Month: December 2012

You probably have seen him during the many Tusker Project Fame cycles we’ve had on TV. He is known as Aaron ‘Krucial Keys’ Rimbui one of Kenya’s leading jazz maestros. He doubles up as a pianist, keyboardist, drummer, performing artist and music producer. Here is his music story, according to him

 – The 1st music test I took in Standard 4, I got 2/30

– So despite the 2/30 music score in class 4 I went on get I think 84% in KCPE. From then on it was smooth sailing!

– I actually started out as a drummer. I switched to piano at age 17: 3rd form in Nairobi School

– I switched to piano coz after a near fatal fire accident I thought it was the only way and best way to express my experience.

– Nairobi School was the best place to learn! Learnt from great piano players like Zack Amunga.

– As regards the piano,I’ve never heard any formal training! I’ve spent 16yrs figuring it out! Still learning and growing.

– so after Nairobi School did IB in saints. that’s where I decided it’s music I wanna do for the rest of my life!

– Took part in all the musicals in saints Sarafina, jubilee anniversary…Unfortunately music was not offered as a subject

– left IB ’99 got an internship then work at Bruce Odhiambo‘s johari cleff… Feb 2000. Walalalala I was green!

– forgot to mention that my 1st paying gig was in 1998: a wedding. I was paid 500/-.

– at Bruce Odhiambo’s studio I learnt music production. Used to churn out jingles like woah!

– one day Bruce asked me to do a track for a little pretty girl who had a concert. Times do change: she is now Miss Karun

– this chap Dennis Ndavi used to be one the guys we churned commercials with at Johari Cleff!

– How much do you think interns earn? Bus fare! Anyhoo took a break went on a tour to the states for a year!

– while in the states apart from doing 4 concerts a day including the fact that you do set up, I got admitted to a good college

– Was admitted to the prestigious Musicians Institute. This man Kanjii Mbugua was the hookup! BUT: couldn’t go coz of $$$!

– the school wasn’t offering scholarships at that time. Yani that was one of my lowest points! Was gonna quit!

– in fact I decided to check up on International Relations at USIU!! Walalalala ..Went back to Johari Cleff! Humility 101!

– good thing is despite the humble pie…wah.. Bruce took me back. At least this time not as an intern!

– 2003 I worked with Sterling Quality productions to put up Sarafina! Btw did you know Mike Oyier was in the brass section?!!! He plays trumpet!

– 2003 myself and Kavutha and put up a band called 4winds! It’s also the year I started working with Eric Wainaina!

– met Eric Wainaina while in saints!was awestruck! 4years later I couldn’t believe he asked me be in his band!I pinched myself!

– musicians institute sent me an admission letter again! Sema wounds :-(….well atleast Lwanda man of stone was coming!

– started rehearsing for Lwanda with Eric Wainaina that’s where I met Carol Atemi. There are few who can sing like her! Period!

– I was now full time as an MD with Eric Wainaina. Put up Lwanda Man of Stone did toy know Gowi Odera was Lwanda?!

– now 2004 was hard. Not too much $$$ was coming in! Sema MAWIRES!! Wah I was broke! Anyhoo later that year Kanjii Mbugua came!

– I needed extra $$ so Kanjii Mbugua after coming back from a tour in the states asked me to join him in putting up Kijiji Ent.

– I was 4winds, playing with Eric Wainaina starting up Kijiji with Kanjii Mbugua. The money started tricking in….2005.

– Kanjii Mbugua also wanted to form his own band. The Villagers Band was a result! Imagine they were his band!

– Kijiji was good: I’d missed producing records. Dan Aceda was the 1st artist I worked with on tune called ‘waache waseme’

– forgot to mention in’04 I worked on the record for the coke pop stars with RKay & Chris Adwar. But I was bila $$! Lol!

– at kijiji I met Astar. This chap is always intense!

– lesson: You are only one person! I was working with Eric, Kanjii, kavutha, producing, performing. YOU WILL BURN! For real!

– so I had to make a choice. Stopped everything and decided to build on my career as a performing recording artist.

– that meant stepping down from 4winds and leaving Eric’s band. They were difficult decisions but I had to do it.

– lesson: be open to people speaking into your life. They may see things you are yet to discover in yourself. Let me explain…

– The idea to do my 1st record came from Kanjii Mbugua. I didn’t know I had it in me. Out of that simple convo….WOW!

– did my 1st record ‘Keys of life’ in 3weeks!!don’t know how I did it coz ‘Alfajiri’ my 2nd, took 2years!…

– the launch concert for Keys of Life at alliance, drama! Show’s starting at 8pm set up starting at 6pm! FIRE!

– this man Blackman can tell you the stress! Have you ever been nervous till you feel light headed&everything is slowmo?

– when I was introduced to the stage…I thought the world ended! Lol! Wah nervousness! Anyhoo God LITERALLY came thru!

– next couple years was doing show and getting my music out there. Gigging is a different science all together built on FAITH!

– June 2008 I did a show in the Urban Legends series where after a serious Facebook campaign, adverts.. 20 guys came! FIRE!!!

– have you ever put everything into a concert….only few guys come? Sema DEBTS!!!’

– fast forward to now, out of 8 All That Jazz shows 5have sold out! Good people don’t loose hope! Keep Hope Alive!

– over the years there’re times I’ve almost quit! If I did wouldn’t have shared the stage with Dwele,Hugh Masekela, BlackMambazo

The day before yesterday, I told you of how radio presenter Adelle Onyango had written a poem entitled “There Is No God.” Here is the follow up to that poem, aptly named “There is no God part 2.”

 

THERE IS NO GOD PART 2

Draped in a black cloak

With an oversized hood that greeted my forehead continuously.

A brown sisal rope exposed my waist and held the cloak in place.

It had pleats that ran continuously from my breasts to my toes.

My heels were a canvas

On which a collage of cracks placed themselves.

They had greeted many grounds

They had lost all feeling to a rough past,

So much so, I shuffled across the gravel with ease.

The sun disappeared as ten pillars stood ahead of me

Holding up a canopy of laws and lies.

Fear was killed by curiosity and I continued to walk.

Suddenly,

The scent of deception assaulted my senses.

My eyes bled bright red tears of truth.

And then I heard the whispers creeping out from two large gold doors before me.

They walked up to my ears and spoke a frustrated language.

They said there was wrong,

There was right

There were consequences

There was light

There was pain

And in this confusing dance, there were people.

But no one to blame.

There is no God,

They made him that day.

 

For more poetry by Adelle, you can check out her blog here. What do you think of Adelle’s “No God” series of poems? Leave your interesting or creative responses in the comment section below:

Yesterday Size 8 was on One FM’s 1Active with Tina Kaggia for an interview. They talked about her growth as an artist and how far she has come since she began this showbiz thing. Fun stuff.

In the middle of the interview, in line with the growth theme, Size 8 was brave enough to talk about how she used to annoyingly shout during her performances this year. She told Tina of how she looked back on her earlier Niko na Safaricom Live performances, especially the one from Meru, and she was ashamed of how forceful and annoying her cries of ‘Wapi nduru’ were. At this point, I got to say, I did watch the Meru performance, and I got to admit that her shouting was a bit too much.

Anyway, Size 8 said that singing coach Kavutha(of TPF Fame) suggested to her that she needed to be more lady-like when trying to get the crowd energised. Together they practiced how she could improve in this area, and now, Size 8 says that she has eliminated the annoying ‘Wapi nduru’ shouts from her act.

He made a promise to his fans about a week ago, to drop a new mixtape every other week on Fridays. He named this project, Mixtape Fridays.

This is the first week since Bamboo made this daring promise to the fans and for sure, he hasn’t disappointed a soul. Not only has he gone through with his plan and promise, but he also nailed it.

 

This first mixtape from Mixtape Fridays is titled ‘Chicks’ and yes, it is all about the beautiful sexy ladies. Ain’t nothing funny about this. This is real talk right here.

Bamboo brings out his Western flow in this mixtape and does it quite right.

 

This is but just the beginning of Mixtape Fridays. As Bamboo stated, this will go on for quite a while so we will be hearing and seeing more of him every week.

Check out Mixtape Fridays VOL 1 (Chicks) video below.

Headbangaz are going hard on the hip hop scene with new projects each day. Kimya and his crew have been holding it down for the massive with their hard hitting tracks and now, they are about to drop another one.

Kimya, just after launching his website, www.kimyamusic.com, is prepping his latest video with his Headbangaz crew for release.

The track titled, ‘ashes to ashes’ is of straight hip hop beats, hard as usual and definitely head banging.

The track has been complete and is just awaiting release, which will probably happen on Kimya’s new website.

Meanwhile, check out the teaser to the video below.

The Kuvuka Kuvuka concert has been touring Kenya, county to county, engaging the youth and encouraging them to register as voters.

Recently, Kuvuka Kuvuka went over Mombasa, bringing along Nairobi’s finest; Wahu, Octopizzo and Jua Cali.

This is how the event went down.

This video will take you guys by storm. That is a promise. All the sexy ladies in stilettos, mini skirts, sexy dark venue, you’re just gonna love this one.

Q-Tasi will be releasing his new track, ‘stilettos’ in a few minutes live on Willy M Tuva’s show on Citizen Radio, Mambo Mseto. I have said it earlier and I will say it again and again, this video is really hot and sexy.

Here, check out the behind the scenes footage of the video shoot. It may not bring out the sexiness that the video itself has, but you’ll get the idea.

Ogopa Records’ hottest singer, Marya has come out to address rumours that have been circulating in the last couple of weeks.

Some reports have been spreading around on blogs and social media that the singer is pregnant. She had initially ignored the rumors but after people started calling her up to ask her about it and congratulate her, she decided to put the issue to rest.

“I don’t know where people get these stories from. I am not pregnant now and I’m not planning to be in the near future. Someone called me to ask me about it and I’d like to say that it’s not true,” she told Ghafla!

He has finally done it! After the long countdown for the launch of the new and revised website, Kimya’s website is finally up and running.

Kimya, Bamboo’s brother, has now joined the list of Kenyan artistes who have a website, making it easy for fans to get more familiar with their music, style and even interact with their favorite artistes.

Kimya website, kimyamusic.com, has that hip hop feel to it and does not only feature Kimya’s music, but great hip hop from East Africa. I’m talking Nairobi, Kampala and Dar-es-Salaam. All in one platform.

Opening the website cues music instantly and it’s just down hill from then on.

You gotta check it out! All new, all fresh, strictly hip hop right here.

It is the new and fresh Wednesday plan. The place to be. Bacchus Lounge will be throwing the ‘Prime Wednesdays’ party each and every Wednesday.

Kaytrixx and Mr. T will be holding it down just as they did last Wednesday. This is how epic the party was.

Photos from DJ Kaytrixx.

Artistes are on that paper chase and what better way to get the paper than through a sexy single. I won’t even front about this one. I have seen the video of Q-Tasi’s new track, ‘stilettos’ and it is straight up hot and sexy.

Infact, let me just be real with all of you. I have never seen a sexier Kenyan music video. This ain’t no joke. It all goes down to your money’s worth. Want an awesome video, you just gotta invest hard on it. Q-Tasi couldn’t go wrong with this.

Q-Tasi will be launching his new track today on Citizen Radio’s Mambo Mseto with Willy M Tuva at 2PM. He will also be interviewed in the process so tune in to know more about this artiste and exactly why he left Calif Records.

This by far, is Q-Tasi’s biggest tune yet. Watch out for it.

Genge artiste and 1 FM breakfast show presenter, Nonini will grace the Hot Sports Bar this Saturday, 8th December at Taj Mall for a performance.

Also performing at the event will be Kizo B, Basslyn’s Omae, Kapressor, Bambika, Mustafa and Levis. Spinning the best of local and international music will be DJ Wesley and the MC is Dan Jets.

The event is brought to you courtesy of Domac and is sponsored by Hot Sports Bar, Armani Investors and Domac Entertainment. Entry is Kshs. 300.

He seems to be the man with the plan and lately he has been going hard on all his projects. Holy Dave has been working on his tracks and plans to release them one by one.

He starts today. Holy Dave just completed his latest single, ‘nayo nayo’ and is set to release it today live at 1FM.

Dave will be stepping in the radio station at 5PM to officially release this new track that is said to be the next gospel hit song without a doubt. Honestly, I expect nothing less from him. If his history is anything to go by, then this song will definitely be a hit.

Tune in to 1FM today at 5PM to catch this new tune live and exclusive.

Influx Swagga, a local hip hop artiste and a senior educationalist with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, will tomorrow, 7th December, celebrate his achievement in his different line of profession away from music.

He has achieved a Bachelors Degree in Business Information Technology and the Graduation ceremony will take place at the Mount Kenya University Main Campus in Thika.

The Graduation ceremony collides with the nominees launch party for Nyota Awards whose Senate nominated his foundation, The Influx Foundation, for the award of Best Young Organization. The party takes place at the Veteran Plaza on the same date at 3:00 p.m.

The Influx Foundation focuses on growth of talent in Kenya through training and education and one can vote for him through their Website, www.nyotaawards.webs.com.

Beenie Man’s ‘Better than Dem’ single producer, DJ Pharfar, real name, Soren Schou, will be in the country for the Kibera Good Governance Festival. The Danish producer and singer famed for producing Beenie Man’s “Better Than Dem” single will be in the country between 10th December and 16th December 2012 for a 4- day workshop at Metta Metta art, Lavington which will culminate to the Kibera Good Governance Festival to be held on the December 15th 2012 at the Kibera D.C Ground.

The main aim of the workshop is to create a platform for Kenyan and Danish musicians to learn from each other, share, collaborate and network. Gospel rapper, Juliani is among the musicians who will participate in this musical exchange. During the workshop, the artists from Denmark and Kenya will also train on a couple of numbers/songs from both the ends using a common band to be performed live during the festival.

“I am excited to be coming Kenya for this music exchange project, “says DJ Pharfar.” Am hoping to be able to interact with as many Kenyan musicians and see how we can work together while am around and even in the future,” He added.

Accompanying him during this tour will be one of Denmark’s best known soul-reggae artist Wafande. Other foreign artists that DJ Phaphar has produced include Natasha, Djosos Krost, Jah Bobby, Cornstick, Sizzla, Jah Mason, Half Pint, Johnny Clarke, Horace Andy, Sugar Minott, Max Romeo, King Kong and Junior Murvin.

One Fine Day Films and Ginger Ink, the makers of Soul Boy, Nairobi Half Life and the upcoming Something Necessary, are casting for their next feature, Veve. The film will be shot in February next year.

The first audition will take place this Saturday, 8th December at Phoenix Theatre (Professional Centre next to Parliament). Registration will strictly take place between 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The second auditions take place next weekend, 15th and 16th, but will be only for those roles not filled in this first audition.

Here are the profiles of the main characters needed for the film:

Male Characters
1. Amos Muriungi (Male- Age mid 50s): The MP. A harsh looking burly man. Proud and Arrogant. Indifferent and greedy. Stops at nothing to get what he wants. From the Igembe community and must be able to speak fluent Igembe, Swahili and English.
2. Bernard (Male-mid 50s): Amos Accountant. Has a nerdy, serious look. Sharp and brainy. Well learned. Meticulously neat. Must speak fluent English.
3. Sammy (Male- mid 40s): Amos right hand man. He runs the day to day activities and operations for Amos business. Decent looking man always frowning and serious. He always means business but also has compassion in his eyes. Must be able to speak fluent Igembe, Swahili and English.
4. Kago (male – must look 14 years old): Sammy’s son. A rebellious, street-wise looking kid. Shabby and rough. Doesn’t take care of himself. Must speak Sheng, Swahili and English.
5. Wadu (male- early 40s): From the Somali community. Amos business rival. Cracks jokes. Arrogant, selfish, can be cruel. Speaks Somali.
6. Kenzo Salim (Male- mid 30s): From the coastal region with a coastal accent. Handsome man. Muscular and well kept. Likes to drink. Ideally has dreadlocks (rasta). Cynical and jaded. Beach boy looking type. Must speak fluent Swahili.
7. Julius (Male-early 30s): Kenzo’s right hand man. Thuggish looking who loves women, get drunk and to party. Always joking and has a carefree attitude.

Female Characters
1. Esther Muriungi (Female- Mid 30s): Amos wife. Beautiful, intelligent, well educated. Should be loving, caring and compassionate. Loves children. Must speak English and Swahili.
2. Betty (female- mid 40s): Sammy’s sister. Hard working and has seen better days. Loving and compassionate. Must speak English and Swahili.

For more information contact Gerald Langiri, Casting Director on 0733 604 491. All actors’ (as for all crew) compensation is Kshs. 1,500 per day for shoot days and Kshs. 700 day rate for rehearsals.

Goldie of the Skibobo fame is set to drop the 3rd Hit in her Naughty singles album; “Give it to Me” featuring nigerian recording artist, J martins.

The sexy singer who recently had fans in Uganda and Kenya gasping for more has her eyes focused on touring the whole of Africa and working with award winning artistes globally.

She decribes “Give it to me” as a club banger and says ‘the lyrics are upbeat and sassy’.

Goldie has told Her numerous fans back home to stay put at www.goldieharvey.com for the latest on the ‘Skibobo dance fest’ coming soon with promising prizes.