Month: January 2013

The new year is off with a good start. More marvelous collaborations are happening in the music industry and it is about time before a huge hit gets 2013 moving.

 

Efforts of creating hits are now noticeable with the artistes doing bizarre stuff on their videos and composing insane yet entertaining lyrics. Some hits are however just attained from the collaboration of great artistes.

Take this new song by Rabbit, Juliani, Braso Smalls and Didge for instance. Doesn’t that just spell out ‘H.I.T’ even before listening to the track? Come on, you know it does!

 

Juliani with his infectious flow and catchy lyrics and punchlines, Rabbit with his strong presence and captivating story telling character, Didge and his… well, don’t even get me started on Didge’s vocals. The whole of Africa witnessed that on International television. About Brasso, to be honest, I think this song is his to shine with.

 

The song titled ‘Uhuru’ sings jus about that, freedom and should be, according to me, the anthem for the approaching couple of months.

Have a listen below.

I know most of you thought that this was one of those old school rappers that just decided to hang the boots. Not Hardstone. Being as good as this guy was and just call it quits like that, would be a really huge disappointment.

Hardstone is still deep in the music scene. He might not be doing it big here in Kenya but he is definitely keeping his music alive and loud in the States, where he currently resides.

After giving us hits like ‘Uhiki’ back in the day, Hardstone has totally changed his style of music and flow. He is now into straight, hard hip hop.

He recently collaborated with some American rappers on his latest track, ‘poke it out’ and ended up with this (check it out below).

Have a listen and give us an honest feed-back about the song.

He has constantly been referred to as Kenya’s Mavado. It’s all beginning to make sense now. This guy is indeed that good.

Personally, I’m a dancehall fan but honestly, not really into Kenyans singing in the Jamaican ‘patwa’ accent. But when one attempts and actually pulls it off, without sounding like he is trying so hard to sound Jamaican, now that’s something else. That’s actually impressive.

 

Marc Brunnel is one of the few Kenyan Dancehall artistes who has it together and he never disappoints.

After months of going M.I.A on us, Marc Brunnel is now back and has just released his latest video, ‘Gie Dem’ which is another addition to his club banging list of tracks.

 

A fast tempo track, a video filled with hot ladies who are not shy to shake it, always has a happy ending.

Check it out below.

It is campaign season and politicians will be using top artiste’s songs to popularize themselves. Already, a political outfit has been using DNA’s hit single to publicize itself. However, GrandPa Records, DNA’s recording stable has come out condemn the politicians for exploiting its intellectual property for individual benefit.

“It has come to our attention that politicians across the country are heavily using music owned by GrandPa Records, along with DNA’s back catalogue, for purposes of seeking popularity, self-promotion, and promotion of their agendas,” read a statement from GrandPa Records. In particular, the production house takes issue with politicians for using “Chapa/Fimbo Ya Pili”, “Maswali Ya Polisi” and “Banjuka” to catch the attention potential voters thanks to the songs’ popularity among all Kenyans.

 

“We would like to categorically state that WE PROHIBIT ALL POLITICAL ALLIANCES, PARTIES, and CANDIDATES FROM PLAYING/ USING OUR MUSIC AT POLITICAL RALLIES, MEETINGS, AND ANY OTHER FORMS OF EXPLOITATION, WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM GRANDPA RECORDS,” continued the statement.

 

GrandPa has warned that they would not hesitate to take legal action against any person or entity that will continue to exploit their intellectual property without their consent. “The benefit that political entities gain by playing our music while promoting their agendas has a commercial value and we are not in the monkey business,” decried GrandPa.

K-Nel may have not had some of the best times late last year, but his hustle is definitely looking up this year.

K-Nel is currently in the process of launching some hot merchandise through his label, ‘Anglohili’. Some of them include a tab and now, a line of shoes behind his clothing line under the same name.

Anglohili clothing line revealed their latest designs for the new shoes which will be launched on the world’s biggest on-line shopping platform, Amazon as soon as possible.

There is no denying that these shoes look hot god d*** it!

B-Reign started rapping in high school with his old clique, Syphaglifiqz, and won a rap competition sponsored by Sprite as a teen. He released his first single in 2005 and got signed to MDU Records the next year.

Under the label, he released his first album in 2007. He has worked with such international artistes as Guru, Fredro Starr, MC Solaar among others and  curtain raised for Busta Rhymes, Guru, DJ Premier, Onyx, G-Unit, MOP and Naughty By Nature among others.

He released Welcome To Nai a couple of months ago and the video is finally out. He features Kayvo K-Force in the Sawaz Media and Kenyan Boy Campaign production. Check out the Jay Masta-directed video below.
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You get way more than just shows from a hit song. Currently, that’s the most valuable lesson that Kenyan artistes have learned and they are cashing in.

Octopizzo killed it with his hit track, ‘ivo ivo ivo’ and he is making an even greater killing with the ‘ivo ivo ivo’ t-shirts. Everybody wants to be associated with this.

 

Ala C is not one to be left behind. He too, is after that mulla. Ala C has now officially announced the release of his ‘walking class’ t-shirts that are now available for only Sh. 800 all over Kenya.

 

I gotta hand it to him, they sure look good. Check them out.

I just hope he is not about to call it a ‘clothing line’ though. Well done Ala C. Well done!

Lon’ Jon started his music career in South Africa as a beatboxer. His hardcore rap style has won him fans all over the region.

The rapper has also featured in the BLNRB project album with Abbas, Techmann, Nazizi, Ukoo Flani, Jahcoozi, among others. He has also appeared at the monthly WAPI (Words & Pictures) event.

Bangin’ On ‘Em–the second single off the rapper’s upcoming mixtape, Seasick–is the follow up to Go Get It which came out last year. Like the first single, the video to this second one was directed by Chris Sang. Check out the video below.
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So, you probably read about this story a couple of months ago on your favorite website (Ghafla!Kenya… but ofcourse).

This was the next, among many of the scandalous stories running withing the Kenyan gospel industry late last year. God knows just how many there were.

 

The scandal involved gospel artist KimDanny and a girl, who claimed that the artiste impregnated her and was not willing to step up to his responsibilities. Instead, he requested the girl to have an abortion. You can read the whole story here.

Well, as we usually do on Ghafla, the accused has to be heard just as much and what better way to express yourself than through a song?

 

Here is KimDanny, praying for the people behind the ‘false’ story.

Check out the video below.

One of Octopizzo’s many businesses includes his apparel company with the latest line being the Ivo Ivo Ivo t-shirts.

For months, he has been selling the printed tees but he has now introduced what he calls “Iced Blinged” versions of the t-shirts, which is just what you call “bedazzled” in gangster-nese.

The new and older version can be ordered through Octo’s Website and 0754 322 544. Click on the photo to enlarge.

I don’t know what gospel artist, Ambassada has been on, but it sure got his spirits up.

Click photo to enlarge.

An Octopizzo hater took to social networks to throw jabs at Octo. His name is “Cabu Gah the Great” an upcoming artist. The insults cut deep, so we saw fit to re-post them here before they were inevitably deleted by Octopizzo. Read for yourself…

“Hi ,Mr. Henry Ochieng! Straight to MY POINT, My name is CABU GAH ,U probably have never heard of Me,but I have heard of you a couple times….First, because Ua stage name sounds like an Underwear brand in Japan and 2nd,Because U dress like a 1980’s Black American criminal. Kijana, .Get a BETTER stage name! Is Octopizzo even a name??? I bet my grandmother wouldnt even name her cat Octopizzo! U
should actualy change it to OctoTHISWO. Hope U know what that means,sucker!

 

ABBAS! Who the F*CK disrespects The King of Kenyan Hip Hop?? ABBAS is Kenya’s Nas,Rakim or Dr.Dre! YOU DONT F*CKING DISS SUCH A GUY! Its a criminal offence! Its like Soulja boy dissing Nas, or Bow Wow dissing Snoop Dogg! Ur a tiny rat, ABBAS is THE LION! . Raila does NOT owe U ANY DINGA! Nunua gari yako,silly! .Talking of DINGA, who uses such an old-fashioned sheng word in the 21st Century???

Hey,WAKE UP!! .ILLUMINATI. Hahahaha! Confused rapper trying so hard to convince Us he is part of tha ILLUMINATI! N*gga pleeeze! Ever heard of Wikipedia? Well,according to them, an ILLUMINATI member MUST BE extremely wealthy,powerfu l,influential and secretive! And YOU,MR.OCTOTHISWO, are neither wealthy,nor fucking powerful,influe ntial OR secretive! The ONLY secret society you can join is PWANI SI KENYA! .Ati weh huspit ka Lucifer? Nooooo….truth is: weh huKAA KA LUCIFER! .Painting a triangle around ua eye?? Reeallly??? Ur already famous,STOP TRYING TOO HARD! Even THE REAL members of Illuminati DONT paint ANYTHNG on their faces! They keep it a SECRET! So what r U going to DO next?? Draw Jay Z
around Ua Ass?? .

DRESS PROPERLY or WALK NAKED! You are a celebrity! Therefore,its a crime to dress like a Jamaican slave in 1885 ! Those baggy trousers ,those oversize tshirts AND those bad shoes SHOULD GO! .I saw U wearing two yellow plastic watches ON THE SAME hand at the KISIMA AWARDS! Two yellow plastic  watches? On the same hand??? DUDE,even Ken Wa Maria WOULD NEVER DO THAT!

 

SWAG. Hey,what kind of a song is that??? Wait,IS THAT EVEN A SONG?? The ONLY good thng about that “song” is Amina’s beauty! Otherwise,both of U sound like drunk teenagers after having boring sex!

 

CHAINS .Its a crime to wear metal chains AND african bead chains AT THE SAME TIME! If u want to go metal,GO METAL! African beads? Go AFRICAN BEADS ONLY! You just cant mix up chains like that! Even my dog wouldnt do that!!

 

Stop copypasting the MMG (MAYBACH MUSIC) swag in ua crap! THERE IS ONLY ONE RICK ROSS! And he’s sooo different from YOU! He’s wealthy,Ur NOT. He’s World-famous,UR NOT. He’s huge,UR NOT. He got street cred,U DONT. He rocks,U DONT. He’s a mentor,UR NOT. He performs at the MTV Awards,U perform at Kisumu Back -To- School bash. He hangs out with akina Nicki Minaj,U hang out with Size 8! He
can dress,U CANT. He’s original,U AINT. So,There YOU have it,EITHER get real,OR QUIT the Industry!  RABBIT ROCKS! OCTO??? Never!!!”

 

Awaiting Octo and Amina’s response…

Even over the holiday period, Octopizzo was still releasing new material. He dropped his first track of 2013 on New Year’s Day, a week after he released a mixtape.

Released a few days before Christmas, Hip Hop Mind, Body & Soul was a gift from the rapper to the fans who stayed loyal throughout his breakout year with all the controversy about his religious affiliations.

DJ FinalKut puts together the mixtape which starts off with an old recording of Mwafrika praising the rapper for his street cred, back from when he barely had a single. It also features quotes and snippets from old freestyles the rapper did. Listen to the 12-minute medley here.

Rapper K-Nel will get an exclusive interview with Jimmy Chege, the Kenyan living in Germany who was the victim of a racially motivated hate crime. K-Nel had earlier been involved in the case where he prompted the Kenyan Embassy in Berlin to respond to the incident through this video.

Delegates from the embassy responded by visiting Jimmy in hospital, K-Nel confirmed today. The rapper, TV show host and entrepreneur announced that he will travel to Berlin to this weekend to do a one-on-one interview with the victim of Neo-Nazi brutality.

“THIS INTERVIEW WILL BE EXCLUSIVE AND ANY MEDIA PLATFORMS CAN INBOX ME OR E-MAIL djknel@gmail.com. I CALL FOR “JUSTICE” IN JIMMY’S CASE AND WITH YOUR SUPPORT, WE WILL ACHIEVE OUR GOALS,” he said on his Facebook.

After the likes of Q-Tasi, Size 8, Qty and Kendi bolted out of Calif Records sometime last year, yet another budding artiste has vamoosed from the recording stable. Pius Nzomo Nzuki better known as Si-So has left Calif Records after six years.

Si-So has been working with CEO and Producer Clement Rapudo AKA Clemo who mentored and coached him not only in music but also in life. He thanks Clemo for the recognition and experienced he’s gained in the game but he has to leave. According to Si-So, some people in Calif he declined to name have been trying to sabotage his music career, “This is my life not Calif’s, some people who I won’t name because they know themselves in the studio have tried so hard to frustrate and bring me down to giving up on this journey…. I have been patient, loyal, humble, truthful and trustworthy with them for years waiting for them to give me what I deserve (attention) but this is how they pay me back. I won’t beg for their services anymore am leaving them in peace, no beef.”

Si-So added, “I know they are and will always talk about me negatively as they always do when someone exits there stable but honestly I have nothing to lose.” He also revealed that he has been working outside the stable without their knowledge and he even has a new video out. Si-So also says that he had notified Clemo about his exit prior and that this should not come as a surprise.

 

“I know it’s not easy but a change is always as good as a rest. Thanks to them for the positive influence they’ve put in my life and at the same time thanks to them for trying so hard to waste my efforts and career. It just didn’t work. See them around,” concluded Si-So.

 

Watch his new video below;

Octopizzo has totally played along to the Illuminati allegations in all the subsequent videos since the first rumors came out. In his latest video for Swag, he takes it a notch higher.

A pyramid burns behind in the background in one of the scenes and he has a triangle drawn on his left eye through a large part of the Enos Olik-directed video. Check out the video here.

Octopizzo was quizzed by Mzazi Willy M. Tuva on his Mambo Mseto radio show this afternoon about the symbols in the video and the reception he has gotten following the release.

“Jo! Watu wameongoea (People have been talking a lot about).” And Tuva inisted, “Wamesema nini? (What have they said?)” Octo responded, “Watu wameongea sana. Wanauliza hizo ni nini umechora kwa sura? Kwani ni wapi ili-make-iwa official ati triangle ni ya Illuminati? (People are asking what I have on my face. Where was it made official that the triangle is only Illuminati?)”

“Kwa hivyo, wewe ni member au sio member? (So, are you or are you not a member?)” prodded the award-winning radio presenter. And Octo finally gave a straight answer, “Mi ni member wa Sir Godi.”

Case closed!

This is that kind of cypher that is star studded to the core. I’m talking about real hip hop heads dropping their best and most lethal of bars.

You won’t believe the flow in this cypher right here. Going down with Kayvo, Kimya, Smalls Lethal (from Washamba Wenza), Khaligraph Jones just to mention a few.

The video was directed by the one and only Black Muntu and this by the way, is the third volume of the Crush Groove Cyphers. Hot indeed.

The first and the second are hot too but honestly, I think this one killed it.

Check it out.

He’s been in the States for over five years now and it seems things aren’t so bad after all there. He posted this photo on his Facebook page and wrote, “I do music and own a tattoo shop… So if anyone’s parents told them u can not make money off talent, this might be one hell of a pic to show them….”

 

Yes! This is the age that TV gets way more interesting and TV stations give practical sex lessons. Yes practical and yes again, K24!

Oh what a show. What a lesson. This right here is for the couples who want to spice things up in the bedroom.

Check this out.

It’s okay. I think I deserve anything that comes my way after this. I was also surprised just like you were. I mean, Erick Omondi singing? That’s just wrong, but please just humor me. The song is titled ‘Round hii’ and the video was shot in the States.

Check out the video below. A new musician is born. I give you… Erick Omondi.

The title of the song says it all. This is no ordinary song. It is filled with crazy artistes (not in the offensive way though). These creative guys just brought fun and comedy into gospel music.

Kelele Takatifu were already the funny bone in the Kenyan music industry but now they are joined by a few more. They go by the names of Blessed JO, Ephy Young, Mr. Boo and in this new song ‘Dhambi ina bo nkt’ which is the remix to ‘NKT Dhambi ina bo’, they have featured the lovable and hilarious Kelele Takatifu.

The video was just released yesterday so it is still fresh.

Check it out below.

Octopizzo started his Ivo Ivo Ivo clothing line off the success of his track of the same name. And he embarked on a massive campaign to get as many celebrities to wear the tees.

The latest personalities to don the rappers apparel are the home guards, fictional characters from a local comic book. Home Guard tells the story of two Kenyan detectives, Timothy Chief and Ben Kipter, who protect the citizens of Kenya from organized crime, murder and trafficking of all forms.

The comic book is published and produced by rapper, MC and judge at last year’s Nokia Don’t Break the Beat rap competition, Point Blank Evumbi through his PBE Productions Ltd.

If you’ve read the Pulse, then by now you know that they have asserted that an anonymous source has informed them that the Lambo Prezzo was seen in a picture with is Goldie’s.

I don’t know whether or not that is true and that isn’t the matter of debate today. today we shall be dissecting the beef between an artist known as Lyon Cash and his former boss Prezzo.

For those of you who don’t know Lyon Cash, i don’t blame you. He is an artist who was signed to Prezzo’s Makini Music Group label a few months back alongside Cannibal. Cannibal managed to propel himself back into the fore after taking a hiatus from music and even released “My City My Town” with Prezzo. Lyon Cash didn’t fully take advantage of the opportunity afforded him.

<Lyon Cash in red with his boy. Image from his Facebook page>

Lyon Cash seems to have made a quiet exit from MMG and is now taking shots at Prezzo. He was the source that told Pulse that the car was Goldie’s. How do i know? He got on Ghafla and took swings at Prezzo going as far as to call Goldie a “bitch”.

Lyon Cash: “Real niggaz rule no 1. Don’t post photos on twitter wit your bitchs’ car.”

 

 

<This lad is a sharp dresser though! He’s looking dapper in this picture!>

 

Then shortly after that on a story we did about Jaguar’s cars, he posted this:

Lyon Cash: “These ghafla niggaz have bad journalism like…are you the same niggaz who couple months ago posted this Lamborghini as one of Goldie cars?!…i respect jaguar this nigga worked from nothing to 20 million worth of cars, 6 million shilling home while someone still takes pictures with a bitchs’ car.”

And this whole mess has left me wondering why he doesn’t just release a diss track instead of whining on Ghafla. Come on Lyon, you’re an artist. Let your emotions be your inspiration. Make a track. I’d rather write up a piece on your track than do a piece about you taking to social media to diss someone!

And with that said, over to you Prezzo. What do you have to say about this mess?

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Looks like rapper K-Nel’s threat on the Kenyan Embassy in Germany might have worked. Following the racial assault on a man, now only identified as Jimmy, a Kenyan living in Germany, K-Nel issued the Kenyan Embassy with a 24-hour ultimatum to respond to Jimmy’s plight. Check out the video here.

Today, K-Nel confirmed that the embassy had responded by visiting the victim in hospital.

“FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, I SINCERELY 1ST WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED MY CALL LAST NIGHT AND SHARED MY VIDEO. I JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH JIMMY AND I HAVE GOOD NEWS!!! MY 24 HOURS DEADLINE WAS RESPECTED BY THE KENYAN EMBASSY IN BERLIN AND THEY VISITED JIMMY IN THE HOSPITAL THIS AFTERNOON.”

On Jimmy’s progress:

“JIMMY HAS BEEN DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL AND JUST ARRIVED HOME.”

Initial photos showed Jimmy in critical condition but he seems to be fine now.This photo of the victim and the diplomats had been posted online earlier with the following message: “Kenyan ambassy have shown up. They promised to do a rapport in diplomatic ways, whatever that means.”

I know there are a lot of artiste out there who have done this. You know, record a live freestyle session on video and dish it out to the fans and all. It takes skill and guts to freestyle before an audience and even more to upload it on YouTube or social media. So you know that you have to actually be good for you to go through with that.

However, till date, I have not seen a better freestyle session that would top that of Bamboo, Big Mike and Kama of Kalamshaka which was recorded years ago in acapella. Before Bamboo flew off. Harry Kimani kills it on the guitar.

This right here is the epitome of a freestyle session.

Check it out below.

Yap! He’s definitely putting in major work. Ever since Bamboo got back, he has continuously been on his grind so there is no problem when he raps about getting his doe. He sure deserves it.

I have no idea when these two collaborated, but Bamboo and Konvict Music’s Benny D’s video for the track ‘Get my Doe’ has already been released.

I don’t know about you but I get this awesome reggae vibe from this track when it kicks off. Bamboo kills it on the intro which by the way reminds me that he can somehow sing. To top it all off, he actually brings out his old school flow. The one that we all fell in love with. The real Bamboo.

The beats on this track took me over even before these guys started rapping. It’s just off the hook.

Check out the video. You won’t be disappointed.

Maia Von Lekow is one of the top soul artistes working in the country right now. Her music is enthralling and makes for great laid back listening, especially live.

The Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole and Nina Simone inspired singer performed at Slims Restaurant on the 22nd of December where she treated fans to her brand of African jazz melodies and ballads. Check out photos from the gig below.
[Quaint Photography]

December 21st saw 2012’s last All That Jazz event go down at the Louis Leakey Auditorium, Nairobi National Park.

Kanjii got to thrill the fans with his amazing vocals and Quaint Photography captured the moments just as they were.

Check out the photos.

Before we begin, let me first say i’m a huge Ice Prince fan. Actually, i’m a huge Chocolate City fan.I love most of what they put out. It’s always quality music from the Choc Boys. From Brymo to Ice Prince to Jesse Jagz to M.I.

And with that said, let me say that Wahu has made writing this article difficult! I couldn’t find her music online when i needed it the most and in the Age of Aquarius (information age) this is inexcusable! I should be able to easily find your online footprint unless you only want to stay in the Kenyan and East African market! Ba humbug!

Now that i am done ranting, we can begin. How many of you have heard Ice Prince’s song “Aboki”? It’s a couple of months old. Actually, if i may confess this article was due last year but finding the evidence (Wahu’s song) was really hard. And i work for Ghafla! Imagine how much harder it would be for any other entertainment site employee! Moving right along, if you haven’t listened to the track, i suggest you do!

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I’m sure you already know which song i’m referring to don’t you? Well, if you don’t the song in question is “Kibow Wow”. Wahu did this track in response to Deux Vulture’s “Kinyau nyau”. In her track, she ridicules what TLC calls “scrubs”: broke, down, dirty brothers looking to front as though they have money. Tin men, all talk but no heart.

In her song, Wahu says, “Hook me up with a G my guy…/ Hook me up with your car my guy…” And therein lies my bone of contention. In Aboki Ice Prince says, ok, seeing as this is a Kenyan site, let’s just say he says alot of “… my guy/ …my guy” in the same flow and the same delivery Wahu does. Maybe it’s just me but he has “borrowed” that flow from Wahu! And i would post her song as proof but guess what, i have none! She hasn’t posted it online so now i’m reduced to posting her perforing it at Safaricom Live.

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This is now the second single video that Oksyde has done and so far, he has not disappointed. Not once. Known for his stone cold lyrics and punch lines, Oksyde just dropped the ‘nduru’ video’ and it is just straight up hip hop.

I love the simplicity that the video depicts which by the way goes so well with his persona.

Flow and delivery, sick as usual.

With that said, here is Oksyde’s ‘nduru’. Check it out below.