The Flashback Series: Roba Formerly Kleptomaniax Opens About the Group Like Never Before. Reveals Secrets You Would Never Have Known
Real Name:Robert Manyasa
Hit Songs: Haree, Tuendelee, Magnetic, Psycho, Swing Swing, Bado Niko, Furahia, Maniax Anthem, Freak it, So Nice, Wariah
Years Active: 2002 – Present
Current Occupation:Businessman, Musician & Director at Plant Media Company
Date of Birth:10/01/1984
Marital Status:Married
No. of Children: 3
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Roba was once a member of the hottest Kenyan trio to hit the kapuka and hip hop scene. The Kleptomaniax were a force to reckon with when it came to dance-floor anthems and party starters. Together with his brothers in crime, Nyash and Collo, Roba was part of a group that made musical history thanks to a consistent supply of game changing songs.
Apart from the good, the Kleptomaniax also got their fair share of industry beefs with people like Bamboo and the group FBI that took aim at their Kapuka selections. The response? An anthem for days that took form in the song ‘Tuendele’ a response to all that looked down on their approach to music.
Also known for mega hits such as ‘Haree’ and the ‘Maniax Anthem’, the group had an unstoppable run and even though Nyash left the group, the remaining duo kept the run Solid.
Roba reflects on what took place:
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Molo: Who came up with the name Kleptomaniax for the group?
Roba: I did.
Molo: Ogopa Deejays was your first musical home, how was it like working there in the early 2000’s?
Roba:It was wonderful. Considering that this was where we cut our teeth, were still very young, and had pressure to be the best, it was challenging. I love challenges. Of course there were normal ups and downs like in any other work environment, but it was great. I appreciate and give thanks toLucas, Francis, Banda and our manager at that time Fakii, who all made sure we remained grounded despite it all in order to achieve all that we did.
Molo: It has been 11 years since the song ‘Tuendelee’ came out, people call it the best response ever, and how was the song made?
Roba: I am grateful to the response it continuesto receive to date. I believe most of our songs will remain classics. Our musicis not just about the hype, it comes from the heart. Tuendelee was actually not intended to be a reply to any so called diss. It was in fact, recorded before the so called ‘diss euphoria.’If we were to actually sit-in and do a well planned diss, with insults like many of those disses had, careers would have ended. Kleptomaniax was not about that. That is not Hip Hop. Hip Hop is love. There are those moments in art where coincidences of the art to surrounding events just happen. It just came out at a time when there was pressure in the industry and the mood of the game at that time, was competitiveand the media being the media, of course ran with it.
Molo: What made your group leave Ogopa Deejays?
Roba:To progress, one must grow. Each one of us had other personal plans, dreams, goals and ambitions in life we wanted to achieve apart from the group. We left the nest to explore experience and grow.
Molo: What was it like when Nyash decided to leave the group? What made you guys continue?
Roba: Nyashinskihas never left the group. Like I said, we each had personal agendas in life to achieve. He had to travel abroad for his. He is and has always been part and parcel of our work as a group. We are brothers. Music however, just like life, continues.
Molo: You and Collo created a great working relationship with Ulopa Ngoma, with songs like ‘Magnetic’, what was it like working with him?
Roba: Ulopa is talented both as a producer and singer. I met him way before he was known as a producer. In 2007, I and he started working on a number of unreleased singles, aiming to sharpen our artistic edges. It is not until 2009 that the three of us started working on the album NITT (Now Is The Time) that has the likes of Magnetic, Psycho, etc. It was fun.
Molo: Is Kleptomaniax dead? Will we ever get another album?
Roba: Kleptomaniax never died in the first place. About another album…raise your expectation levels.
Molo: What is it like being a solo artiste now?
Roba:I am now under my own record label called Musiq Plantat Epren Center, Buru-Buru Nairobi which I co-own, under the Plant Media Company umbrella. My executive producerhappens to bemy elder brother Paul Bruce aka Doc Spot. He was in fact featured in Klepto’s very first original single “freak it” which was our very first song while still in High school. He has done a number of great works polishing up talents and even brought some in the industry. He has worked with talents like L-Ness, Judge, Chief Chef, Safi Chafu, K-Force, Alfayo, Bilari, Wyre, Kalahari, Shavey n Slice etc just to mention but a few. As a solo artiste, it is much more challenging, but as I said, I love challenges, as there is more room for creativity, experimentation and growth. There is a lot more to try and learn.
Molo: How has your music changed over the years? What new material can fans expect from you?
Roba: I am much more conscious in what I put in my lyrics. At the same time I am real with myself and with what I do and put out there. I am no longer carefree with my content. Being a father, I must be sensible and cautious of what I put outsince my kidstoday are actually my number one fans. My new music is simple, but strives to inspire, motivate and direct. Listen deeply, keenly, meditate and understand.
Molo: Who are your favorite Kenyan artistes?
Roba:There are many, but most of my favorite artistes are not yet even on the mainstream. We are working on and with them. There is tremendous untapped potential from where I stand. It is my dream and hope that I will gain a voice loud enough to expose them and bring them to light to also shine.
Molo: What have been the highlights of your career?
Roba:Being the very first nominees in Kenyan history of the prestigious MTV EMA awards and among the first in Africa, the numerous nominations andawards, from Kisima, Chaguo la Teeniez, Channel O awards, Pearl awards, Kora, Kilimanjaro awards, to travelling across the world touring, US (26 states), UK, Asia, etc. It has been a rollercoaster ride.
Molo:What are 5 things you still need to do as a musician?
Roba:1. To bring up and bring out more talent
2. To help streamline and unify the music industry
3. To complete all my projects currently in the pipeline
4. To use my music to inspire, motivate and impact lives positively
5. To help Kenyan music rule the world.
— Final Comments
Roba: Put the Most High above everyone and everything. Submit to His will. You are perfect the way you are, so love yourself. Be proud of yourself and believe in your inner abilities. Each one of us was born with a purpose. So, whether you live for a second, or a millennium, you have a purpose. Create your path the best way you can. It also costs nothing to love, appreciate and be proud of the good efforts of your neighbor. Appreciate and protect what is yours. We need each other in everything that we do. No man is an island. Remember, if you want to walk fast, walk alone, but if you want to walk far, walk with others. Last but not least, Love will always conquer hate.
4 Things You Never Knew About Roba
1. I am a loving father to 3 kids.
2. I am a business man and a director of afast growing company.
3. Favorite quote: “Stop hating yourself for everything you aren’t and start loving yourself for everything you are. Self-love, is the cure to self-hate.”
4. I am spiritual. I draw my inspiration from the Word of The Most High and I love knowledge.
Music Links
‘Step by Step’ Video – https://youtu.be/N6ccbh27CoE
‘Cele’ on Youtube – https://youtu.be/EQJBPuS5vtA
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Contacts
Facebook: RawBar
Twitter: RawBar @RobaKlepto
Instagram: Raw_Bar
Email: Munkiriklepto@yahoo.com
