Month: February 2012

He is one of the best Gospel musicians right now and also turning out to be among the most celebrated. His lyrics are funny and entertaining. He knows how to play with words, both in and out of the studio.

His latest track, ‘katikia Yesu’ featuring Mutua is now on many’s playlist. I have researched and found out that it the most viewed, liked, discussed and top favorited Kenyan music video on Youtube.

This simply means that it is the fans’ choice.

Watch it right here and you’ll understand why.

Bamzigi came back to the Kenyan music scene with a new flow and genre of his own. He immediately dropped awesome hits, among them, and my personal favourite, ‘Sitaki’. And with it came a new sensation with the name I.T.

This ain’t the computer stuff. No, not at all. He is a fresh artiste that does rap and R&B. It’s about time we had more R&B singers in Kenya.

I.T might just be Ogopa’s latest secret weapon as he has recorded most of his songs with them. He has also featured in other Bamzigi tracks.

Watch out for I.T… #3050Muzik.

Check out ‘sitaki’ below.

At first when I saw this on Youtube, I couldn’t resist clicking. Then I was glad I did. Uploaded by MathareTV(I’m not so sure who they are), this is indeed a creative piece from these crazy artists.

Tom applies swagged out vibes on his female companion and by the looks of things, he might just hit that.

Saying any more would ruin everything for you. Check it out.

 If you ever thought that language is a barrier then you are wrong as Jeff King has defied this by dropping another hot

 gospel Luhya  track titled ‘Omusango kwanje’ featuring Man Ingwe and Rufftone.

The video has a rural setting as it was shot in western Kenya giving the song the Luhya feeling and the dancing styles in this track are the best as they strictly keep it local.

The sensational gospel singer Rufftone is famously known for his Luhya tunes like ‘mwikulu’ and his given the song the much needed hype while Man Ingwe brings the humour.

This is a song that can be listen by everyone regardless your tribe as you will love the song. This is a job well done by these great men.

Kenyan music is just getting better and more exciting by the day. With all the fusion of genres going on, creativity will not seize.

Octopizzo and Antoneosoul have now collaborated to fuse Afro Soul and Hip Hop. The track titled ‘TOBOA’ will definitely take us by storm.

They are currently putting the finishing touches on the video, and as soon as it’s released, you will find it ghafla on Ghafla!

Everyone was surprised the day Homeboyz Radio 91.5 FM shifted base abruptly on the 26th of January 2012.

The shift also seemed to catch the occupant of the frequency they were shifting to, sister station Uptown 91.1 FM, off guard as they wrote their last update through G Money on Facebook:

We share your disappointment in Uptown 91.1fm going off air. The Uptown team worked tirelessly over 2 years to bring you the best mixes, dj’s and dancehall music. Going off air, for us, has been the hardest thing ever. The reality is that as much as you may want to hate on HBR for taking the frequency, if there was no HBR, Uptown wouldn’t have existed in the first place. They have been the realest Big Brother station, paying our bills, when the radio industry didn’t believe in us, or our music.

Read the full statement here >>

Homeboyz Radio (now 91.1 FM) attributed the move to ‘technical hitches’ as representative Alph Rabar stated that the move was to get ‘a clearer signal and go broader in reach’.

Other speculators however said that a business deal had gone sour between radio owners the Rabar brothers and the frequency owner, Sir Henry. This resulted in the station being ‘kicked out’ of the frequency and HB Radio having no option but to nudge out Uptown FM.

Sources now say that the frequency 91.5 has now been bought over by the family of one politician, Henry Kosgey. Interestingly, the family also runs the other young urban Barclays Plaza based station, One FM 97.1FM.

Its an interesting trend we are seeing as politicians begin to take over local media outlets. What’s your take on this?

Remember Makmende?… Of course you do. How could anyone forget him. He is a legend. First seen in a music video titled ‘HAHE’ by Just A Band, he has since then been leaving a trail of injured goons far and wide. Nyeri women have nothing on this guy.

It is this trail of justice that led two unfortunate reporters to the temporary house of the Afro warrior who has mastered various arts of war, years back. Be not fooled… Makmende is real. A hero among us.

This video contains the last footage shot by these brave reporters before they disappeared…… or did they?…

The sensational DJ kaytrixx will be shooting the final part of his documentary titled

‘my life as a Kenyan DJ’ tonight at club Changes. The documentary is all about his life as a DJ and will be out soon.

He is also scheduled to leave the country tomorrow for a one month Africa tour where he is expected to perform in various countries.

 DJ Mr. T will be taking over from Kytrixx as the `Straight up live` DJ while he will be away. Kaytrixx urged his fans to support Mr. T .

The two DJs were members of the CodeRed before Kaytrix called it quits and decided to go solo.

Arguably one of the most established ‘underground’ DeeJays in Kenya, DJ Simple Simon is well  known to the 90s generation for his Jam Sessions at both Florida 2000 and Club Nyanza.

The prolific on-the-decks maestro has been doing his thing for over a decade, and his fans will be delighted to know that he just dropped THREE massive mixtapes. He is currently signed with Supremacy Sounds

Theres Riddim Up, the 28th installment, Kenyan Volume 10 and a dash of Tanzanian flavour with Bongo Invasion Volume 3.

Download Kenyan Volume 10 HERE

Download Riddim Up 28 HERE

Download Bongo Invasion Volume 3 HERE

Nonini saw the suffering that persons with albinism go through, from discrimination to murder, and could take it no longer. Like many Kenyans, he would have just said, “Let’s stop all this. Let’s love one another”, but he clearly knew that that would not help a soul. Instead of talking, he actually did something about it. Something we should try more often (actually DOING stuff).

First, he had to create the awareness, so he did a collaboration with musician Christine Apondi on the track ‘Colour kwa Face’. After that, the message was visible even to the blind. Here are the lyrics to the song.

A campaign was then launched to aid those with albinism that cannot meet the costs of the sunscreen that contributes a great deal to their day to day life.

So, to quickly contribute to this very good and corruption-free cause, simply download the song ‘Colour kwa Face’ on Safaricom network by dialing *510*104# courtesy of www.bestngoma.co.ke.

This year looks even more brighter for the award winning band Sauti sol as they are set to perform in one of the world`s greatest

music convention held in Austin Texas, USA.

This event dubbed ‘the south by south west ‘music festival will be in March and it will feature bands from all around the world including our very own Just A Band.

This comes after Sauti Sol returned back from Mali where they staged a thrilling performance at the 8^TH edition of the Festival on the Niger River held in Segou city. Read related story of their Mali tour here.

The band is currently preparing themselves for this event and we hope they will represent the country together with Just A Band to their level best.

As the song ‘yuka’ propelled them to make a mark in the music industry Kagomaz have

recorded a new single titled ‘feelange’ which will be released after they are through with the video.

This time Kagomaz want to have a quality video and this have made them look for Adam Juma`s services. The Tanzanian producer is in the country for the video shooting as his the one directing the video. He is the best video producer in Tanzania and he has worked with renowned artiste like TMK, Diamond, Hussein Machozi, and TID.

Lets wait for the song as the Kagomaz have promised that it will be the song of the year.

Ogopa Deejays producer Lucas has landed himself a lucrative deal as he will be the one who will produce for

Tanzania`s sensational rappers  AY and FA`s new song which they will be teaming up with Jamaica`s finest Tanto Metro and Devonte who are popularly known for their hit single ‘I have news for you’.

The artistes have not yet decided the song title but already the recordings have started. The bridge and chorus will be done by the Jamaican duo while AY and FA will be rapping.

We hope producer Lucas will fly the Kenyan flag high with this deal and also show that we have good music producers in the country. You have set the pace so let other producers emulate you. 

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This is good news for Kenyans as the 2012 single ‘Make A Change’ will be a collaboration of Jamaica`s finest who include

Cecile, Alaine, Christopher Martine, Sheriata Lewis, Mavado, Gentleman and Lush and it will be exclusively released first in the country.

The ‘Make A Change’ campaign deals with improving health care, education, famine relief, clean water and youth economic development through opportunities for African citizen.

Word is that international rapper/ dancer Lush is in the country for the campaign launch.  Luch has worked with big producers like Jazzy Pha and Soulshock (they are the one who discovered Ciara).

When it comes to lyrics, Abbas Kubaff might just murder you with his lava spits. Fast and accurate is his utter. Born to hold the mic and make others feel like they ain’t rapping. He hit us hard with huge tracks like ‘toklezea’, ‘Sharabbas’ and the club banger ‘get down’.

Serving us with hot lyrics on a musical plate, Abbas has dropped another track titled ‘safari na hii’. Generally rapping about music and how far he has come in the industry, he does this song with the passion that you always pick up in all his songs and freestyles. Mad energy. Get the lyrics here.

After shooting the ‘toklezea’ video which is soon to be released, he will also shoot the video for this track which will both be available here at Ghafla! when released.
Here is the track(below).

The talented rapper of the hit single ‘bangaiza’ has released another hot single

‘yesterdays’ from the Album ‘ORUTU YA MASUDI’ which he expect to be bigger than his previous songs. Listen to the lyrics here

Rapper Rabbit a.k.a Kaka Sungura says that the song is about his personal life and admits that its all about his past endeavors as a youth, his love life and relations with friends.

This is pure hard core hip hope that you need to listen to the lyrics when you`re relaxed. I give credit to Rabbit for being one of the few hip hope artiste who are  keeping it real as his not a wannabe.

If you thought that she can only sing in Swahili then you are wrong as the award winning diva Alice Kamande

has released a Kikuyu praise song titled ‘we munene’ produced by Dede records and the video directed by Ken Herman.

Alice who is an engineer graduate gave away her career as a banker in order to pursue her singing ambitions and since then she has never regretted as all her songs have been hits.

She has won many awards including Groove Awards female artiste of the year 2011 and with this new song she is destined for more awards. Alice admits that singing is her passion and its the best way she can be able to minister the word of God.

Most independent artistes spend most of their time trying so hard to push and sell their music to their fans. Some are reaped off by promoters while others havn’t yet grasped the marketing techniques in the music industry. Well, help has come and now you can directly manage your income from music sells.

Makell Bird earlier today twitted “I promised myself if I ever got in a position to help independent artistes out, I would. Now that dream has come true.”

His blog gives independent artistes a chance to upload and sell their music on iTunes, Amazon and Android, via ADEDistribution. You can sell a single song or an album. The choice is yours. No middle man. Check it out for more details.

Airtel One8 comprising American musician R Kelly and eight of Africa’s biggest selling music stars: 2Face (Nigeria), Amani (Kenya), 4X4 (Ghana), Movaizhalene (Gabon), JK (Zambia), Alikiba (Tanzania), Fally Ipupa (DRC) and Navio (Uganda) received recognition from the Marché International du Disque et de l’Edition Musicale (MIDEM) held in France from Jan 26th to 28th, 2012.

The group was the first runner up at the awards, in the category of the most innovative and creative use of music/partnership with an artist in a marketing campaign.

This award comes after Billboard International named Airtel One8 as a “Best Bet of 2011” last year.

MIDEM is the world’s largest music industry trade fair that has been held annually around the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, since 1967. It brings together musicians, business people, cultural policy makers and journalists from countries across the world. It provides a forum for business talks, showcase of new artists, musical trends and music-related products.

“We are excited that the Airtel One8 super group has come up second best in the world”, says Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Africa. “This demonstrates international appreciation and recognition of our commitment to use music as a common language to bring harmony within the African continent.  We need to keep celebrating the rich talent, diverse culture in Africa through music. 

The award winning campaign was pitted against those from leading companies worldwide including Vodafone, HTC, Converse Rubber tracks and Sony Music, among others. The 10 finalists were selected based on their creativity and innovation presented in their campaigns to the MIDEM audience and a panel of respected panel of judges.

Airtel One8,the brainchild of one of Africa’s leading telecommunications provider – released its first single in November 2010 titled Hands across the world which to date has received more than 10 million hits.

Have a look at the video below…

No, that’s not an insult. It’s actually the name of the latest song from the Katenga family. A funny one in deed (as usual) from Alfayo and Cartel.

I have always said that this guy (Alfayo) should also try comedy as a second profession.

He starts the song with a prayer, then goes straight to flossing while rapping beside a Ferrari and a Phantom.The third verse is fused with some reggae beats which switch the whole feeling of the song.

My favourite punchline in this song goes something like… “I’ve personalised my mobile browser, no longer Opera mini, it’s Omera mini…”. Here’s the video.

When I told you earlier that this guy is ever busy and doing big things, I really wasn’t kidding. Seriously, his doing music, travels, and now has a website. Bamzigi’s latest project (the website) promises the best of contemporary music. From Nicki Minaj to himself.

This site provides you with Bamzigi’s music and their reviews. You also get to find Ethiopian music (if you are a fan). Those that are more interested in behind the scenes, notes on music technology, verse writing and musical instruments are also available on the website.

There you have it, Bamzigimusic.com… best of contemporary music. Get there now.

A you a fan of gospel riddims, then this your chance to listen to ‘dakika tattu’ remix done by the finest gospel DJ from System Unit

DJ Mo. He has dropped the latest remix of Daddy Owen ‘dakika tatu’ where he has fused the song with a riddim beat.

 The minute Daddy Owen launched this song it was already a big tune and this time round DJ Mo has brought the dancing feeling in the remix. This a song that can be played in a club as you can dance to it.

This is a good creative work done by the finest DJ. System unit do rock the gospel industry and to Daddy Owen keep up the good work.

Let’s face it… we’re all going to die some day. Maybe today or tomorrow, either way we’ll still leave our loved ones(or they’ll leave us). I think love and acknowledgement would be more appreciated if expressed before death. Waiting for one to die then start good talk and praises is nothing but pretence, especially when you did nothing for them while they were alive.

This is the case we’ve always had with our beloved celebrities.

E-Sir was more famous through his death than he was alive and no one can deny that he made hits that are among Kenya’s best till date. So was K-rupt. So much was done for them after they died that I wish were done while they were still alive. That would be a great deal of motivation to them.

It is no different Internationally, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, among others were all dissed names but when they passed away they suddenly became icons and idols.

Nameless, Nonini, Kalamashaka, Hardstone, Erick Wainaina, Bamzigi, Abbas, Amani, Wahu, Nazizi, Bamboo, Juliani, Kantai, Mercy Myra, Suzzana Awiyo, Ken wa Maria, Wyre, Redsan, Achieng Abura, Jua Cali… the list of artistes who built Kenyan music is endless. Why don’t we celebrate and praise them right now before it’s too late. #Real talk.

Kenyan Environment Minister John Michuki passed on late Tuesday night at the Aga Khan Hospital ICU following a lengthy illness.

The news came in just after previous reports of his passing earlier in the week had died down on social networks, following similar scares that had been prematurely reported about another prolific politician, Njenga Karume.

This raised concerns in the public domain over irresponsible journalism by media outlets and how they report material without confirming their sources or ensuring the news is accurate.

Read related Njenga Karume post here >>

Hon. Michuki had previously been flown to the UK after suffering a stroke but had been slowly recovering, his family stated. He suffered a heart attack after multiple organ failure.

The Minister was famous for the ‘Michuki laws’ which saw public transportation being streamlined by ensuring all passengers are buckled in and also that the loud music that was characteristic in matatus was reduced. Anyone who plied the city’s routes such as Githurai 44 or BuruBuru 58 will remember how PSVs were mobile boom boxes before his era.

President Kibaki, who was leaving for the UK to attend a Conference on Somalia, confirmed the news stating that ‘Michuki was a focused public servant, determined business man and issue-oriented politician.’

The President went ahead and wished the Michuki family and his constituents ‘strength and fortitude to bear the loss.’

Have a look at a tribute video that KTN Kenya came up with in honour of John Michuki below

It seems that music can also fuse well with the corporate world without the suits and ties. This is great for the music industry.
Juliani, among other Kenyan artistes has prooved this to be true. The Gospel artist has been hanging around huge names like

(and especialy) Bob Collimore. These two seem to grow closer by the day.
Juliani earlier today uploaded this photo of Bob Collimore on Facebook and Twitter, tweeting “Nani ame watch the new Rambo 5 movie?… Here is the CD Cover.”
All this joking can only confirm one thing… Juliani is now on the ‘big fish’ files. More mulla!

He used to present entertainment news on KISS TV way back, and now, like I said earlier,

he is back <Read earlier article>. Mzizi Mbaya recently dropped his album, recorded at Headbangers International.

Off the album, comes this reggae track that is now circulating the social media. The track titled ‘show love’ is in patwa(Jamaican English slang). If you are a reggae fan, you will love this. The video is yet to be shot and will be available here at Ghafla! as soon as it’s out.

As we wait for it, here is ‘show love’.