Month: September 2012

Kyraz (Mataro Chacha) is a rapper and songwriter who uses his wit and mixes it with soulful consciousness. You might not recall the name but there’s a chance you have heard him before.

If you were already listening to music in 2003, you probably listened to E-Sir and you have heard of Wika. He featured in the E-Sir song back then, but now he is back.

In 2009 he started working on Boymistari, his debut album which is slated for release soon. The rapper started his own label, Lounge, to release the album. Other artistes he has worked with include Aromas, Jardel, Thirdborn, Jsynth.

You can check out his new track, Mushy Moments below.

You might remember Alex from XYZee. He was one half of the pop duo together which had Santos as its other member. He is now known as Lexx Kinyua and has a new song out.

It looks like the singer is making a comeback to the music industry. Just a couple of weeks ago, he released the track, Wanjiru. The track now finally has a video. It’s a typical Kenyan kapuka love song with lines like “usiku silali, nakuwaza…”

The song was performed by Lexx Kinyua with the production being done by Ogopa Deejays. The video is a typical Ogopa Video, with slow fade ins and outs and glossy images. This video also employs some point-of-view shots in the flashbacks. As usual, they use black and white to signify the out-of-video moments. Check out the video below.
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One of the most successful soul musicians, James Ingram is in Kenya. The celebrated vocalist and Grammy winner is in the country for a series of shows organized by Classic 105’s Ciku Muiruri.

Ciku was at hand to receive Ingram and his wife, Debbie, together with his entourage. They were immediately driven to the hotel after some brief photo sessions with the media. Best known as a vocalist, Ingram is a self-taught musician who plays piano, guitar, bass, drums and keyboard. He is also a producer and songwriter.

The exceptionally talented musician has entertained America and the whole world since the early 80’s. The Nothing gonna change my love for you hit maker will be performing this weekend (on the 29th of September) at the newly refurbished Kasarani gymnasium.

Those of you who will attend the event will be treated to euphonious music ranging from funk to soul and RnB to pop to adult contemporary to inspirational.

Rumors about Octopizzo being a member of the Illuminati have been around for a while. The rapper has never downplayed the rumors which has ensured they persist.

Now there is a Facebook group that wants to change Octopizzo and other Kenyan artistes who might have joined the (fantasy) sect. The page is called God Save Octopizzo and Other Kenyan Artistes From Illuminati.

The group even has proof that Octo is the Illuminati. For example, apparently, Ivo Ivo is actually Evil Evil. “I MEAN WHY WOULDN’T HE JUST SAY HIVYO HIYVO HIVYO AS HE CLAIMS THE SONG MEANS???” the admin says.

You can check out the group here.

Former Big Brother representative from Nigeria, Goldie Harvey, was recently in Kenya during the Channel VJs tour and boy, she could not hide her love for code 254. Goldie expressed interest in settling in Kenya terming it a place she would love to spend the rest of her life in.

“I just love the warm reception in Kenya. Everyone seems to be minding their own business and not even what happened between me and Prezzo in Big Brother House seems to be bothering them,” said the pop singer.

The Nigerian songstress disclosed that it has not been a rosy affair for her since her eviction from the BBA. “Nigerians take things to heart and I have had to really keep on the down low since I went back home. The media has however been very friendly to me but the main challenge is the Big Brother fans. I did not know that people actually take these things that seriously,” she said.

During her visit in the country, Goldie spent most of the time with Prezzo and her fellow countryman and best friend, Channel O VJ Denrelle Edun. She could not leave without doing what she loves: singing. So, she recorded music with Uganda’s Navio and AY from Tanzania.

So guys, is she welcome?

You know him from Churchill Live if not Wamathai Spoken Word and Kwani Open Mic. And if you missed all that then you surely remember him from Kaka Sungura AKA Rabbit’s Uko Sure video. Well, Man Njoro has new song.

Christened Judgement Day, Man Njoro AKA Nemesis features on this with Ugandan artiste Eppy. This is not the first time for the Ugandan rasta to work with a Kenyan artiste as he has worked with Abbas back in 2009. Okay, back to Man Njoro; if you didn’t know Nemesis is an alter ego of Man Njoro who is more up to date and brushed up on accent and flow.

Judgement Day is a song that’s actually society deprived and things people take for granted and forget they really exist. It basically aims at reminding people to live life the right way. Man Njoro points out that as much as the song sounds Gospel it’s actually non-denominational.

The genius music producer, Provoke, is the brains behind this track. Listen to Judgement Day below;

Barely three days after the hottest Gospel rapper in Kenya right now, Juliani, admitting that he is indeed dating Mali’s fine-looking actress, Brenda Wairimu, Juliani has more surprises for his fans.

Yesterday, the Bahasha Ya Ocampo hit maker yesterday tweeted; “just from @OgopaStudio recording with @DaddyOwen.” Obviously this is great news to fans considering the two artistes are currently the big shots in the Gospel music scene. Juliani has so far had a great year considering his ongoing Mtaa Tour performance is doing extremely well in the hoods.

The King of Kapungala AKA Papa Fololo on the other hand, whose song Mbona has topped Christian charts over the last few months, is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the gospel music genre at the moment if not across the Kenyan music industry.

Against all odds, it is greatly anticipated that the two artistes will churn out a major tune that will take the country by storm. We can only sit back and wait to see how this will play out with fans.

Mimmo broke into the Kenyan music scene when she did the chorus of the most popular track in 2010, Kare. Now she is back with a solo track, Kari Kii.

Don’t mind the title sounds a little bit like the song that brought her fame, or that it is paced like Chidinma’s Kedike, this song will definitely be a hit. I would not have thought of it as a club-banger, but if Kedike was, this one will also be.

According to the singer, “Kari Kii basically talks about flirting and how it’s the gentle art of making a man feel pleased with himself.” Kari Kii is “iko nini?” translated to Swahili from Kikuyu. Other than Kare, the singer who has been a Hot 96 journalist, is also known for her hit, Morning After.

The track was produced by independent producer Big Soul (formerly of Sub-Sahara Records) who did a great job with the pacing. Check out Mimmo’s Kari Kii below.

Kenya has had only one dance competition show, thus far but no single awards show for dancers. So, Perskies Entertainment is holding Dance Krew Awards for the first time on Kenyan soil.

This event aims at rewarding groups with the best dance routine from all over the country. What’s more interesting is that basically all genre of music are represented in the categories to take part in. Here are some of them; Hip hop category, Traditional African category, Salsa category, Lingala category and Ragga/Dancehall category.

The Gala night for the awards will take place in November after which the voting lines shall be open to the public. The awards are slated to take place sometime in December.

Participation forms are ready, so interested dance groups can submit their entries by sending mails to kenyandancer@yahoo.com or perskysentertainment@yahoo.com and the forms shall be sent to you.

The entries are open to all dance crews until the 24th of October.

Are you seeing Kanye West in Sauti Sol’s new video? Well, you’re not alone because accusations have been rife since the new video was released a day ago. Knockers are even telling off the band for aping the Kanye.

“No we did not copy Kanye West’s Runaway video,” say Sauti Sol in reference to their video Range Rover. However speaking to Capital FM, Chimano, one of the band members, acknowledges that in perception, their new video kinda resembles Kanye’s video. He is nonetheless quick to point out that the concept was totally different.

“We hadn’t even noticed. When people started making the comments is when we looked at it and saw the resemblance, but in essence it is very different.”

Sauti Sol further expounds that Range Rover, a single from their latest EP (extended play), is their version of “Kigeugeu” by and large. For instance, Bien, the lead singer sings about his new Range Rover car then he is surrounded by his friends who later betray him by taking off with his woman and the new car after sharing a meal with him.

So, let’s end the hullaballoo guys. Check out Range Rover below;

When I listened to Uneek new track, Nai Nights, I almost felt like I should apologize for calling him a career weed rapper here. But then again, he says “I’m way to high” on this chorus.

The song, which is his third with producer Kevin Pro’voke, is a straight up feel-good song that reminds me of Cam’ron’s and Juelz Santana’s Hey Ma‘, the flow reminds me of Kanye’s Last Call and the atmosphere of Common’s Celebrate. And this time, he keeps off his usual herb tangent.

The song was produced by Pro’voke with Lindsay, who is just fresh off high school and is working under the super producer for his Female Producers Alliance where he mentors young female artistes to prepare them to be able to produce their own music. The other female producer on FPA is Nessa.

Uneek is currently working on a few music videos with talented director, Enos Olik of CJP Films, who is the offical music video director of Pro’voke’s 3-D Music label. Before his mixtape comes out, check out the masterfully made Nai Nights below.

P-Unit’s Bon’eye and his lover Kesh Kihura are now ready to get married.

The two announced their engagement in a private event where only close friends were in attendance. Bon’eye has managed to keep Kesh out of the public eye, however, we managed to obtain a picture of the lovely couple together.(Click it to enlarge). Sources tell us that the two have been dating for several years, and that this announcement was a long time coming.

We at Ghafla! would like to wish them all the best in their upcoming nuptials. Congratulations Bon’eye!

The Vault Genesis Live Edition will take place on the 7th of October at the Kenya National Archives between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

This edition’s artiste spotlight will be on the gospel duo, Kelele Takatifu. You can check out their Bonga Bonga here. You might also remember them from Ni Msoh, which they did with Holy Dave.

Other artistes who will perform at the event include H3, Maluda, So Real, Dan Gee, SPAT, Bill Nasara, Ken Tha DJ, DJ Priesty and DJ Joelz. Event emcees will be MC Othole and Maggie Empress.

Entry to the event is Kshs. 200. Advance tickets to The Vault can be found at The Kenya National Archives.

After an epic beefing season and so much talk, hip hop heads Abbas Kubaff and Kibera’s finest Octopizzo have decided to bury the hatchet.

The two have been at loggerheads for close to two years now. Cause of the beef? Apparently, the two big wigs clashed over what Octopizzo termed as Abbas’s “disrespect for hip-hop”. Octopizzo once used the Wapi platform to dis Abbas for attacking Juacali.

As expected, this did not go down well with Abbas who “returned the favour” by belittling Octopizzo via the Pulse. Well, that’s in the past now because the two have called a ceasefire to their wrangles. The two have since made up and will be taking part in a peace campaign organized by Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) to help spread peace and give internally displaced persons (IDPs) support.

The MCSK Peace Campaign was launched to also unite Kenyans and educate young people on civic rights. The six-month-long campaign is fronted by over 300 artistes affiliated to the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) among them Nameless, Nonini, Amani, Wahu, Frasha and Lady B.

Bamboo’s new single is out. The track is just one of the singles the rapper has done since his return from the U.S. The track follows the rapper’s previous efforts, Africa’s Calling and Tribal Dance with Isis.

The track, 25Flow, is incredibly is catchy and the flow is tight. It’s one of those songs you naturally find yourself bobbing your head to. I’ll give it to the producers for the tight production and to Bamboo for keeping up with the track.

In the song, Bamboo features Sugar. The song was produced at Phoenix Records by K Da Great, who also produced the rapper’s first post-return effort, Africa’s Calling. Check out Africa’s Calling here. Check out Tribal Dance here. 25Flow samples Jay-Z’s Kanye-produced Izzo. Check it out below.

Two weeks after Kenyan-bred South Sudanese rapper Emmanuel Jal was assaulted by police in his home country. Speaking to Voice of America reporter about the ordeal, Jal revealed that he had stopped to ask some policemen for directions when they brutally beat him unconscious.

Jal was enthusiastic that despite the onslaught democracy is working in South Sudan because a spokesperson for the police called him after the incident asking him to participate in a live debate on the radio.

“That’s great”, he told VOA, “and the good thing is that I think South Sudan is moving forward because I’m talking about my freedom, how I’ve been beaten, and nobody harassed me after that. Usually, in other countries, you’ll even get beaten more if you talk about that,” said Jal.

He divulged to the VOA reporter that when the police who beat him were finally taken in for questioning by national security officials he thought that his country was headed in the right direction.

Especially with the future in the hands of active citizens like Emmanuel Jal and his infectious enthusiasm, peace and democracy in South Sudan have a fighting chance.

On Thursday October 4th Dancehall and One-drop followers you are in for exceptional experience. Dancehall Made in Kenya will take place at Club Sylk from 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.

The event will be hosted by ZJ Heno and Conshizzy featuring celebrated  DJs and MCs. Besides DJ sets of the best dancehall music out right now, there will also be an open mic session.

Charges to the event is Kshs. 300, which is redeemable for a beer.

The Music Industry Will Witness
A Takeover On the
1st of October 2012
Which Will Be Led
by
ONE MAN

That is the only message we got. Well, besides the photo. But here are a few other details that we have uncovered. Poet and radio presenter, Adelle is venturing into the world of music. But as a manager, though. Her first client is this mysterious artiste who will be unveiled soon.

Here are a few things we get from the poster. The unveiling will take place on the 1st of October (duh). It’s probably going to be a single release for a track called Lift Me Up. The artiste is a man. That is all.

We hear we might already know the artiste so we better start narrowing down artiste with dreads. Crossing out Juliani. Crossing out Eric Wainaina. Crossing Makadem. Crossing out Mchizi Gaza. Crossing out…

“Gays are welcome but behave.” This is the message from Club Envy’s management. Last week there were reports but that the club is planning to clamp down on homosexual patrons following numerous customer complaints however the management has downplayed these allegations.

“Everyone is most welcome. We are a business minded people driven by the goal to maximize on our resources and become the most successful club in town,” read on the club’s management statement adding, ““At Club Envy we do not discriminate against anyone on any grounds of color, sexuality or religion.”

Club Envy,situated along Tom Mboya street, is the latest unofficial “official” favourite gay spot after Kenya’s leading gay bar, Tacos, was shut down. Here is an excerpt of the statement from Club Envy’s management;

“(Gay) people are advised to adhere to good behavior that is not likely to provoke other public members.  Its [sic] important to enlighten your people on the importance of not overdoing or going overboard when doing clubbing with general members of the public in a manner that irritates the rest,’ read the response.Entertainment and fun is a privilege for all and should be enjoyed by everyone equally, and as thus mutual respect for personal space is utmost importance.”

“Gays are welcome but behave.” This is the message from Club Envy’s management. Last week there were reports but that the club is planning to clamp down on homosexual patrons following numerous customer complaints however the management has downplayed these allegations.

“Everyone is most welcome. We are a business minded people driven by the goal to maximize on our resources and become the most successful club in town,” read on the club’s management statement adding, ““At Club Envy we do not discriminate against anyone on any grounds of color, sexuality or religion.”

Club Envy,situated along Tom Mboya street, is the latest unofficial “official” favourite gay spot after Kenya’s leading gay bar, Tacos, was shut down. Here is an excerpt of the statement from Club Envy’s management;

“(Gay) people are advised to adhere to good behavior that is not likely to provoke other public members.  Its [sic] important to enlighten your people on the importance of not overdoing or going overboard when doing clubbing with general members of the public in a manner that irritates the rest,’ read the response.Entertainment and fun is a privilege for all and should be enjoyed by everyone equally, and as thus mutual respect for personal space is utmost importance.”

Lennah is already causing ripples in the Kenyan music scene. The artiste is just 20 years old and has already recorded her first track, Fairness of My Heart, with Ogopa DJs.

The Inoorero University student started singing at an early age and her dream for becoming a celebrated music artist drew closer as she performed for other students during School music festival. She has also participated in talent search where she scooped numerous accolades.

In her quest to make it in the tough music industry, she met Solexx her current manager who guided her through music. Lennah is now working on her 2nd track featuring K-daddy. Lennah promises more great music and an album soon.

Listen to Lennah’s Fairness of My Heart below;

Every time I write about Dora, I have to mention that she is the next big thing. She is only 17 but has the flow of someone way mature. Just a few months before releasing her first single, Oyela, she is also about to release her EP.

Dare tO dReAm is going to be her first record, which will also feature her latest single, The Anthem, in which she features the most respected rappers in the Kenyan underground scene, Khaligraph Jones. Check it out here.

The rapper/singer/producer had earlier said this about the intro, “The song sets tone to the general message of what I am doing with this music. The inspiration is my ambition to make it in the music industry not just on a national scale but on an international level. This song protrays my desire to achieve my maximum potential and capability.”

The audio clip at the end is from legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali. It’s a poem he wrote before his fight against George Foreman, dubbed Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa, Zaire.

Just before releasing Dare tO dReAm, she is releasing only her second video (after Oyela). Check out Oyela here. The intro video is finally out. Check it out below.
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Local artiste Choku was last week in the company of PM Raila Odinga during the talk2raila Web TV live streaming session. Choku, one of the premiere female artists in the Kenyan music industry, had gone to fraternize and interact with the PM during the talk2raila live streaming session.

Kenyan artists and celebs are now regular guests at the popular talk2raila interactive internet sessions, where the Prime Minister engages Kenyans on a variety of topical issues. Redsan, Jaguar and Prezzo have also paid the PM a courtesy call most recently.

Born Wambui Kimaru, Choku, first made an impact in the Kenyan music scene in 2003 when she released her single Pole featuring Genge artiste Juacali. She later joined the Calif Records stable, where she teamed up with Rat-a-tat and the late Lady S to form the group Calif Angels and recorded the hit song Kilio, which earned the group a Kisima awards nomination in 2007.

Sauti Sol has finally released their video for Range Rover. This is the second video they have released off their self-titled EP which came out earlier this year.

The videos were shot in the Netherlands when the band went on a European tour to promote the EP.

Just before the video starts looking like a Patricia Mbela ad, a chicken and a model appear to make a pretty cool video. The only thing missing was a Luhya-style chicken execution scene.

The acting in the beginning seemed a little pretentious, but that’s because I didn’t realize it was meant to be a weird video anyway. It comes through well in the end, and much better on second viewing. I thought it would be literal considering a Range Rover appears right at the beginning of the video, but we don’t see much of it until the end.

The video stars members of Sauti Sol, Nella Ngigo (a model as the model or wife) and an uncredited old woman caressing the chicken. The video was shot by Check Me Produkzies and the stunning styling was done by Van de Wijs, with the video produced by Penya Africa.

Range Rover was produced by South African artiste and producer, Spoek Mathambo. The first video released off the EP was Slow, which you can check out here. Check out the video for Range Rover below.
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South African Afro-fusion band, Freshly Ground, performed during the Kenya Airways Maasai Mara Marathon. The marathon was aimed at raising money to establish health, education and environmental conservation within the Lemek Conservancy in the Game Reserve.

Freshly Ground plays an original mix of indigenous African sounds and contemporary urban styles such as afro-pop and dance music. The South African was joined on stage by Electrique DJs, the Beat Parade Band, Homeboyz Entertainment, DJ D-Lite and DJ G-Money.

This year, the Mara Marathon came early because organizers wanted marathoners and spectators to enjoy the stunning wildebeest migration of the Mara – Serengeti which was recently crowned one of the wonders of the modern world. Usually, the marathon is held in November.

This is the second time that Freshly Ground is performing Kenya, the very first being at the Kinanda Festival. The event’s hostess was Monique Kabuye.