Month: March 2012

The sensational Classic FM presenter MainaKageni is trying to help his Facebook fan called Terry, to raise her college fees in order

to help her clear her undergraduate degree at Kenyatta University.

The celebrated presenter is willing to contribute Shs 2 bob for every person who clicks at this link.

So far Maina has managed to raise Ksh 2698 from the required Ksh 44,500, and all his asking is for people to show that needed support.

Let’s be part of helping Terry finish her Business degree by being part of project kusotesha Maina.

The self proclaimed king of western, Jeff king popularly known for the hit single ’omusango kwanje’ featuring Rufftone and Man Ingwe is not a happy man because his song is nominated as western song of the year at Grooves award, but his name was

omitted meaning that the credit was given to Rufftone and man Ingwe.

Jeff king informed us that frantic efforts are being made to correct any discrepancy that may have risen although he confirmed that the mistake is with the Groove awards organizers but neither with Rufftone nor Man Ingwe.

The self proclaimed Western King is advising his fans to continue voting by dialing *811# while he’s trying to rectify the mistake.

Watch the video down here>>>

He has always tried to help uplift lives of others as a form of giving back to his fans and society, and this time round celebrated singer Jaguar has volunteered to

support over seventy talented orphaned children of Kiamaiko Talent Initiative (K.T.I).

This came after the recent death of K.T.I coordinator Godfrey Otieno that almost shattered the dreams of these talented children.

The sensational singer said that he was committed to see that the dreams of those young ones don’t end with Godfrey’s death.

He also urged other well wishers to help in any form in order for these children achieve what they were destined for, because in Godfrey they had hope.

Kenya’s sensational award winning brothers, the longombas are currently working with celebrated Jamaican super star,

Mr. Vegas on their upcoming single ‘what you like-remix’.

The Logombas did break the long silence last December when they released ‘what you like’ single before embarking on doing the hottest remix with Jamaica’s top shattah, Mr. Vegas which is yet to be released.

The brothers have defined the art form of music in their songs such as ‘shikamore, vuta pumz, chukua and my queen’ through their ground braking performances.

Check the video for their latest song down here>>>>>

Way back when we could turn on the radio and only listen to Ken wa Maria, and zilizopendwa songs, not because they were the ish at the time but only because we had no choice (locally that is). For Hip Hop and other genres of music, we solely depended on international music.

All these was before Kalamashaka, Hardstone and Swahili Nation came to the rescue. They gave us exactly what we had been longing for. Kenyan hip hop in Kiswahili and not imitating the West in their English accent.

“Tafsiri hii, maisha kule D ni mazii, ninalia nikitumia M.I.C. Tafsiri hii, ingawa tuko chini bado tunatumaini, sikiza kwa makini.” These are lyrics that are forever locked in my mind. They opened up all the invisible doors to the world of hip hop that were already existing in our minds. Kalamashaka paved the way for most rappers, and for that we shall always respect and acknowledge there efforts. Have a listen to ‘Tafsiri’ right here.

Still in the game, still strong… Kalamashaka forever.

I’m just loving the energy that Kenyans are putting in to representing their country and continent. The love that we have for this beautiful country (away from the oil discovery) is just huge.

Artistes have made us proud in standing and representing for the 254 as Camp Mulla, Nick, Anto and every other artistes have done. From their music, talk and even fashion, they speak for us everywhere and now Nonini just put us on the map once again with his designer caps.

The caps labelled ‘NY’ come in various colours and do not stand for New York but Nairobi Yetu. They are still new in the market and moving really fast from the Prohabo shelves.

For purchase, inquiry and delivery you can reach the Prohabo sales agent on 0722213699. Let’s rep for our city.

Seriously, sick and fast flow like this could only be heard from Chiwawa, but even then, he honestly couldn’t do it like this guy has done it (Chiwawa still remains to be one of the best Kenyan rappers though). Let’s just give credit where it’s due.

From Kayole, Khaligraph Jones shows the rappers how this game is played. Never heard or seen him before in the music industry, but whatever he was doing all that time, it was worth it. He released his first official single which displays all that he is capable of and more. The single titled ‘Everyday’ talks about the struggles one has to face from where he comes from, his hood, Kayole… reppin’ the hood. You might say that he’s doing what every other rapper does (reppin’ the hood), but the flow and lyrics he uses to do this, very few rappers can even touch the shadow, let alone keeping up with the pace of his tongue on the mic.

It is true that great minds think alike as you can clearly see/hear the similarity in taste of music with this guy and Xtatic (the latest Kenyan female rapper). The manner in which Khaligraph plays around with his words and their sounds is just rhythm to the ears. This is the kind of rap that you would still nod your head to even without beats in the background. Yes, he is that good.

I know you probably want to see and hear to believe, so here is the video.

I just can’t have enough of this guy’s flow and the beats that he chooses to flow to are just as hot as his lyrics. This time, he decided to be the voice of the citizens of the ghetto and speak out to the president, letting him know exactly what’s up down here.

Kayvo k-Force collaborates with fellow rapper Ottomatic and singer Eysha to unleash this track titled ‘Hello Mr. President’. This is a deep song considering that it depicts the lives of the ignored poor community. Kayvo’s loyalty and love for his hood is moving. His twitter account’s name is ‘Kibera Kevin’… yes, he is that proud of the place he grew up in, despite its reputation to the outside environment.

Do not however let his place of residence fool you. If you have heard most of his songs, you would agree that he has better English (and an accent added to it) than the next man. The moment he starts to rap, you want to sit down and listen to what he has to say.

The video of the song is shot on the Kibera streets, giving everyone the full view of what the song is about. True meaning of “reppin’ the hood”. Hip Hop right here. Check out the video below.

The Luo rap king, Bigpin found himself on the wrong side of the law as he has been arrested for

overspeeding along Nakuru Nairobi highway.

Bigpin tweeted ”been arrested on Naivasha Nakuru highway…overspeeding by 10kmh…and the cops are not rehearsing…”

The artiste is expected to be arraigned in court today because if not, he will have to spend the night in police cells.

It seems the boys in blue are doing a perfect job, and they don’t care who you are, as long as you are on the wrong side of the law, you’ll be answerable to them 

We are all aware of the hardships that Africa as a whole is going through. The wars, hunger, economy, you name it. Most organisations have tried to help with their good gestures and intentions and they have been well received. However, I love the new approach that Mama Hope has taken in addressing this issue.

Through her ‘Stop the pity. Unlock the potential’ campaign, Mama Hope has done multiple projects, our interest among them being the Campaign’s videos, that simply raise awareness and spread connection of Africa. In her own words, Mama Hope says, “we believe that the essential first step in changing the world is telling the story of connection instead of contrast and potential instead of poverty. People everywhere have talent and capacity, and people everywhere share a desire to be able to use those gifts to improve their lives and the lives of the people they care about.” Those words cannot fail to inspire you and change the angle of your conversations when talking about the whole world in general.

Mama Hope clearly shows this concept in her new video titled ‘Call me Hope’. Take a look at it below.

He is the ‘Rastaman’ in the hot Kenyan Hip Hop group, Camp Mulla and also one of the reasons the girls go wild when they step on stage in their concerts. I don’t know what exactly got into him that made him cut off his clean and neat dreadlocks, but I hope I don’t run into it.

Despite shaving off his locks, Shappaman/Young Kass still maintains his fresh to death look, proving that swag can still come with drastic change. Good thing is that this won’t change his rapping flow because if it did, we would be all up in his case.

Good music deserves acknowledgement. So does good transformation. Check out this pics that were shot at Abbas’ Toklezea video launch.

Mercury Lounge is taking its social media strategy very seriously, as they open up accounts on Twitter and Facebook for the new Mercury Last Drop at the Junction Mall.

Checkout how Mercury kicked it off on Twitter here >>

Mercury Junction just opened a new account on Facebook and announced that this and every Thursday, the Calabash Band would be rocking the joint from 8.00pm.

You can like their BRAND NEW Facebook page here >>

There’s no denying that the discovery of oil in Kenya barely four days ago has caused quite a stir in not just the local but the international scene.

Find out how the Oil Dicovery caused a Social Media stir >>

Now, we just came across this hilarious parody to Rihanna’s global hit single ‘We Found Love’ and thought you would enjoy a glimpse of it. With lines like ‘We Found Oil in a Hopeless Place’, you’re bound to enjoy it.

Rihanna

Have a look at the audio-video Rihanna (Turkana) – We Found Love (Oil) below…

Fast forward back to this previous Sunday. The location, Timers restaurant off Kenyatta Avenue opposite the General post office. This was where a unique phenomenon

that is taking over Nairobi occurred. I’m talking about a gospel jam session with a difference, CROSSCONNECT. This a relatively new concept in Nairobi with most jam sessions being of a secular kind and mostly held in seedy establishments.

MC Alemba and DJ Mo of System Unit DJs are the brains behind this. And their success is evident considering the enormous crowd that turned up. From the jumpy teenage youth to the calm and collected folk everybody was represented. The affordable entrance fee of only one soda was also a big plus for the attendees. Guest gospel musicians such as songbird Eunice Njeri, Kevo Yout, Kevo Juice, Dafari and Admiral Kilosh led the crowd in worship with their inspirational melodies. A horde of other upcoming musicians were also given a chance to showcase their skills. See them in pictures here 

                             Top de Top DJ,DJ Mo and Hypemaster Alemba

The best thing about this event is that it aims to bring the youth back closer to God and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon after departing from church. By the way in case you are an upcoming gospel musician requiring assistance in growing musically you could always visit the System Unit DJs at the basement of Anniversary towers building any time of day. That is how cool it is.

I know, you are now regretting why you missed this. Don’t worry, there’s still redemption for you. The next edition of CROSSCONNECT will be held on the 9^th April which happens to be Easter Monday. A great way to end your Easter holidays, isn’t it? See you there. God bless.

“I live among the creatures of the night. Vampires, hypocrites and parasites…” These are some of the parabolic lyrics to Bushman’s hit song ‘Creatures in the night’ which generally talks about man eating flesh instead of greens. Full conscious lyrics, and he’s bringing it all to Kenya.

I recently wrote an article on Bushman’s tour to Kenya (read the article), with limited information. It has now been officially confirmed to us by the organisation behind his visit. The March Forth Kenya Kids is a non-profit organisation in Kenya that harbours and gives underprivileged kids lessons in art and music as a way of uplifting their confidence and lives in general.

We got in touch with the President and co-founder of the organisation, Lynn Rossetto, to confirm the news and avoid unnecessary hype like that of the Mavado Concert. “This is a free event that we do every year.  Last year, Rocky Dawuni from Ghana was the headliner.  In 2010, Tippa Irie and Dr. Ring Ding were the headliners.  This year is going to be amazing!  The main activities of our non-profit include teaching underprivileged youth art and music as a way to give them confidence, hope and to show them the powerful positivity that can be brought to their lives as a result.  Our young students will be opening the show prior to Bushman!” Lynn Rossetto told Ghafla!Kenya.

Bushman is set to perform in Nairobi on the 13Th of May at the Kenya Cultural Centre Grounds (The National Theatre) from 2PM to 5PM, where entry will be absolutely free. The concert is dubbed ‘Songa Mbele 2012’ and the super talented children from the March Forth Kenya Kids Foundation will curtain raise for the Jamaican artiste with a live performance that promises to capture the hearts and minds of everyone present. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that the Metro FM fans, after the shutdown of the radio station, some good news is finally here. Kenya’s hottest female selector, 

Fya Mama (Njambi Koikai) will be the host of the show/concert.

You might think that it’s a wrap, but not yet. Just a day prior to the official concert, a pre-event fund raiser will be held at the Sarabi, The Rooftop Lounge, Sankara Hotel in Westlands where Bushman will be performing a private acoustic set. Entry at the Lounge will be Sh.500 at the door.

So, there you have it. Bushman live. Bless… yes!

We were wondering how this year’s Groove awards would be without celebrated gospel artist Daddy Owen after he pulled out of the awards in order to give chance to other up coming musicians, but even

 after his good gesture, the king of Kapungala, Daddy Owen found his name on the Groove awards nominees list when it was released on Tuesday.

The sensational singer said that his album ‘utamu wa maisha’ should not be on the list of nominees as he was giving others a chance. He spoke this before he presented the Groove awards nominees for Rift valley song of the year.

It seems we cant get enough of him as he always entertain us with his gospel tunes and I think that’s why he is the king of gospel music.

He is one of the best lyricists we have, and he doesn’t disappoint when he releases new songs. He rocked us with his unique style of rapping, and now rapper

Rabbit aka Kaka Sungura will be launching his new Video ‘nakuchukia’ featuring Sudi boy.

The much anticipated video will officially be launched on April 4^Th in a yet specified venue.

Rabbit promises that it will be better than his popular single `sitaki kukuona’ which got massive air play on TV and radio stations.

Check out the trailer of his new song exclusively here>>>>>

She sassily professed her “MAHABA” for YOU, her one and only LOVE but you did not believe her love for you was real.

“HEY BABY” she shouted and with that she caught your attention and your heart warmed towards her. A budding relationship developed. 

With every smile she lit up, every gaze she directed your way, every meaningful hug, every enchanting step she took, every innocent sway of that African ASSet, every candid interview she did, every show she performed in; Your love for HER and her love for you grew in leaps and bounds.

You got so accustomed to one another in this love of yours that you did not mind her “CHOKAZA”-ING others because you knew she would ultimately come back to you, her first love- THE FAN.

What has changed suddenly? Why don’t you trust her anymore? What has broken that trust you had for each other? Why are you caging her?

She still loves you but you don’t believe her. It has always been you, her first love-THE FAN. No one can replace you in her heart, NO ONE!!

She says “SISHIKI SIMU” because she can’t take it anymore. You were her lifeline but now you are the kryptonite to her super-woman. When she doesn’t answer your call, she is not cheating on you. She is busy working for a better YOU AND HERM

Watch here>>>>>>> her latest video, `sishiki simu’.

Ahead of her highly anticipated Easter weekend performance at the Wet and Wild concert in Mombasa, Kenyan pop sensation Stella Mwangi (STL) is giving away FREE copies of her album Kinanda.

On her Facebook page, the singer and songwriter posted:

‘have a couple of copies of my Album Kinanda to give out to my Stars, but you are too many. Which criteria should I use?’

Our advice to you, if you want a copy of ‘Kinanda’ stay posted on her timeline for the giveaway.

STL, whose music has featured on CSI:NY and Save the Last Dance 2, will be at Il Covo Mombasa on Saturday the 7th of April 2012, alongside DJs Protege, Creme de la Creme, Mista Dru and Hypnotiq.

Entrance is Kshs. 1,000 in advance and Kshs. 1,200 at the gate.

If you want to listen to Afro pop music, then this is the right band. Ma3 band

has always been entertaining us with their well crafted songs. We talked to their lead singer and she had this to say about the band.

Ghafla: Who came up with the idea of Ma3 Band

Nanjira: The Ma3 is Tim Rimbui’s aka the innovators love, baby brain child. It has been in existence for over two years.

Ghafla: Why chose a band rather than going solo

Nanjira: Because am shy. I like the concept of a band because it’s putting the elements of real music together in one place. It’s not so much about one person. Well to me, Ma3 was the perfect  band for me.

Ghafla: Why an afro-pop band

Nanjira: Afro-pop has been dubbed the new sound of Africa. We grew listening to pop music but afro has that unique element of Africa i.e. the drums, the dancing and the stars.

Ghafla: What’s the reason for Ma3 band getting international recognition than here at home

Nanjira:  It’s because of using the social media that helped us get air play on BBC and Channel O.

Ghafla: Last word from Nanjira

Nanjira: Life is beautiful here in Kenya, am also thankful for the support we get.

If you want to see the Ma3 band in action, then the place to be is at Michael Joseph Center, Safaricom house on 29^th March. 

She teamed up with her friend, Avril to bring you the hit song `chokoza’, and now the beautiful Marya has dropped her new much waited single,

`sishiki simu’.

                                                                               a photo of Marya in her new video

The song is all about men who don’t trust their beautiful girlfriends because they are to hot to be entrusted to this world especially when they don’t pick their calls.

The message is clear as we always assume the worst if our calls are not picked. We all know that assumption is the mother of all evils. 

The song is an Ogopa Deejay production and as usual they always produce quality work. The video is tight and Marya compliments everything with her beauty and voice.

This is definitely a hit. Watch the video here>>>>>