Month: August 2012

A while back, Camp Mulla singer, Miss Karun asked her Twitter followers to suggest covers she can do. A lot of them responded with various choices like the national anthem, classic RnB like Whitney Houston’s Salute to punk rock like the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Maps and rap like Nicki Minaj’s Superbass.

Looks like the first cover is ready for the world to enjoy. The choice is fairly unorthodox, she decided to pick an electro RnB song. She has covered Labrinth’s Last Time, and she did it brilliantly. She is accompanied by guitarist Kato Change. The original went straight to the top of the UK RnB charts and was successful all around Europe on its release this year.

Miss Karun and Kato Change’s version was produced by Jaaz Odongo, who has previously produced for Fena Gitu. The video was directed by Kevin Bosco Jnr, who recently directed Camp Mulla and Uneek’s S.O.S. Styling was by Eve Mugwe and Moses Wasike and make-up by Muthoni Njoba. Check out the video below.
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The year 2012 has been a great year for a pair of superstar Dee Jays: Dj Joe Mfalme and Creme De La Creme.

Dj Joe has been all over the place, doing big concerts and playing outside the country such as the just concluded Tarrus Riley concert.

Creme De La Creme has been on a constant feature in almost all the huge events that matter in the country. He’s graced magazine covers, and has a clothing Line that’s quickly becoming popular.

The 2 djz are now officially signed to Channel O as VJz for the rebranded live video, mix show called Bass-ment. The new rebranded show will feature mixes from djz carefully picked from African countries. some of the djz are Dj Caise from Nigeria, Dj Aludah from Uganda and our very own Creme De La Creme and Dj Joe Mfalme.

The show relaunches on Wednesday August 15 ,2012.This is a huge platform for the 2 djz who are undisputedly Kenya’s best.. congratulations Joe Mfalme and Creme De La Creme

Prezzo and Jaguar bury the hatchet.

We broke the story about how a fake Jaguar had been tweeting hate about Prezzo and urging his fans not to vote for Prezzo in the BBA house. And we broke the story about how Jaguar had infact been urging Kenyans to show support for one of their own by voting for Prezzo.

And we exclusively carried the story of how Prezzo appreciated Jaguar’s efforts, it’s time we tell you another exclusive tid bit…

It would seem that Jaguar and Prezzo have officially buried the hatchet. The two talented Kenyan artists have called an end to their acrimonious beef with Prezzo extending a wreath of peace to Jaguar by inviting him to his BBA Homecoming Party at the Carnivore last Friday.

The affair which was a high key event had the who-is-who not just in the entertainment industry but the political scene as well.

I for one hope that now that the two have reconciled, we will be receiving word about a collabo because let’s face it, if the two come together, we will have a banger of a track!

From a con artist swindling artistes to a bandit feasting on Juliani’s girlfriend and more Prezzo news, here are the 10 most talked about stories from yesterday.

1. It’s Official: Prezzo Will Make Exactly Zero Shillings As ONE Ambassador
2. 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Muthoni’s New Video
3. The Kissing Bandit strikes on Brenda Wairimu
4. Photo Gallery: Prezzo’s homecoming party at Simba Saloon, Carnivore
5. What happened to this rapper who dissed Prezzo?
6. ‘Come Baby Come’ is now officially in house music
7. Kenrazy: I tried to warn these female rappers… it’s too late now
8. OH THE IRONY: Judge Ian Says That You Can’t Make Money In Showbiz

9. Message to Upcoming Artistes: Beware of This Conman
10. Versatile features in a riddim alongside Sizzla, Konshens and Delly ranks

After rumours were spread by the Kenyan Daily Post about Prezzo allegedly getting paid 720,000$ a year by the one campaign, alarm bells set off immediately in the heads of the intelligent Ghafla! crew. Kenyan-Post.com claimed that the news was announced on the Big Brother website, but a quick search of bigbrotherafrica.dstv.com and bigbrotherafrica.com showed this not to be true. But alas! The slightly less dodgy reporters at the Pulse magazine ran with the story the day after. Maybe there was some truth to this?

No. Representatives of the ONE campaign have confirmed to us and other reputable media outlets that the ambassadorial position offered to Prezzo is a purely voluntary one, with no monetary compensation involved(apart from, of course financing the basic costs of the campaign).

Prezzo himself also confirmed to us at his eviction party last Friday that the reports were indeed cooked and that he is an ambassador without pay.

Muthoni the Drummer Queen’s much anticipated Feelin’ It video is out. And it is epic. But were there any doubts? If you wondering what went into the making of Muthoni the Drummer Queen’s new music video, here are a few facts you might not know about yet.

1. A first in Kenya, the video was shot on a Scarlet RED camera, which has been used on blockbuster Hollywood films like recent blockbusters, The Amazing Spiderman and Prometheus.

2. The video took only a day to shoot and locations included Protel Studios and Finix Casino in Hurlingham.

3. The video was directed by Laura Balsera, who also directed Muthoni DQ and Octopizzo’s Vile Inafaa. She worked with Jim bishop for this particular Muthoni video.

4. Purple Native Films, a film company from abroad, were brought in to deal with the technical aspects of the video, including most of the post-production. Due to the demands brought about by the camera that has never been used in the country before, a lot of the labor had to be exported.

5. The editing for the video took almost a month to finish because software had to be flown in for the operation. It took two months before the video could come out after the track’s release because of the technical demands.

Muthoni released Feelin’ It Feelin’ It at Prestige last weekend. She invited fans who had won tickets through a promo competition which had gone one throughout the week. Check out the Feelin’ It video below.
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He was known as K-mash and when he hit the underground airwaves, he was one bitter dude. I don’t know what beef he had with Prezzo and Nazizi, but this was a very sad case of riding off someone’s fame.

The song didn’t make it to the mainstream media, we can see why. But where in the world did this rapper disappear to? The song was titled ‘Message to Prezzo’ and we just came across it and decided to upload it on our Sound Cloud channel.

Have a listen below.

As political and social drama continues to unfold and grow here in Kenya, so does the music related to them. Some of our creative music producers have had quite enough of the ugly and controversial news that they have decided to take matters into their own hands and put some humor and fun into it.

Just like they did with the Pastor Njoroge and Esther Mwende saga, SNL have yet again gone H.A.M on another re-fix. This time, it’s all about Miguna Miguna and his infamous punch line, “come baby, come.”

This track is definitely something to listen to. What’s even better about it is the fact that you can actually dance to this track despite the lyrics.

Here, have a listen. Get to know Miguna Miguna’s musical side.

Grandpa Records has issued a statement on a conman using the company’s name to swindle upcoming artistes.

“I would like to bring to your attention a con artist by the name of Calj Mwenyewe on Facebook. He has been using Grandpa Records’ name to con young artists.

If you check his profile, his title is “promoter at Grandpa Records.” A number of young upcoming artists brought this to our attention. He has been collecting money via M-Pesa from them, promising that he is working with Grandpa Records, saying he’ll book them for recordings and later will promote their music,of which he’s never done any.

After getting the cash, he does not answer their calls. Check the attached picture we downloaded from his facebook page. As a company, we have decided to do free production for about five artists that he’s conned, we just reported the matter to police. Please let the young artists and the public beware of such people.“

That is what Kenrazy had to say when they released the latest song from his rapping girlfriend, Sosuun. She has lately been going hard on her music with Kenrazy having her back in almost every track she does. This time, she chose to go solo.

Sosuun’s latest track, ‘dark room’ has her both rapping and singing, narrating her journey through music and all that she has been through. Rapdamu himself has produced this track and is slowly getting the recognition it deserves.

Check out the track below and tell us what you think about it.

This song came right about that time when we had just received news that we have oil in Turkana. This rapper then decided to take matters into his own hand and claim hype from this discovery.

Omae is the rapper behind this ‘Turkana Pella’ song that got everybody wondering where he came from. Omae has actually been in the Kenyan music industry for quite a while now and has been a producer for the Bassline Studios in Embakasi. He is actually the producer behind Labalaa’s ‘Yuko Juu’ featuring Wendi Kimani.

Omae has finally done a video for this very interesting song, Turkana pela and is set to be released in a few weeks. Meanwhile, here is the teaser to the upcoming video.

It looks like Kenya’s king of bling has inspired some new blood in matters concerning flashy videos. I have to say that these kids have really tried on the video.

They are known as rappers Qibbs and Towett and they have just made their debut song and video, ‘tik tok’. They have done their best on the flashy bit, with the watches, bling and what not. They have even managed to portray a lavish lifestyle in this dancehall beat song.

I however have to here the response of the fans on the song alone. Check it out below.

Jimmy Gait has now taken a turn, back to what we initially knew him for, story telling in the most harmonious ways. Bringing in a real praise song, away from the dances and fashion, Jimmy Gait has made the Appointment.

Appointment with whom? You ask, well, with non other than The Most High. In this new song titled ‘aappointment’, Jimmy appreciates the fact that you don’t have to have an appointment with God to be able to communicate with Him.

Jimmy tells a story about himself and his experience in an attempt to talk to God through prayer.

I have to say that this is the real gospel music, with no offence to the other gospel flavours of music here in Kenya. This is the real deal. The video has not yet been released but the song is available below. Have a listen.

Stu-Ter Balozi got burned when he made his debut in the Kenyan music industry in 2009. His single, Beba Na Mia didn’t do so well. He returned in 2010, doing a song with Proff titled Mama. And this time, he’s here to stay.

He followed the effort up with Ugare, which is a parody of P-Unit’s Kare. Last year, he shot a video for his follow up, Endeni Na Come. The song was an uppity track where Stu-ter explained the one year break he took from music to improve his video production skills. He found it necessary to do the song after fans kept asking him why he was away. His answer, “Ka mna mbio, endeni na come.”

Endeni Na Come was produced by Royal Media’s Erick Musoga. He ran into trouble after breaching the contract by directing and editing the video with the help of Mushking FX. Stu-Ter is preparing to release another video for his latest single, Take It, next week. Meanwhile, you can check out his parody of P-Unit’s Kare, Ugare below.
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Kenyan dancehall is definitely making a name for itself in the international music industry as artistes like Wyre and Versatile make it worth listening to.

Versatile was recently signed to an international record label known as Champion Squad Records which is based in Miami, Florida and immediately recorded a track on the Shell Born riddim. Versatile is now the only Kenyan artiste who is featured in this riddim which is full of iconic reggae artists such as Sizzla Kalonji, Tony Mutterhon, Konshens and Delly Ranks just to mention a few.

The video to the song, ‘me love yuh’ is currently being shot and will be released in a week’s time. Yeah, that fast. The shooting of the video comenced today and is being done by Boomba Pictures.

Find it on Ghafla as soon as the release date is announced.

When we first spotted Calif records singer, Ala C at some questionable location with an equally questionable character, we couldn’t help but think that this singer has taken the ‘kamute’ too seriously.

Well, we finally got to know what this was all about. Turns out that he wasn’t after ‘kamute’ after all. He was just in the process of shooting his latest music video for the song, ‘Walking class’.

The video is finally released and you can watch it below. ‘Walking class’ is all about a lady who is after the money for the ‘working classs’ gentlemen and doesn’t want anything to do with the hustler (walking class), who has been taking care of her all the while. Funny video, as the lyrics would suggest. Check it out below.

Parking Lot Grass is one of the hottest rock bands in the country right now. They came together in mid-2010 at the height of the monthly Battle of the Bands at Choices Bar & Restaurant. The band is made up of Raphael Sipalla (lead vocals), Victor Chweya (guitar), Alistair Gould (bass guitar), Amos Kiptoon (bass guitar) and Nick Wathi (drums).

The band spent most of 2010 and 2011 performing at every show they could find and spreading rock culture in Kenya. Towards the end of 2011, the band started recording music for an EP (Shimo Mfukoni) that was set to be released in early 2012, and later a full-length album. The first two singles off the EP, Etched On My Heart and Speed Racer went straight to number one on XFM’s Newly Released Chart.

Parking Lot Grass mention Metallica, Foo Fighters, Chevelle and Bullet for My Valentine as some of their influences. With the foreign influences, the band still tries to maintain a local feel in their songs, and they are one of the few Kenyan rock bands that use Swahili in their lyrics. The band which categorizes its style as experimental, hard rock are having a concert this weekend.

Rock Therapy is the first in a series of events and will take place on the 11th of August. Parking Lot Grass will be the first artistes featured for the bi-monthly show. The event will also feature rock-themed cocktails and the dance crew, Sarakasi. The inaugural event takes place at Rangers Restaurant (KWS) The show starts at 6:00 p.m. and charges are Kshs. 500.

Those who say that music in Kenya doesn’t pay, are really just artistes who don’t have a clue of what they are doing. Jua Cali and a couple of more successful artistes would agree with this, no doubt.

Jua Cali is now the third artiste from the Calif Records roots to make it big, the first being Nonini, followed by Size 8.

Jua Cali is now enjoying all the fruits of his labour with a wide and proud smile on his face, and he really deserves. To make a living out of this Kenyan music industry is no easy task so to see someone reaping this much off of it, just goes to show the determination and hard work of an artiste.

After everything he has been through, Jua Cali is now a proud owner of a Chrysler Crossfire. There are very few of these in the country and he just happens to own one of them. Ain’t that something.

Here are some brief specifics of the ride, followed by the pics.

Name : Chrysler Crossfire
Model : 2005
Engine : 3000cc
Maximum speed : 260km/hr

2 seater
Fitted with pure leather seats
19inch low profile tyres

SPECIAL FEATURES :
Parrot audio system compatible with I-Pads, I-Pods and phones
Computerized wind breaker @ 80km/h
Cruise control
Automatic acceleration

Check out more of the photos below.

It is just a few more days remaining before Abbas Kubaff is back again in the 254 and I know we are all excited about his return, admit it or not. Especially since Bamboo is also back in Kenya and very vibrant in music right now.

Abbas will be jetting in around the 16Th of August and will immediately be jumping on stage alongside other Kenyan top rappers. The event dubbed ‘Hip Hop Slam Down’ will be going down on the 16Th of August at Club Sylk.

A selection of lyrical giants will also be performing at this hip hop event including, Chiwawa, Khaligraph Jones, Washamba Wenza, Kayvo KForce and K47.

Hip Hop Slam Down will be hosteb by Rapcha The Sayantist and Dee. On the decks will be DJ Zack of Capital FM and DJ Dan Mixxa.

The cost of tickets are as follows:

Advanced ordinary tickets: Sh. 400

Advanced V.I.P tickets: Sh. 800

Gate ordinary tickets: Sh. 600

Gate V.I.P tickets: Sh. 1200

Chiwawa has been a very busy individual lately. He has just finished what could turn out to be one of the best videos he has ever done in his history of music.

The video shoot of his song, ‘imejipa’ was done on the KICC rooftop and the view is just breathtaking.

Check out in brief, photos of the video shoot below.

Chiwawa ‘Bolting’ up

Afro-soul singer, Sara Mitaru is about to drop another track. Sara Mitaru has been touring for six years. She has shared a stage with Nigerian megastar, Femi Kuti. She was the youngest woman in Africa to have two UN titles: UN Messenger of Truth habitat and UN Millennium Development Goals advocate.

She has featured in tracks with Just-A-Band. Late last year, she released her debut single, Make Way. The song went viral online thanks to its empowering message, soulful sound and great production topped off by impressive backing vocals.

She is releasing her second track today exclusively on Capital FM’s The Jam today. In the song she features Bez, the talented Nigerian jazz, soul and RnB singer. Not only is she releasing the song, but she is giving fans the chance to win dinner for two at the Sankara Hotel.

The song will be released at 3:30 p.m. on The Jam today and will play daily on the show. Fans will have to listen in and learn one verse and the chorus over the next one week. Whoever learns and performs it the best, will win a dinner for two at Sankara. Below you can check out Sara Mitaru covering O’ Happy Day on Just-A-Band’s Boxing Day Special.
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The video for Bamboo’s Africa’s Calling is finally out. The song is Bamboo’s first single since he returned from the U.S. The song was released on radio first before it went online a couple of days later. It has been the same story with the video.

The launch was held last Friday at Volar on the racecourse grounds but the video was only released a week later. The launch had been postponed from the previous week. The invite-only event was attended by industry players from producers, performers and music video directors.

Performances on the track were by Bamboo and Lavosti. The song was produced at Phoenix Records by one of the hottest new producers, K Tha Great. The video was produced by 3-D Afrika and directed by Sejo, with the Gitwix Pix as director of photography. Check out Bamboo’s epic comeback below.
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Chiwawa is finally back in the music industry with a force that cannot be ignored. Having collaborations and video shoots of his tracks every other day, this is a really hard hitting comeback.

Chiwawa’s latest song, ‘imejipa’ was released a couple of days ago but the video is still on the works. This video is going to be as hot as Rabbit’s ‘Swahili Shakespear’ video, since it’s the same film producers working on it.

‘Imejipa’ basically talks about the success that music finally brings to the hard working artistes. Yes, music does pay. It’s just a matter of how you play your cards.

The video was shot at the KICC rooftop and will be released within the next few weeks. For now, just check out the behind-the-scenes video.

Gospel artists have put errant politicians on notice!

Talk about a strong first impression form gospel artists! I have always asserted that gospel should not be solely about praising God and heavenly splendours because unless it addresses our everyday situations then it is irrelevant!
Even The Christ had time to address earthly conditions so why are gospel artists constantly playing in the safe zone? Well, these guys aren’t playing ball! They are using what they believe to be true and under the guidance of the almighty, they are telling off politicians who use their influence to cause tribal mayhem.
The gospel group in question is called “Watumwa” and the song which features recent convert Labalaa is called “Wakenya Msilale” and was produced and mastered by Othole.
The video should be out in 2 weeks. Keep it locked on to Ghafla for more on these maverick individuals!