journey as a professional musician.

This significant milestone in her career calls for celebration as she reminisces about the journey that led to the creation of this remarkable album.

As fans eagerly join in the commemoration, Viola Karuri shared some lesser-known facts about ‘Everything’ that showcase her talent and dedication as an artiste.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the album is that Viola self-produced it, a rare feat for a debut album.

Her hands-on approach to the production allowed her to infuse every track with her unique musical vision.

The ‘Everything’ studio project is also a live album, with all the instruments being played live during the recording process.

This decision brought a sense of raw authenticity to the music, capturing the energy and emotions of each performance.

The album comprises 12 songs, each carefully crafted to showcase Viola’s vocal prowess and songwriting skills.

Viola Karuri showing her physical copy of her debut studio album dubbed 'Everything' which was officially dropped in 2008. She says this album opened doors for him not only in Kenya but across the East African region, especially Tanzania. Photo credit: Instagram/violakaruri
Viola Karuri showing her physical copy of her debut studio album dubbed ‘Everything’ which was officially dropped in 2008. She says this album opened doors for him not only in Kenya but across the East African region, especially Tanzania. Photo credit: Instagram/violakaruri
Viola Karuri showing her physical copy of her debut studio album dubbed 'Everything' which was officially dropped in 2008. She says this album opened doors for him not only in Kenya but across the East African region, especially Tanzania. Photo credit: Instagram/violakaruri
Viola Karuri showing her physical copy of her debut studio album dubbed ‘Everything’ which was officially dropped in 2008. She says this album opened doors for him not only in Kenya but across the East African region, especially Tanzania. Photo credit: Instagram/violakaruri
Viola Karuri showing her physical copy of her debut studio album dubbed 'Everything' which was officially dropped in 2008. She says this album opened doors for him not only in Kenya but across the East African region, especially Tanzania. Photo credit: Instagram/violakaruri
Viola Karuri showing her physical copy of her debut studio album dubbed ‘Everything’ which was officially dropped in 2008. She says this album opened doors for him not only in Kenya but across the East African region, especially Tanzania. Photo credit: Instagram/violakaruri
Viola Karuri showing her physical copy of her debut studio album dubbed 'Everything' which was officially dropped in 2008. She says this album opened doors for him not only in Kenya but across the East African region, especially Tanzania. Photo credit: Instagram/violakaruri
Viola Karuri showing her physical copy of her debut studio album dubbed ‘Everything’ which was officially dropped in 2008. She says this album opened doors for him not only in Kenya but across the East African region, especially Tanzania. Photo credit: Instagram/violakaruri

What sets ‘Everything’ apart from many contemporary albums is the absence of featured artistes. Viola decided to let her voice and musical style take center stage, giving listeners an opportunity to experience her talent in its purest form.

Among the tracks on the album, The ‘Nakupenda’ single emerged as the standout hit, resonating with audiences across the globe.

In Tanzania, Viola became affectionately known as ‘Viola wa Nakupenda,’ a testament to the song’s popularity in the region.

Its success not only propelled Viola’s career to new heights but also earned her a dedicated fanbase that has remained loyal over the years.

For any artiste, completing an album marks a pivotal moment in their career. Viola reveals that the process of creating ‘Everything’ demanded everything from her – emotionally, professionally, physically, and even spiritually. It became a labor of love that required unwavering dedication and passion for her craft. The result was an album that continues to touch the hearts of listeners, even after 15 years.

To celebrate the album’s release, Viola Karuri organized two grand events. The first took place in Boston and New York in October 2008, captivating international audiences with her soulful melodies and captivating stage presence.

The success of these shows paved the way for her to return home to Nairobi for the second event in September 2009. The homecoming show was nothing short of spectacular, with fans showing unwavering support for their beloved artist.

‘Everything’ remains a timeless reminder to Viola Karuri’s artistry and dedication to her craft.

As she celebrates the 15th anniversary of her debut album, she looks back on the journey that began with this musical masterpiece and the growth and evolution she has experienced since then.

Her music continues to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide, and ‘Everything’ will forever hold a special place in the hearts of her fans.

In an industry that often sees artistes come and go, Viola Karuri’s enduring legacy and the impact of ‘Everything’ serve as a reminder of the power of music to transcend time and connect people across generations.

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we eagerly anticipate the musical gems Viola will grace us with in the years to come.

Here’s to 15 years of ‘Everything’ and to the limitless potential of Viola Karuri as she continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of music.

Stream one of the most powerful studio albums dubbed ‘Everything’ that’s a true definition of a solo studio album, no features and all.

Stream the project right below on your preferred DSP;

I love everybody who loves everybody, somebody got to love somebody at some point.
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