Month: June 2012

Camp Mulla already done did the Kenya proud by being the only artistes from East and Central Africa to be nominated at this year’s BET Awards in the International – Africa category. This came off the success of videos like Party Don’t Stop, Addicted, Fresh All Day and Hold It Down.

The five-member group has been nominated alongside more experienced African acts like South Africa’s soulful songstress, Lira, Ghana’s hip-hop star, Sarkodie, Mali’s rising star, Mokobe and rapper, Ice Prince from Nigeria.

You can download official BET Awards App and earn points for Camp Mulla by playing the interactive games. You can also text your favorite artiste’s code to gain points for them on Fandemonium. You can also win prizes for predicting the order of the performances on awards night. The app is available on Android, iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. More details on the BET site here.

If you are an upcoming or established artiste, producer or a content producer for any media, you may be interested in Emmanuel Goetz’s offer.

He is selling sound recording equipment, including professional Behringer equipment like active studio monitor speakers, tube ultragrain, six-mic mixboard and condenser. There is also a Dell Optiplex, Yamaha keyboard, 22-inch LG Flatron among other equipment.

Mr. Goetz is offering a discount for whoever is interested in buying all the equipment as a set. Don’t miss this chance to own professional recording equipment. You can contact Mr. Goetz here for details.

Man Wazimu doesn’t get much airplay on mainstream media despite his numerous tracks, videos and being named in All FM’s list of artistes to watch in 2009. One of the most striking qualities about the reggae artiste is his code.

Man Wazimu started researching about music in 2001 and started recording in 2003. Between then and now, he has switched recording studios twice. Mostly because they didn’t fit into his timing schedule. The artiste prefers to record in the morning and doesn’t appreciate tardiness. “If we agree 7:30 and 10 minutes later you haven’t arrived, you won’t find me there,” he said during a recent interview with Ghafla!

The artiste has had to turn down shows, even from abroad, either because they didn’t match his style or because he feared they would erode his street credibility. He turned down a concert in Costa Rica because it was a gospel song and he didn’t want to take the money at the expense of his street credibility. He also doesn’t want people confused into thinking that Emergency Pills is a gospel song, which is the reason he had been asked to perform in the Caribbean country in the first place.

The few non-community shows that he has agreed to take part in, he leaves immediately after his performance. “After I finish performing, five minutes, I’m out there. I don’t hang around.” He’s also had to turn down curtain raising for international artistes who are paid huge sums of money and he’s paid next to nothing. “Why perform for someone who’s ready to pay even half a million for an international artiste when they give you 30,000?” he asks.

He never breaks any of his codes, which have guided him to where he is today. He is currently promoting his first album, My Say, a 15-track effort which he recorded under Waunde Music.

The release of this fresh new kapuka track by an upcoming talented music artiste named HEZ is already increasing his fan base as Kenyans are largely positively receptive to the single.

The song is a fusion of both house music and Kenyan kapuka and was superbly blended by one of Kenya’s finest music producers, V-sita. The end product is the track USIKAZIE NGOMA.

The song is an upbeat and feel-good song that is meant to make everyone irrespective of age, gender or religion, get on their feet and move, make merry and dance. 

Hez as an artist is a talented person with unique skills. Other than ‘Usikazie Ngoma’, he has done several songs which include ‘LYFSTYLE YA CAMPUS’ and ‘KAPUKA’. With each song he does, Hez grows more and more through the different genres.

The audience may no doubtly describe him as versatile as his music speaks volumes of his character and no words can better describe him than what he jots down with his pen and voices out in synchronised beats.

Press play, let the music fill the air and usikazie ngoma…

It has been the talk of most critics and fans as well. Claims that the gospel artistes are doing their songs entirely for business and nothing to do with their faith. In short, every artist is after the gospel music industry to make money and not preach, so they say.

Many gospel artistes have fought against these claims. Jimmy Gait said his piece about this exclusively on a Ghafla! Interview, as real as it gets and not beating around the bush whatsoever.

“We can’t do music without money,” Jimmy said. “We also have to eat and make money. When you spend money, you have to make it in return.” Jimmy gait made it clear that his faith remains intact and that it doesn’t matter what other people think. Personally, I agree with every single word that Jimmy Gait says in this interview. Check it out.

As you have probably seen in some of our previous articles, we have been uploaded segments of the exclusive interview that we did with Gospel artistes Jimmy Gait and Holy Dave.

As much as we talked about their ‘Make it or Make it’ campaign, we also covered sensitive topics involving their lives and music.

The third part of the interview is now available. Check it out.

It’s been quite a while since we last heard from the rapper Calvo Mistari. He is now back in the music scene and denies ever been lost with his first lyrics “mi bado niko, bado nipo, bado style yangu ni tai kwondo“.

Calvo Mistari introduces his new crew and sound with his new song, ‘Masela’ which has a party feeling to it. Full of rappers and diverse flows, this track does quite an introduction of artistes and I have to say that the video is also on point.

You can also download ‘masela’ through this link right here. Check out the video below.

There shall never be good music like the old jams, be it in rock, reggae, lingala, hiphop, or even Kenyan music. Old is always gold, and let’s just face it, some of the music today… [smh]. Whatever happened to lyrics composition? What’s up with all the scribbling?

Then again, I’m not the only listener around. Anyway, just like me, you might have been waiting and hoping for a mixtape containing only the best of old school Kenyan music. I’m talking about songs from artists like E-Sir, Hardstone, Kalamashaka, Mercy Myra (back in the days), just to mention a few.

Well, it is now the time to press play on this new mixtape done by K1 and uploaded just this month, titled ‘Old School Kenyan Music Sample‘. This is a chance to re-live the legendary times that created the Kenyan music backbone.

Here is the link to the mix which is also available for download.

Gospel music videos are getting better and flashier with each release. Alice Kamande released a trailer for her upcoming new song Omba. The singer has previously released videos for Upendo Ule Ule, Wewe Pekee and Wi Munene.

The singer describes her style as afro-pop and has been nominated as Female Artist of the Year by the U.S.-based Talanta Awards. She shot to fame with Ni Wewe, a soulful praise and worship track. Her music is produced by her brother-in-law, Kora Award-winning and Tusker Project Fame teacher, R-Kay.

Check out the awesome trailer below.
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There first collaboration took the Kenyan music scene by storm. It was the song that was frequently played on radio, TV and even matatus. The two did quite a number of performances for that one song accompanied by other individual works.

Seeing that the vocals and rap combination of the two did wonders, they couldn’t hold back on more. Thus came ‘Geti Kali’, their new collaborative track. Speaking of holding back, Sanaipei doesn’t do that at all in this new, just released video. Dressed in a tight black outfit, Sana frees herself in the streets of Nairobi in a kind of naughty and interesting way. 

The song is more or less about the girl that you’ve always wanted but couldn’t get to because of her extravagant nature. Jua Cali on the other hand comes in on the third verse with his rebellious and ‘don’t care’ lyrics, referring to the same extravagant nature that Sana tries to portray.

All in all, you just have to see for yourself. I have a feeling we’ll all have different opinions over this one.

As tributes and condolences to the families of Honorables Saitoti and Ojodeh, as well as the 4 other occupants of the helicopter, the pilot and his co as well as two bodyguards continue to flow in, Kenyan production guru Luther of SNL productions has pieced together a unique first.

The talented producer has come up with a techno/house themed song dedicated to the memory of the mathematics professor who passed on in the accident about two weeks ago.

Have a listen to the track ‘There Comes a Time’ below and tell us what you think about it…

It’s about time we had an awesome mix-tape with songs only from the legendary, most favorite Kenyan rapper of all time, E-Sir Mmari. I am not just saying this because he is deceased, but because he was simply the most original and lyrical of the ‘uptown’ rappers till date.

If you owned E-Sir’s album, ‘NIMEFIKA‘, I don’t think you would disagree with anything I have just said about the rapper. DJ Crooks seems to be on the same page on this one. His latest mixtape is entirely dedicated to the nationally beloved rapper.

The mixtape titled ‘Tribute to Issah Mmari a.k.a E-Sir’ was just released this month and is already receiving good play and download, through mixcrate.com.

If you miss mature and meaningful Kenyan lyrics, click hear to listen and download the mixtape, courtesy of DJ Crooks.

The youngins are hungry and they aren’t willing to wait!

Kenrazy recently released a song in which he put all the veterans on alert. He basically declared open season on everyone. This is a ballsy move that i hope he can back up. He also claimed the throne of the best lyricist in the land.
Although this to some may be seen as a controversial move, it’s nothing new. Collo in the past declared himself king wa rap and he drew the ire of everyone in the industry.

Octopizzo is also taking shots at Abbas. Not too sure about where the beef originated from but all i know is that the cool kidz are telling the veterans that they will not be ignored!

Coola Gang who talk about there struggles with getting airplay are also saying that they will not be ignored and the one thing that is clear is that these guys are tired of being out in the cold and they are tired of recieving slights from those already established.

The one thing that Kenyan heavyweights need to know is that unless they want to deal with a situation in which not just the leaders of the cool kidz and their fanbase turn away entirely from them, they need to embrace the new wave. Kenya’s entertainment industry is opening up but for the old guard to remain relevant they have to surf the new wave!

Collo has entirely embraced the cool kidz and is often in collabos with upstarts and doing songs that entertain this segment. He has a collabo with Camp Mulla and AJ (which he absolutely killed).

Check out Collo showing the cool kidz some musical love:

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Kenrazy has begun and there doesn’t seem to be any stopping him. Let’s just wait to see whether this trend will have a snowball effect.

One of Kenya’s leading entertainers, DJ Johni Celeb, is set for an extensive tour of Europe’s largest economy later this year.

In a project dubbed ‘Kenyan Music Project’, DJ Celeb will leave for Germany on the 26th of June 2012 for a music tour this summer.
“Kenyan Music Project” runs from the 26th of June 2012 to the 10th of August 2012 and will include, alongside DJ Johni Celeb, a choir, band and dancers from Kenya as well as a German team consisting of the same.

Andy Mburu

Andy Mburu, a Kenya artiste known for the Hit Song “Ananijali” will also be in the team representing Kenya.
This specially selected team will tour major German Cities for a grand total of 13 concerts and other youth activities.

Below are the Tour Dates and the respective Cities ‘Kenya Music Project’ will tour:

Date                                  City
7th July CONCERT       Müllrose
8th July CONCERT       Beeskow
11th July CONCERT     Frankfurt /Oder
13th July CONCERT     Datteln
15th July CONCERT     Kirchheim/ Katzenellenbogen
17th July CONCERT     Tübingen
20th July CONCERT     Stuttgart
22nd July CONCERT    Dresden
24th July CONCERT     Zeithain
25th July CONCERT     Strausberg
27th July CONCERT     Oranienburg
29th July CONCERT     Grünheide
7th August CONCERT   Fürstenwalde

Kenrazy and DJ Gavnah have collaborated on Ghipuka Mixx Part 1. On it, he makes some rather boastful–if not confrontational–statements about his place on the Kenyan music totem. At the top. Right at the beginning, he claims to be the best Kenyan lyricist, then goes ahead to try and prove it on the 14-minute mix.

Kenrazy burst on to the Kenyan music scene with Ti Chi, a song that was already a huge at F2 where he used to perform as an upcoming artiste. None of his subsequent songs have dethroned Ti Chi in terms of popularity but they gain considerable play in clubs.

You can decide to block out his previous efforts and give him the benefit of a doubt and decide for yourself if he deserves the self-imposed title.
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Calif Records has been known to introduce new artistes from time to time and they are usually successful later on. I can’t even begin to list the number of artistes that are products of calif Records who are now influential in the Kenyan music industry.

You should then know that it is a big deal when two new artistes (one of them not so new) bring us a song that is currently already receiving air play and controversies. Rapper TN and Saiz 2, both from Nakuru have taken over the Calif Records name by their new track, ‘Pesa kwa madem’ which is gaining popularity very fast among the youth, especially in Nakuru.

I took the time to listen to the track and I have to say that this time, calif Records have really outdone themselves. The track has a certain hype that is accompanied by humour from the lyrics which are available here.

Have a listen to the track right here.

Ever wondered who Kenya’s hardest working artists are?

Well, wonder no more. I have compiled a list of 2 emcees whose workrate is simply astounding! These guys aren’t like the established lads and lasses who do a track bi-annually (if we are only so lucky!).

These two are lads who though haven’t recieved mainstream love of late are actually quite gifted and it’s honestly just a matter of time!

I’m talking about Kenrazy and Man Wazimu. Kenrazy has been on his grizzy both in the mainstream and on the underground. Man Wazimu however has been doing his thing and has been going H.A.M on an alternative outlet: YouTube!

And all this is despite the fact that both have alternate lives and responsibilities. Kenrazy is a student at a local university and Man Wazimu has a day job as a radio deejay at Ghetto FM.

I think their work ethic is commendable. They are truly hardworking. hats off to the duo and hopefully they will continue to give us good music and eventually supernova!

One of Kenya’s most hardworking emcees is back with a brand new track featuring his girlfriend and partner Sosuun.

The pair are reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde have been consistent on their hassle and they have come up with this track.
The uptempo and high octane track is sure to resonate with everyone who loved Kenrazy’s first track “Tichi”. ‘Razy starts by declaring himself the best lyricist in Kenya at the moment then declares open season on the game’s veterans. Pretty brave move by any means.
The track features some sick instrumentals and by my estimations is more hiphop than ghipuka but que sera sera i guess. Sosuun does well to keep up with ‘Razy as he goes in on it and i dare say she is Kenya’s best female lyricist and if not the best, then she’s pretty close to the top!
Check out the track below:
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Keith is a soulful alternative music artiste who experiments with different sounds. This is his debut single, which is one of his more fast-paced tracks.

With a clear sonic sound and unpretentious song writing, up-coming singer and producer, KEITH, is making sure steps into the Kenyan music scene. And he doing this with a little touch of magic. KEITH is also the filmmaker behind the music video of his debut track, ‘Devilish’, a lyrical and visual metaphor on a dying relationship.

The song was recorded at GIBBZ ENT. and produced by Keith himself. He directed the video himself through his own Africa Is A Planet. The video’s theme is Knowledge, Paranoia, Liberation, Intoxication.

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You can find KEITH on Twitter @keithinside and on Facebook here. You can also download the song here for free.