Month: May 2012

We all know the ever upbeat Anto Neosoul aye?

But how many of us can say that we have gotten the chance to interact with him at a one-on-one setting? Well i was fortunate enough to have that chance yesterday and i was amazed by how intelligent, eloquent and spiritual the multi-talented artist is.

First off let me say that he gives credence to the adage that good things come in little packages -atleast in as far as his energy is concerned. The adjective to capture it is boundless!

To start off, how many of us have met a down to earth artist? Sounds a little cliche doesn’t it? Well how many of us have interacted with a secular artist who has both feet firmly gounded in God’s humility? When Anto spoke about his various projects and accomplishments, he gave all the glory to his creator. This was astounding because i for one know how success and fame has gotten to some of our illustrious artists.

Anto is also very conscious about how men treat women. He took the time out to say that he doesn’t agree with how Prezzo has been talking to some of the women at the BBA house. And if i can digress a little, this tidbit about him would explain he chose to perform a Maya Angelou piece at Kwani.

He also is very serious about entertainment and performance as a career and this fact was betrayed by how passionately he spoke about Kenyan musicians needing to be professional about not just their music but their image aswell. He believes that for one to get good results they should be willing to work with and get advice from professionals. The insistence of some to go it alone has resulted in the proliferation of bad music from even artists who should know better.

And what about being bought off by some politician so that Anto sings their tune? There is no one anto is willing to let pay this piper ergo no one will call his tune. Anto let on that his music is his soul. So forget the illuminati, the day we will see him at some political rally belting out tunes in support of one politician and their party or another, he will truly have sold his soul for gold!

Passionate, energetic, deep and thoughtful. these are just some of the words that best describe Anto Neosoul the man.

Gospel hit maker, Exodus has been in the music industry for quite some time now and it didn’t take him long to be a success across East Africa. Having scooped three awards at the Buzz Tenniez and two at the Groove Awards, he now gets the attention of many.

It has been going around that the gospel artist might not be so holy as he claims to be (I’d say that’s his business), that he has been seen more than once partying at night clubs.

In an interview with sources, Exodus had this to say to the allegations, “I found a relationship with Jesus in 2001. You don’t have to look holy to be holy. It’s what you believe that matters. And the whole dreadlocks and skinnies thing, that’s my personalty and God accepted me the way I am. I go to club to promote my music.”

The legendary Yvonne Chaka Chaka who brought us the all time hit song ‘Umqombothi’ will once again set foot on Kenyan soil. She will not however be here for performance. Yvonne will be in Kenya to launch the Maisha Mapya Music Centre for children that will be held on the 24^Th of August.

Maisha Mapya organisations invited the singer to launch the project that will see children between the ages of 6-12 years, learn musical instruments and much more.

Wilfred Opiyo (part of the organizing team told sources, “This will be a pilot project that will be based in Nairobi Primary School where we will have 50 or so music instruments which the students will be introduced to. They will identify an instrument they would like to learn and join the program to master it. The centre will provide useful activities outside class.”

Yvonne has been involved with numerous projects that have helped millions of people, mostly children all over the world. Maisha Mapya organisation so her as the best and most relevant person to launch it.

Suzzana Owiyo and Sauti Sol will also be among the guest list of the launch.

Young talented K-Krew DJ, DJ Celeb couldn’t believe when he learnt that he’s house in South B was robbed by thugs who stole all the electronics including

computers, hard-drives and all his deejaying equipments in broad daylight.

DJ Celeb confirmed the incident but his worries is that he is heading to Germany for a six week mission where he is set to perform, but the sad news is that all his deejaying equipments are gone.

‘’Abraham must have had a hard time…u given stuff then it all goes in a day, this faith under fire,’’ DJ Celeb said.

The Criminal Investigation Department is investigating the matter and already they have made a couple of arrest to assist them with the investigation. The K-Krew DJ is asking all his fellow deejays to contact him in the event they are approached by people selling DJ equipment.

Sensational ‘Ita waiter’ hit singer Madtraxx has landed a lucrative contract to produce the first ever Kenyan Olympic anthem which will celebrate our talented athletes.

He got the lucrative deal courtesy of Coca-Cola Company to come up with a creative Olympic anthem (because he’s very creative in his music) in praise of the Kenya’s athletic team.

“This is the first time that something like this is being done and we are very proud and excited to be spearheading such an initiative. We hope that this anthem will bring Kenyans together in the spirit of the Olympics as well as celebrate the talent we have,” said Catherine Mudachi, Senior Marketing Manager for Coca-Cola Kenya.

Madtraxx will team up with celebrated DJ, DJ Pinye to look for two upcoming talents between age 18-25 years to feature on the track.

DJ Pinye is tasked in coming up with two best artistes who will be chosen amongst others in a vigorous auditions which will be held in Mombasa, Kisumu and Nairobi.

Madtraxx said, “I am ecstatic to be working with Coca-Cola and the rest of the team to discover, nurture and produce new and fresh Kenyan talent. I know from experience that it’s an artistes’ dream to get that “big break” and I am hoping that all the budding and aspiring artistes will jump at this great opportunity.”

Keep it Ghafla for the audition dates and venues.

Talented East Africa’s super emcee Madtraxx recently did a collabo with Uganda’s hip hop finest Keko, and to show us that he still has the energy and talent, he has featured in a Niger gospel song.

Madtraxx has teamed up with Nigeria’s veteran hip hopper Illbliss together with ‘Kidike’ hit singer Chidima to release a hot gospel track titled ‘Bless me’.

The song is a prayer to God for all the blessings that he has offered unto us. As much as the song is a prayer, it will also make you dance as you thank the Almighty father.

The three artistes are promising to work together to produce an album thus there is more to look forward to.

Listen to the song

{youtube}BC4Br1MY8c8{/youtube}

Think about this one seriously, which artists would you love to hear in a collabo?

This is just a random list i’ve come up with about the strangest bedfellows who i think would be awesome together. Well, i must confess that it wasn’t exactly random, the Octopizzo& MDQ (Muthoni the Drummer Queen) collabo has a lot to do with this. This was an unlikely pairing that struck musical gold. Or think of the collabo between Sauti sol and P-Unit to get my drift.

1. Jimmy Gait &DNG

think about the energy both parties will bring onboard& it could also possibly spell a return to gospel for the church’s prodigal son DNG.

2. Avril &Bobby Mapesa

Avril cuts a sweet girl-next-door sort of image and Bobby is more street and gutter so this would make for an interesting collabo.

3. Daddy Owen& Madtraxx

both these guys have energy and both have conquered their respective niche’s so it would interesteing to watch them try to find common ground.

4. Flexx &Camp Mulla

Camp Mulla have an international appeal while in matters audience, Flexx is more introverted preferring to rep his hood of California. Camp Mulla sing predominately in English and Flexx sings in Sheng. i’d love to hear what these guys would come up with. Camp Mulla also have a strong star power and well, to keep it one hundred, flexx’ star dimmed over the years.

5. Tony Nyadundo& Mike Rua

these two both sing folk songs in their native tongues (Tony sings in Dholuo and Mike sings in Kikuyu) and i would love to find out whether different native tongues can work together on a track harmoniously.

Prezzo and Goldie has been an item, but it now looks like Kenya’s representative in the Upville house wants to flex his muscle and see if he’s got the vibe.

Prezzo has been flirting with Zainab who seems to be interested with the Kenyan celeb although CMB is not sure because he thinks that Zainab might be playing games.

Zainab claims that Goldie doesn’t have the slightest idea that she has a crush on Prezzo coz if she does, she will cry like a baby. Zainab believes that Prezzo loves watching her when she is changing, but CMB replied by telling her that if he wants something he goes for it because he’s not like DKB.

Do you think Prezzo is playing his cards right, or he will end up regretting?

Check Prezzo’s conversation with Zainab down here>>>>>

Just had Anto Neosoul here at the offices. And we had a candid chat about Prezzo’s performance at BBA Stargame.

Anto Neosoul let down his guard and spoke candidly about his opinion on how Kenya’s celebrity housemate is doing. Anto was honest and said that when he first found out that Prezzo was to be our representative, he was disappointed.

He admits to holding the opinion that Kenya had better representatives to pick from but he also says that after seeing Prezzo’s strategy unfold he has become more and more impressed as the King of Bling has played chess and more convinced that he just might bring home the ultimate prize.

He spoke of the brilliance of Prezzo’s plan to endear himself to Nigerians by worming his way into Goldie’s heart. This strategy he says just might give Prezzo the numbers he’d need not only to get far but also to possibly carry the day. It gives Prezzo not just west African backing but east African backing to fend off the South Africa’s vitriol.

However, he was quick to add that he was not impressed by +254’s representative’s personality. He believes that Prezzo treated Barbz badly. “He generally needs to shape up!” said Anto.

And what about the gossiping? He needs to cut that down but all-in-all, if his strategy is to be controversial, he’s doing a stellar job at that. Anto believes Prezzo will get far and he wished him well.

It’s painful how we have friends and family who are disabled in one way or another but we don’t bother to help them. We pretend that they do not exist, yet the same God who created you also created them.

The words from celebrated DJ, DJ Pinye at the end of the video was so touching. His message showed us that even celebs who we think they live on cloud nine have the same problems like us.

Daddy Owen and Deno have set the pace for other artistes to come up with inspirational songs that will touch other people’s lives in a positive way. 

This is the song that should motivate and inspire us to touch someone’s life in a positive way

Check out the video

{youtube}nMvqSjdSJJw{/youtube}

Word has been that Redsan wedded his longtime controversial girlfriend, Vivers aka Lilo on the 19^Th of March. This topic has sprouted a lot of controversies and it is at this point that I can only say that all these are simply allegations.

Controversy about their relationship came up from the fact that Vivers, a Nairobi University alumni, is a kind of a ‘girl girl’ as some sources claim.

Since these tales started, Redsan has been a hard man to contact for comments on the issue, but more information will be revealed as soon as possible. I’m sure Redsan would like to give his side of the story.

Kenya had missed her amazing vocals but Ghafla! can exclusively confirm that Iddi Achieng is finally back in the Musical Scene! Speculators thought she had taken a break from music but truth be told she had just taken a break from the Country.

Iddi was on a an extended 3 year contract on tour throughout Europe and on her return to Kenya, she chose to take a back seat and study the industry and its developments in order to see what her niche was.

True to its fashion, Thursday Nite Live @Choices is blazing the trail with authentic Kenyan music from the heart, as the edition this Thursday 31st May from 8pm will be headlined by Iddi Achieng.

This will be Iddi’s first public performance after her return and she promises more shows to her Kenyan Fans who havent heard her perform for a while.

Currently Iddi’s is Managed by CKE Entertainment a fresh new Artist Management Company that among other things also manages some established Musicians, Actors and Comedians such as JB Masanduku Jr and Alibaba.

Iddi is using the experience she gathered while on tour to bring the ‘sassy’ back in the scene.

Catch up with Iddi this Thursday at Choices and enjoy the evening.

‘Hii Mziki’ becomes Influx Swagga’s first Official Release For His fourth album Wazito overruling the insinuation that he was quitting music recording to concentrate on Talent Management and Technology Investment after releasing his previous album Last Episode.

The single features witty remarks fusing other Kenyan artiste’s lyrics, with even a line that suggests Lilian Muli should be a cast In a “Fat possible show”? He Goes Ahead to dare Bust Classic Fm’s Ciku On Her Busted Segment, and His Dreams To Walk With Wizzy (Lil Wayne)? Eti Kufulfil Yuko busy. He Even Brands P.L.O As Msee Wa vitisho “Vistisho Za P.L.O Tulisare Bro” And Refuses to crawl…. Because He was Made To Fly, No forgetting to thank His fans For Standing by him.  

It’s a great come back from Influx, enjoy the single below…

{youtube}RoLoJ6bUsOk{/youtube}

Being one of the fastest rising hiphop groups right now, this guys are making the best of it. They recently just completed their mixtape titled ‘Just a Mixtape: The College Handbook‘ which has been quite a success on sales as they confirmed to Ghafla!Kenya yesterday.

The Coolagang crew has been busy putting in work on their latest tracks, shows and videos. Speaking of shows, the group will be performing at USIU this Thursday from 2PM. Entry will of-course be free and the show will just be off the hook.

On that same Thursday, Coolagang will be shooting the video to their latest track ‘Baby Sitter‘. Yes, no rest. They are indeed getting their hustle on.

Check out one of their tracks below.

There’s a FRESH club banger from a group of talented artistes that are taking their music very seriously! Meet Music in Serious Times (MIST) who recently released their latest hit ‘We So Fresh’ as a perfunctory stamp on the industry.

MIST was formed in 2009 and has a total of six members namely Brian Karanja (yblaqq), Peter Kimani (Chef), Bernard Mutua (Rlobs), David Mathenge (Dizz), George Njuguna (Ganjor), Daniel Lumumba (D.O). “Our aim is to express ourselves musically and at the same time entertain, something that we have remained true to.” says a MIST member.

To this date they have a total of 5 songs which they are continuing to push to the mainstream media.
MIST music is inspired by real lives of the group members and they sing a broad range of genres which include Hip Hop, Patois and Dance hall music..

MIST’s first song “Letter to the streets” never got any airplay but that didn’t make them give up on their passion. In 2011 they had a come back with “Angel come” which is a remake of a track MIST had earlier done in 2010 alongside another title “Killa come” because the group felt that the song had so much to offer and was rich in message… they just had to pass on the intended message.

Recently the group voiced the Lost Angel Riddim in a track by the title “we so fresh” which is a feel good song which MIST strongly believes is going to be big one.

Have a listen to the track below…

Rappers from the ‘Young Gifted and Black’ group have finally created a track that explains and displays who they really are and what they are made of.

The group, founded by Octopizzo comprises of rappers Virus, Slumdwagg, K-Pha just to name a few who are actually on the song.

The track titled ‘Better Day’ was complete and the video for it is currently being shot at various locations. Some of the photos of the scene have been made available by one of the rappers (K-Pha) through their facebook page. Check them out.

Back then when they were still underground rappers, I loved the quality of hiphop tracks they made. They gave it life. I was a little afraid when they started getting out of the underground section, to the real deal. Reason being that I feared they would lose their uniqueness and natural flow on the mic as most rappers do when they step in the lime light.

They are not underground anymore, and yes, they are still as hot and lethal on the mic as they were. In-fact, even better. Their flow just got more mature and you can’t help it but acknowledge that they are one of the few artists still doing REAL HIPHOP tracks. I mean this is some deep core lyrics and beats.

Their latest track, ‘kalahari Anthem’ has most of the group rap back to back  on the verses, giving us a fair display of lyrical establishment among them. I keep on hitting the replay tab mostly because it’s been quite long since I heard a real urban hiphop track such as this. They only come from guys like this, who have experiences that are clearly depicted in their lyrics. 

Have a listen to this track and see if you may share my views.

Ha ha ha. Talk about humble beginnings. Just came across this photo of Maina Kageni way back before he was a household name, from Creme De La Creme.

This image depicts the eager Maina Kageni with passion for the media so strong, it shows without trying. About this time, he was still a presenter at KTN, presenting news all so jovial.

Check out the haircut on him in the photo below.

After everything is said and done and the dust has settled one all the hype surrounding Camp Mulla,  it all boils down to music.

And it generates the question: Who is the best rapper in Camp Mulla. Comparisons are inevitable and every group that has existed has had to endure comparisons and this case is no different.

No one can deny that the 3 rappers are talented but who goes in harder? Who has the baddest lyrics, punchlines and flow? Who delivers them the best? All these are questions that keep creeping up and have fueled intense debate. Well, here’s my 2cents on the matter:

Taio Tripper has the flow but after an intensive debate here at the office, the verdict is that his delivery is nothing out of the ordinary. He is clearly one of the better lyricists in the group and he has some of the best punchlines and most memorable lines in jams -an example of which would be “Slowly I will approach thee/ stroke on my goatee/ then introduce me” or “…boys be looking at me/ they’re ever slappy slappy/ Lucy Kibaki LOL” and he undoubtedly has the best vocals but… sadly, it’s not him.

And how about Shappaman? Brother has the lyrics aye and he does flow pretty well and he has crazy presence: dominating most of the tracks i’ve heard him on  but -and this is where everyone in the office was in a tizzy- i don’t feel it’s him. And because this is my article and my opinion ( a juvenile approach will be permitted this once) i feel it is the next lad.

K’Cous. He killed holding it down and he speaks his mind. He is fearless in his lyrics and although that has some puritans rushing for the censor button, he does himself unencumbered by what you think of him. He is passionate and unfettered  by societal norms (read pushing boundaries). Top that off with the fact that he’s been consistent, his flow is just a tad bit sicker, his delivery a tad bit iller and his lyrics a tad bit realer than the rest and you have yourself a recipe for a winner.

Does that mean i think the rest are in his shadow? Nay! It just means that Camp Mulla are good but he seems to have a sharper killer instinct so to speak. But then again…

This is just my humble opinion.

And here’s a little treat for camp Mulla fans.

{youtube}ObnFVs9piqY{/youtube}

{youtube}foFvn1eOtJY{/youtube}

Number Nane King, Octopizzo is currently the most sought out artiste by Kenya’s media stations and event organizers because of his popularity.

He is one of the few hip hop artistes who are consistent in the music industry.

People claim that he’s illuminati because of his first rise in the music and business ladder, but Octopizzo say that he doesn’t mind what others say as long as he knows that all his success is because of his hustles.

Check this video interview and get to know how he managed to rise from grass to grace.

{youtube}G_1AESvxmMc{/youtube}

“We are the Code Republik and we do what we do for the Lord…if you feel this holy vibe lemme see lemme see your hands up” is what you’ll be singing when you listen to this song.

The Code Republik have a BRAND NEW jam “JesuSwagg” out. Its an Arban Records production done by Motiff with additional technique from Melvo, DJ Dskul, Mc Alloys, TIO and Bobo.

“The idea behind this song is to show the youth the only worth “Swag” is to follow Jesus and its price is not measurable to any form of lifestyle,” says the Code Republik.

JesuSwagg is their theme and a first single from the Code Republik, where they say they are guided by the book of Philippians 4:13…SWAG thus essentially means Saved With Amazing Grace and this is the message the group passes across whenever they get the opportunity to during events, missions and church service.

Have a listen to the Code Republik single ‘Jesus Swag’ below….

They go by the names of Ianno, Mjeledi and Ace Tha Don. These three hiphop artists collaborated to record this awesome track that kind of sounds like something out of an Ukoo Flani album. Still on the ladder though.

The track has hard hitting beats as all hiphop tracks should and the tempo is quite smooth. The rappers have an interesting flow to the beats that gets you keen on what they are talking about.

Most of the topic is on alcohol and drug abuse and neglect that faces the society. A wake up call to most I should say.

Check out the new music below.

To all hip hop heads who are also Manchester United fans should be happy because talented Kenyan hip hop rapper/producer

K’Couse (a member of Camp Mulla) has teamed up with UK’s lyricist, Idris Jones to drop a new jam titled ‘Ryan Giggs’.

The song is in praise of Man U legendary player Ryan Giggs who happens to be one of the longest players ever to play for Manchester United. Arsenal fans shouldn’t hate this song because the intro shows Giggs doing wonders against Arsenal players.

K’Cous is proving that he’s a true lyricist in the hip hop industry, but he’s also an awesome music producer. Idris Jones maintained his killer verses, but K’Cous killed the track. This Camp Mulla guy is representing 254 on the international level.

Hope the Man U star, Ryan Giggs usually ball as this two talented lyricists sing.

I’m not a Man U fan, but the track is dope. Keep up the good job.

{youtube}OmTyHp-iIYM{/youtube}

Attention all hiphop heads!

If you are a hiphop head, a Kenyan music lover or just a curious kitty, i have some good news for you. Coola Gang has dropped their mixtape and it’s that fire! We here at Ghafla are currently sampling the sounds of the mixtape and they are quite impressive.

As soon as we finish we’ll officially rate the work and trust that it will be positive cos thus far the pieces are good! don’t believe me? Well numbers don’t lie and these numbers are impressive!

The pro-orders were at 1,856 but as always happens in matters logistics, not all were moved. 1,371 pieces were actually sold. They also wanted to thank Insyder for the help they forwarded to the group& Sin Tao restaurant for giving them the venue.

Here is me saluting both Insyder& Sin Tao for supporting the local music industry.

It is amazing how much enthusiasm for life one can get from doing what they love the most. This has just been proven by two prisoners from the Migori GK Prison who against all odds have managed to drop an album while still behind bars.

Music kept them going and when the Senior Captain Peter Ayuka discovered their passion for it, he did all he could in his power to make it possible for them to reform themselves through the music that was their escape from their old lives.

Calvin Ochieng and Erick Nyakundi who go by the stage names Lil’ Veen and Erico respectively were both convicted for money laundry. What a coincidence that they should find their mutual love for music behind bars and team up to drop an album. The ambitions of being the next Lil’ Wayne and Birdman went down the drain as they turned their lives around, including their perception for life in general, leading them to producing more meaningful music that reflected to their lives in prison.

Lil’ Veen.

Their album titled ‘Reformed’ was funded by the prison itself and produced at Fountain Studios in Migori. The album is generally about the life in prison and all that goes on behind the huge walls. They also don’t hesitate to air their requests that they wish would be considered by the prison officials. I’d say their pushing their luck, but that’s what music is for. Airing your concerns of the society.

The 6 track album is a fusion of hiphop and genge and was launched in the presence of the Migori DC Julius Mutula and other officials of the County.

Autopilots are one of the fastest rising Kenyan hip hop groups, bringing in more tracks by the day than the established artists. It is this kind of enthusiasm that gets Kenyan music on lips worldwide.

One of the rappers from the group, going by the name Brad Mwenda, has today just released his latest track titled ‘mrembo’. As the name clearly states, the track is about the love of his life, as all love songs are.

It takes balls for a hip hop rapper to do a love song. Brad Mwenda goes all soft on this one but still manages to give the usual cool flow and lyrics that we are used to.

Have a listen to the track and tell us what you honestly think.