Month: June 2012

The whole DJ Hassan and Kaytrixx beef saga seems to have finally come to an amicable conclusion with DJ Hassan coming out today to refute claims there was any tension between the two leading deejays.

On his Facebook page DJ Hassan wrote today:

“Kaytrixx and I have no beef…we are boys working hard to take Deejaying to the next step…Let’s all take things to a whole new level!!!”

This follows earlier reports in the media speculating that DJ Hassan had drummed up his fans to smear the Insyder CHAT Awards Facebook wall with hate messages over DJ Kaytrixx clinching the coveted award.

Click here to read more on the CHAT and Insyder allegations

DJ Hassan however seeks to clarify that the two of them are only here to make music and steer the Kenyan entertainment industry to greater heights. We hope thats the end to that spat, because we do enjoy the Deejaying skills Hassan and Kaytixx possess.

DKB and Zainab have been disqualified from StarGame for contravening the violence rule.

The Sierra Leonean model and Ghanaian comedian engaged in an argument in the afternoon which resulted in violence. The Big Brother rules state clearly that; Any Housemate who becomes physically violent will be removed from the House immediately. When Big Brother made the announcement, DKB was in the Diary Room while Zainab was curled in the Glass House.

Violence can refer to self-inflicted violence, or violence towards another. Violence includes provocation, goading, bullying and victimisation.

In addition, Big Brother refered Housemates to the following rule:

Housemates will be disqualified by Big Brother if they have broken any of the rules or undermined the world of Big Brother. In this event they cannot return and may be replaced.

Having reviewed the footage, Big Brother has come to the following decision:
“DKB – you have been disqualified from the game for contravening the violence rule. You must pack your bags immediately, and take them to Storeroom. You must say goodbye to your Housemates and then leave the house through the Storeroom. DKB, leave the Diary Room immediately, and pack your bags,” Big Brother said.

To Zainab, Big Brother said; “having reviewed the footage very carefully, Big Brother can come to no other conclusion than that your provocation of DKB contributed substantively to the incident. For this reason, Big Brother has concluded that you have also been disqualified. Once DKB has left the House, you too will pack your bags and take them to the storeroom. You will then say goodbye to your Housemates, and leave through the storeroom.”
Zainab, Big Brother will let you know when you can leave the Glass House and go upstairs to pack your bags.

This means that Sierra Leone is officially out of the game while Ghana is now dependent on Keitta.

 

Here is the video of the now infamous slap: 

 

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We can confirm that Camp Mulla and the Sub-Sahara record label have been negotiating a deal with Universal Music Group. This announcement comes hot on the heels of their BET Award Nomination. It should be noted, however, that the talks are ongoing and nothing is final yet.

The structure of the deal is for it to be a joint venture between UMG and Sub Sahara. Universal Music have a large presence in the Southern Africa region, and this deal would help them expand their reach to East Africa. On Sub Sahara Records’ end, this deal would be beneficial to them in terms of distribution of physical and digital copies of their music, getting international concert performances and media coverage as well.

For Camp Mulla, this record deal could mean a huge windfall for them. Universal Music are known for giving artists huge cash advances in the eight-figure range(above 10 million KES.), which allows them to forget about money issues and focus on making music.

Gospel artist Ringtone has declared that he has no beef with Jaguar.

This was a tweet i response to an article i did that you can find here in which i called him out for an unChristian approach to the whole affair.

The information we got from a popular daily pull out had quoted the “Talanta” singer as having declared of Jaguar:

“He might claim his chain is expensive and all that. I’m told he claims he bought it at the same place Jay Z buys his. Who believes that?”

The article posted had no malicious intent and was merely a piece done of the exchange of barbs between the two as reported in said daily but it seems to have rubbed the gospel artist the wrong way to the extent of him tweeting a denial of the axistence of bad blood between the two artists.

Any takers?

In a quick rejoinder to my earlier article, Ringtone just tweeted me to say that he has no beef with Jaguar leaving me asking the question: “Just who was Jaguar targetting?”

I’ve already called Ringtone out for his unChristian approach to the barbs Jaguar sent and it’s time i put Jaguar under the self-same spotlight. Ringtone made some comments that can be found here.

Then just who was Jaguar referring to? The Kenyan emcees i know who rock bling that he could possibly have been talking about are: Prezzo, Bamboo, Cannibal and Jaguar. Please note that by my definition, bling is basically the sterling silver (and for the cheeky celebs) stainless steel chains.
Given that the list contains Prezzo, i found myself wondering whether he was referring to his long time nemesis. Can’t be i said to meself given that Prezzo is down South at BBA stargame. Could it be Bamboo who was recently flossing his chains? Could be and that would be a ballsy move that would mean that Jaguar is moving to assert his dominance over the Kenyan entertainment scene in anticipation of Bamboo’s arrival (Bamboo had issued warnings to Kenyan emcees late last month). But that would be highly unlikely since they have never crossed paths.

It’s also highly unlikely that he was talking about Cannibal -Prezzo’s new signing on Makini Music Group and since Ringtone has vehemently denied having any beef with Jaguar, who was the latter referring to?

Kenya’s S.N.L (Stunnr New Limits) is taking the Kenyan entertainment industry by storm with his amazing alternative music (otherwise house music) productions. 

Click here to read more about S.N.L

Luther, of S.N.L has just released his latest track ‘Nairobi Turned Up the Music’ – SNL feat. Chris Brown and Rihanna. The remix is an amazing composition which the Kenyan born Kenyan-bred producer works his magic on, the result being an amazing tune that would get any party started.

The producer’s forte is to bring house, dance and techno music closer to the hearts of Kenyans and with music like this, Luther is steadily on his way there.

Have an exclusive listen to the audio to the track below…

Was just having a look at hussein Machozi’s photo.

And i was struck by how much he looks like 50 cent. No you say? Well allow me to offer my rebuttal:

True story bro!

After we debuted the track “Nipe” on Ghafla, we’ve gone ahead and listened to it just so we can share our opinion on the track.

The track is a lovely guitar collaboration between Hussein Machozi (Bongo artist) and the beautiful Size 8. I for one love the fact that Size 8 has utilized her vocals well in this ballad -it’s a welcome deviation from her usual sound. This song is the sort of stuff that makes music lovers the world over sit up and take notice and begin to take her more seriously as a vocalist.

Size 8’s otherwise fiesty sound is replaced with a mellow, sultry sound as she sings to her lover offerig him her love. One his part, Hussein Machozi is celebrating the love he shares with his partner and he asks not to stop.

The track get’s a 5 ghafla rating because it has everything you would look for in a collabo and the two share chemistry. About the talent? It’s evident that both artists aren’t just capable artists but great ones at that.

I especially love the guitar istrumental and how it furthers the tracks “come hither” feel. That is why the track gets a 5 Ghafla rating.

Check it out below and feel free to share your thoughts on the track.

The 2012 Africa Gospel Music Awards nominees list is officially out and Kenya is extremely well represented with a number of the country’s leading gospel artistes in the running to take home a number of awards on the awards night of 7th July 2012 in the UK.

Among the nominees announced just yesterday are Daddy Owen for his video ‘Dakika Tatu’, VKP as the Greatest Gospel Discovery of the year and Emmy Kosgei for her album ‘Ololo’. It will be interesting though to see whether both Daddy Owen and Emmy Kosgei win this year, considering the fact that last year they won the Best Artiste (East Africa) and Best Female Artiste of The Year Awards at the AGMA.

Click here to view the announcement of the 2012 AGMAs

2012 Groove Award winners Adawnage also got nominated this year for an AGMA in the category of Best Group/Choir of the Year with NTV’s Crossover 101 also in the running for Gospel TV Show of the Year. The Groove Awards event will battle it out with South Africa’s Crown Awards and the USA’s Talanta Awards for the event of the year.

There were however no nominations received from North Africa. Other Kenyan artistes who received nominations included Eko Dydda (Best Male Artiste), Kris Eeh Baba (Afro Gospel Rap) and producer Billy Frank (Producer of the Year).

Here’s the COMPLETE list of the 2012 Africa Gospel Music Awards nominees (with the Kenyans highlighted):

 

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Sammie Okposo – I Go Dance (Nigeria)
One Man – Pita – (Nigeria)
Senjela- Dena Mwana-(Congo)
God Dey Bless Me- Cwesi Oteng – Ghana
Patrick Duncan- Halelujah Hosanna- S. Africa
Dakika Tatu -Daddy Owen- (Kenya)
I Believe- Rebecca- UK
I’m Walking -Alemba and Exodus – Uganda
Yo Ozali- Makoma – Holland
Song for Peace in Nigeria- Nigeria Allstars

 

ARTIST OF THE YEAR- EAST AFRICA
Eko Dydda- Kenya
Emmy Kosgei – Kenya
Exodus- Uganda
Christina Shusho- Tanzania
Lam Lungwar- South Sudan
Sarah K- Kenya
Dawit Getachew-Ethiopia
Kambua-Kenya
Willie Paul- Kenya
Ann Marie Mutesi – Burundi

 

ARTIST OF THE YEAR- SOUTHERN AFRICA
Patrick Duncan
Solly Mahlangu
Hlengiwe Mhlaba
Ambani Ramaru
Sfiso Ncwane
Bakhe Dlamini
Keke Phoofolo
Thobekile Mkhwanazi
Ntokozo Mbambo
Prince Mafukidze

 

ARTIST OF THE YEAR- WEST AFRICA
Gifty Osei– Ghana
Skuulfoo- Ghana
Frank Edwards-Nigeria
Cwasi Oteng-Ghana
Tosin Martins –Nigeria
Eben -Nigeria
Evangelist Ben and Felicia Awabi- Cameroon
King Mensah- Togo
Atorise Lanre- Nigeria
Nii Okai-Ghana
Psalm Ebube – Nigeria

 

ARTIST OF THE YEAR- CENTRAL AFRICA
Dena Mwana (Congo)
Anne Marie Mutesi (Burundi)
Eddy Mico (Rwanda)
Mike Kalambayi (Congo)
Alain Moloto (Congo)

 

ARTIST OF THE YEAR (Solo/Group) – USA/CANADA
Judah Tabernacle Choir
Anita Etta
Ngeh Loveline
Achalle
Josephine Atanga
Yaw Osei-Owusu
Ike Wilson
Fred Obare

 

ARTIST OF THE YEAR- EUROPE
Dina Kikala, UK
Masterdon, Italy
Daniel Idikayi, UK
Atta Boafo, UK
Iyobo Van Lierop- Holland
Kelechy Ify, UK
Rebecca, UK
Allen Caiquo, UK
Mahali Selepe, UK
Myco Chris, UK

 

ARTIST OF THE YEA R- AUSTRALIA/ASIA
Disciple
Soldier E

 

AFRO JAZZ /INSTRUMENTAL MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Dlamini (South Africa)
Mbaki (Bostwana)
Lekan Shobiyi (UK)
Mike Aremu (Nigeria)
Nathi Zungu (South Africa)
Miller Luwoye (UK)

 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Colours of Africa- Sonnie Badu (UK)
Crown Him King-Israel Mosehla (South Africa)
Blessing-Diana Hamilton (UK)
Ololo – Emmy Kosgei (Kenya)
Skuulfoo- Chapter 1 (Ghana)
Declaring his Name- Muyiwa and Riversongz (UK)
Overflo- Florocka (Akinwunmi Nathan Akiremi) (Nigeria)
Prophecy-Ohemaa Mercy (Ghana)
Mwamba Mwamba- Solly Mahlangu (South Africa))
I Believe – Rebecca (UK)

 

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Emmy Kosgei-Kenya
Dena Mwana – Congo
Ntokozo Mbambo- South Africa
Rebecca- UK
Gifty Osei- Ghana
Kefee -Nigeria
Onos Ariyo- Nigeria
Diana Hamilton-UK
Christina Shusho -Tanzania
Lara George- Nigeria

 

SONG OF THE YEAR
Psalm 23-Eko Dydda (Kenya)
Siyabonga Jesu- Solly Mahlangu (South Africa)
Ololo – Emmy Kosgei (Kenya)
God Dey Bless Me- Cwesi Oteng (Ghana)
Only You be God- Muyiwa and Riversongz (UK)
Born Champion – DJ Gosporella ft. J. Clique (Nigeria)
Champions- Tim Godfrey (Nigeria)
Bless Somebody- Rebecca (UK)
Minku Meho -Celina Boateng (Ghana)
Arabaribiti – Sonnie Badu (UK)

 

AFRO GOSPEL RAP (SOLO/GROUP) OF THE YEAR
Preachers (Ghana)
Princess Dolly (UK)
Rooftop MCs (Nigeria)
Royal Priesthood (Ghana)
Kriss Ehh Baba (Kenya)
Andrew Bello (UK)
Lyrical Soldier (UK)
Fifty 50 (South Africa)
Kardy (Cameroon)
Chukka Royalty (UK)

 

MALE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Solly Mahlangu-South Africa
Eko Dydda-Kenya
Frank Edwards- Nigeria
Daddy Owen- Kenya
Keke Phoofolo- South Africa
Joe Praise- Nigeria
Eben- Nigeria
Uche- South Africa
Allen Caiquo- UK
Aaaron T. Aaron- UK

 

DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR
Kjean
PK Boadi-UK
V.K.P (Vijana Kwa Pulpit)-Kenya
Segun Ajuwon-UK
Daniel Akakpo-UK
Pita-Nigeria
Prosper Mateva -Zimbabwe
Abbeam Family- UK
Psalmos- Nigeria
Owura and the Modulation 5 (UK)

 

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Bongani Mahlaole (South Africa)
Floracka (Akinwumi Nathan Akiremi) (Nigeria)
Wole Oni – (Nigeria)
Nana Osei (Nacy) (Ghana)
Kofi Dua Anto (KODA) (Ghana)
Stephen Akinyele (Shabach) (UK)
Cobhams Asuquo (Nigeria)
Billy Frank (Kenya)
Tolu Okeowo (UK)

 

EVENT OF THE YEAR
Festival of Worship and Praise- (Italy)
Joyous Celebration 16 Live Recording (South Africa)
Evolution (Ghana)
Crown Awards (South Africa)
Groove Awards (Kenya)
Talanta Awards Africa (USA)

 

GOSPEL RADIO PRESENTER OF THE YEAR
DJ Gosporella- Nigeria
Fiifi Folson-Ghana
Ekanoye Bolanle- Gambia
Anthony Ndiema- Kenya
Adja Amy Rachel Dibassey -UK
DJ. Tait -Zimnet Radio

 

GOSPEL TV PRESENTER OF THE YEAR
Benita White
Praise Asemota
Shoggy Tosh
Sido Kasanda (SK)
Pastor Peter ‘Praisetek’ Oyebobola

 

GOSPEL TV PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
Le Chemin Des Artistes (UK)
X2D (Nigeria)
Crossover 101 NTV (Kenya)
House of Praise (South Africa)
Footprints (Ghana)
One Gospel (South Africa)

 

RADIO PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
Gospel Sunday- Milele FM
Sunset Drive- Sunny FM
Indumiso- Ukozi FM
Gospel Train- Zimnet Radio

 

BEST CONTRIBUTION OF THE YEAR
Voice of Africa Radio
Bola Mogaji
Wole Oni
Premier Gospel
BC3 Media
Jabu Hlongwane
John Mensah Sarpong

 

GROUP/CHOIR OF THE YEAR
Maximum Melodies- Kenya
Simply Chrysolite-South Africa
Makoma- Holland
Tim Godfrey and Extreme Crew-Nigeria
Skuulfoo-Ghana
Vining Ogu and the Experience – Nigeria
Obert Mazivisa and the Trumpet Echoes
Sowetos Spiritual Singers-South Africa
Adawnage- Kenya

 

Click here to cast your vote for your favourite gospel artiste to win in the 2012 AGMAs

With the recent trading of barbs going on between Jaguar and Ringtone, one has to wonder just whether there is a real difference between gospel and secular artists.

 Jaguar took a shot at all Kenya’s top emcees saying that they all wear fake bling. And if you expect this comment to draw some heat, it did. Alot of it infact and what was interesting is that it drew heat from Ringtone -a popular gospel artist.

Ringtone broke from what is oft expected from gospel artists’ conduct and dressed down Jaguar. While that is all well and good, i’m wondering why a gospel artist has launched into a verbal tirade over such vanities as bling. Ringtone reportedly said this about Jaguar, “He might claim his chain is expensive and all that. I’m told he claims he bought it at the same place Jay Z buys his. Who believes that?”
My question for Ringtone is why did you feel compelled to participate in this issue? You are a gospel artist ergo held up to a higher standard. Why would you possibly want to get drawn into this silly issue? Making statements like “Mine bears an anointed cross. His has a mere cross. Imported or not, my bling stands out” only opens you up to ridicule and scrutiny from your Christian fans and if they feel that you’re proud, you will have lost your audience. I won’t comment about jaguar because he isn’t held up to the same standards as you. His personality doesn’t get scrutinized by the public from a religious standpoint.
Then again, this is just my humble opinion.

2012 Groove Award nominee Dan-gee Jaynerale is back with another spectacular single, produced by Mgangez of studio 15 together with Dj Joelz, the title of the track is ‘ABC’.

The single, Dan Gee says, talks about how Christ is and should be our A to Z, in other words, He is our everything. Whenever faced by a situation, Christ is the answer; He is never too far away from us.

Dan-gee who was nominated for this year’s Groove awards in the New Artist of the Year category, gained recognition after releasing his hit single ‘Not Guilty’ featuring Christ Cycoz n Trigga.

He says ABC is a song meant to encourage people to always depend on God no matter what the situation is, “God has not brought you this far just to leave you now.”

The catchiest part of the song has got to be the bridge:

“Light yake ni ya FREE, si kaa KPLC, na kuipata ni rahisi kama ABC.” The song was officially released on the 20th of April 2012 and is steadily gaining loads of airplay.
Dan-gee hopes to release the video to the song next month and, God-willing, an album by the end of the year.

Have a listen to the single below and tell us what you think… Great work Dan Gee

2012 Groove Award nominee Dan-gee Jaynerale is back with another spectacular single, produced by Mgangez of studio 15 together with Dj Joelz, the title of the track is ‘ABC’.

The single, Dan Gee says, talks about how Christ is and should be our A to Z, in other words, He is our everything. Whenever faced by a situation, Christ is the answer; He is never too far away from us.

Dan-gee who was nominated for this year’s Groove awards in the New Artist of the Year category, gained recognition after releasing his hit single ‘Not Guilty’ featuring Christ Cycoz n Trigga.

He says ABC is a song meant to encourage people to always depend on God no matter what the situation is, “God has not brought you this far just to leave you now.”

The catchiest part of the song has got to be the bridge:

“Light yake ni ya FREE, si kaa KPLC, na kuipata ni rahisi kama ABC.” The song was officially released on the 20th of April 2012 and is steadily gaining loads of airplay.
Dan-gee hopes to release the video to the song next month and, God-willing, an album by the end of the year.

Have a listen to the single below and tell us what you think… Great work Dan Gee

Kenya’s talented singer Size 8 is currently among the best female artistes in the country and now, she has finally gone regional with his collaboration

with Tanzanian Bongo sensation Hussein Machozi in a song titled ‘Nipe’.

Size 8 was forced to get out of her music comfort zone and she exemplary did it perfectly well with no problems. She managed to blend very well with Hussein Machozi. The song is definitely a love song dedicated to Hussein’s female fans.

Hussein Machozi has been performing in the country since Easter Holidays. Listen to the song down here>>>>>>

Kagwe Mungai’s BRAND NEW mix tape was released over this past Madaraka Day weekend and I must say the just over 33minute taste is a delicious ride on the budding alternative music scene in Kenya.

‘It Only Gets Better’ features a total of 9 solid tracks with a bonus cover to Ice Prince and Sarkodie’s ‘Oleku’. Each of the tracks is unique in its composition and the general feel to it. Here’s an overview of each of the singles:

1. Purely Poetic Logic

The first track is an introductory overview of what one should expect in the mixtape. Mungai expertly displays his mastery of the dialect as well as authroitatively convinces the listener that he/she is in for a rollercoaster of surprise and creativity.

“Herein in my ominbus, I can afford honest expression devoid of secular perception and ignorant analysis,” is one of the witty lines he bluntly utters.

2. Marry You

With a somewhat Kwaito flow to it, the track is a reccurent proposal to a loved one…convincing in its delivery and effective in the rhythmn.

3. Cure For This

This futuristic sample of a song uses the melodious vocals of Louise Victoria to slow it down and give you an outer space experience, as you ride the galaxy of enlightenment and relaxation.

4. Get Down

The upbeat track really gets you on your feet, as Kagwe uses the lyrical rhymes of what was once a famous primary school rhyme, upgrading it to what could possibly be the most popular beat on the mixtape. The song screams Kenyan club banger.

5. Rock With You

Cerys Weetch sounds ALOT like Alicia Keys on this track that oozes RnB with a clever and soothing mix of instrumentals and vocals that make this song the perfect Sunday afternoon or late night tune.

6. Interlude

A break from it all…Impressive lyrics over a phonecall. Need I say more?

8. It Only Gets Better

Bearing the same title as the entire mixtape, it is bound NOT to be a disappointment. Kagwe came up with a staccato African instrumental and background vocals that piece together this song into an amazing amalgamation of wording and melody. Despite the fact that the artist ‘talks’ through the track, the beat is clearly memorable, with a crescendo towards the end that leaves a beautiful climax.

9. Hey Mama

The instrumentals and beat once again carry this song which is heavily dependent on fantastic drops and a philharmonic feel that makes it a feel good song.

10. Oleku Cover

This West African hit is given a laid back tune which makes shoulder movements involuntary, with Mungai’s rap flow

Overall this mixtape offers a rich array of talent, soul and lyrics that will leave you impressed with the direction in which Kenyan music is headed. Great work Kagwe Mungai. Ghafla! gives you a five star rating.

 

Have a listen to the Mixtape ‘It Only Gets Better’ by Kagwe Mungai below…

We are always told that disability is not inability, and true to this Daddy Owen said that he was born with one bad eye and for a long time he had to struggle with a low self-esteem. He thanks his elder brother Rufftone for his intervention because he encouraged him to believe in himself no matter what.

 In an interview with Buzz, Daddy Owen confirmed that even after his success, he was still disturbed by how people would say about him if they knew that he had only one eye thus he always wore sunglasses in public and on his videos.

Daddy Owen came to know Deno through K-Krew DJ, DJ Moz, who introduced him as Daddy Owen greatest fan. Deno asked if they can do a collabo with him, which he later accepted after getting the conviction and inspiration from the almighty Father.

Owen said that the recording of the song was awesome and the producers, Dillie and R. Kay helped Deno to navigate his superb vocals and immediately it worked, Deno was proud of himself that he even cried due to the excitement.

Legendary spin master DJ Pinye was the one who convinced Daddy Owen to do a video after listening to the audio. Pinye was very passionate about the song and that’s how they decided to incorporate Miss Confidence and Para-Olympic champion Henry Wanyoike to appear in the video.

Pinye told Owen about his brother’s medical condition, and this really shocked the ‘Dakika tatu’ singer because they have been good friends and yet he didn’t know about it.

Daddy Owen will be doing a campaign to create awareness about the plight of people with disability. He says that we shouldn’t be feeling sympathy for them but instead create opportunities for them.

Daddy Owen is also planning to launch Malaika Tribute Awards aimed at rewarding the unsung heroes in our community. They will include people who have achieved against all odds and also those who have helped the less fortunate to achieve their goals in life.

Kenya’s Big Brother Africa representative Prezzo has finally confessed that he has feelings for Nigeria’s beauty queen Goldie. During his diary session, Prezzo told Big Brother that he still has feelings for Goldie but its over between them.

This time round Prezzo has come out clean that he is not married after bragging to South African Diva Barbz of how he has a perfect wife and daughter to the extent of showing their beautiful photos to the other housemates.

In the other hand, Goldie told Biggy that she wanted to help out Prezzo with rationing his cigarette intake for his own interest. She also confessed that she wanted to spend more time with him although the Kenyan representative is trying so hard to ignore her.

Zainab told Biggy that she felt sorry for Goldie, and for this reason she’s willing to stop going after Prezzo. Zainab said, “Prezzo is a bad boy and I don’t know what’s up with her (Goldie).”

As we reported earlier today, local producer John Chacha accused Cannibal of not honoring contracts. But Cannibal does not agree, insisting that most recording and management companies do not fulfil their end of the bargain.

 “What they say is not exactly what they do. They don’t bankroll you to the level you desire. Chacha only asked me to help him promote his studio, which I did, and I don’t recall having any deal with him,” says the rapper.

Cannibal, whose Sh 1million contract with AMG Records ended last year, says his focus now is to look for multi-million recording deals. “Local studios offer a raw deal and end up getting the most of you. I’m not going to be someone’s stepping stone to wealth.”

Gospel music producer Billy Frank of Crown Productions, who has signed and produced gospel singers like Mercy Wairegi, Eunice Njeri and Joy Kaimosi, says he only signs artistes who fit in the Kenyan market and have focus.

 “This is business and I can’t sign an artiste whose style and kind of music is simply unsellable,” he says, adding that when the artiste does not fulfil his end of the bargain, he reviews the available options. And he has no regrets about the artistes he has signed. He says that the relationship between artistes and recording companies is not good because artistes are usually not patient. “The problem is with the artistes. They’re always jumping from one producer to another. They don’t even understand the implications of a recording deal,” he says.

Frank’s contracts are rather simple as he only does the audio production. “I don’t want to take much risk. Mine is always recording alone. The artiste does the rest,” he says.

Local songstress Wahu has a succession of songs that are all about how a certain liar has done her wrong. The natural reaction from her fans has been to ask who she has been referring to all along.

 People from some quarters guessed that she may have been talking about her husband and fellow singer David Mathenge, aka Nameless, who is extremely popular with the ladies of Nairobi. She was quick to put these speculations to bed, when she revealed in an Easy FM interview that the ‘liar’ is a fictional character. She said, “Everybody keeps saying: aya, maze sema tu ukweli, you know. (The liar) is a fictional character, but it is based on things that happen. You know people are liars.”

What do you guys think? Is Wahu telling the truth, or do you believe that the ‘liar’ in her songs is a proxy for Nameless? Leave your interesting or creative responses in the comment section below.

In an interview with a local magazine, M-Tech CEO Ikechukwu Anoke announced M-Tech’s plans to cross the border into South Africa.

 “The company’s strategy is to develop and monetise talent,” he said. “We’re putting in money now and promoting the talent we’ve signed to another level. Look at where Camp Mulla is now. We’re focused on taking local music to the international scene, beyond the Kenyan frontiers. The problem with Kenyan musicians is that they don’t have financial input. So we invest heavily, do total re-branding,” Ike explained. He added that they are in talks with Universal Records to launch their South African artistes to the African Market.

According to Xtreme Entertainment CEO John Chacha, rapper Cannibal is notirious for signing and walking out on recording and management deals. Chacha claims that he lost over 500, 000 on Cannibal.

 “I had a 3-year deal with Cannibal that involved audio and visual production, promotions and marketing, management and concert bookings, and re-branding. I spent colossal amounts to dress him and record his music and videos,” he recalls. Chacha claims that he bankrolled two of Cannibal’s videos – Cannibal and I Wish – to the tune of Sh. 450,000.

“This catapulted him to the national podium, pitting him against the big names in the industry. It also earned him a spot in the nominations list for the Channel O Awards,” says Chacha. That was when things changed for Chacha as Cannibal stopped answering his calls.

“The next thing I heard was that he had signed another deal with a Nairobi stable,” Chacha recalls. He says he could not take legal action because Cannibal was still struggling. “I didn’t want to make life difficult for him,” he says.

Young millionaire and radio celebrity Maina Kageni has moved into his new look mansion after staying in a furnished apartment for the last three months. The old Karen house cost the popular presenter several millions in renovation costs.

 Maina owns a couple of condos in Miami and Florida, USA. He bought the condos on a mortgage. He also has various business interests in Kenya and across the continent. His enterprises are diverse, ranging from endorsement contracts to real estate. Last year, it was also revealed that he owns a modelling agency in Lagos, Nigeria, with one of the P-Square brothers

Last week, Jaguar told a local magazine that his imported pendant had cost him about 400,000 KShs. “Kenyan artistes should have a sense of class. If you are driving a big car, why do you wear a cheap chain? You even go ahead to purchase a fake, which looks like my original?” he asked.

 The “Kigeugeu” artist is also the proud owner of a Range Rover sport and a BMW 5-series. He claims that he got his wealth from investing his music proceeds into various businesses all over Kenya.

Ringtone and Jaguar are having a face off. On Wednesday this week, the Talanta Singer picked on Jaguar only days after the Ogopa Deejays-based singer claimed that artistes were wearing cheap pendants.

 

“He might claim his chain is expensive and all that. I’m told he claims he bought it at the same place Jay Z buys his. Who believes that?” Ringtone said.

 

“If his is Jay Z class, mine is a Kirk Frankli9n class. Mine bears an anointed cross. His Has a mere cross. Imported or not, my bling stands out,” the Range-pRover spinning young star added.

In a recent interview, 24-year old Alice Theluji aka Alicios talked about her experience growing up.

Before she released her breakout hit, ‘Mpita Njia,’ she had some rough trials and tribulations to speak of. She was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She said, “After war broke out in Kinsasha, we moved to Kenya as refugees and settled in Kibera.”

Wow.

Further to that, she said that her mum was a musician back in DRC, but took a break from singing “due to the harsh realities she faced bringing up a family.” The mother started a small business which enabled the family to move from Kibera to Nyayo Estate. Alicios managed to qualify for further studies in Sweden, where she started her recording career with the song “Mpita Njia.” Give it a listen below:

 

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