Magix Enga is did big things in the local music scene in 2020

Kenya has no shortage of good music producers. However there are some whose work is a cut above the rest. One such person is Magix Enga.

You see, a beat plays a big part in determining whether a song will go viral or not. The lyrics and video are just meant to spice it up. You want to debate this?

If you are keen, I’m sure you’ve noticed that the beats for most viral Kenyan songs are always from three to four local music producers, one of them is Magix Enga.

Magix Enga
Magix Enga

If you hear, “Magix Enga on the beat” when a song is beginning, you just know that your eardrums are about to have the time of their lives. Where is the lie?

His greatest work to date (according to me of course) was Dundaing which was one of the biggest songs in 2018. Actually, it was the biggest!

Other songs that he has produced are; Digi Digi by Arrow Bwoy, Wembe by Timmy Tdat, Fire by P Unit, Dala Dala by Otile Brown, Matiati by Zzero Sufuri, We Run This by KRG. The list is endless.

If  you listen to the songs that he has produced, you’ll notice how distinct the beat is. It’s different from the norm. Perhaps this explains why anything he touches turns into gold instantly.

Magix Enga
Magix Enga

In my opinion, Magix Enga, who has been in the game for 10 years now, is taking Kenyan music to the international stage, with his signature beat, one song at a time.

He is showing us that it can be done by actually doing it. One day, when all is said and done, we’ll have him to thank for making Kenyan music enjoyable and helping artists to cross borders with their music.

Drama! Krg The Don exposed after stealing Kelechi Africana’s song (Video)

You’ve probably listened to Krg The Don’s new jam with Arrow Bwoy dubbed Giddem. It’s really dope. Personally, I have had it on replay since it was released.

Also read: Krg The Don is proof that money can’t buy talent

However, what some of you may not know is that there’s some controversy surrounding the song or at least the beat which was made by the very talented iLogos.

iLogos

A few hours ago, Kelechi Africana, who is arguably one of the best vocalists in the country, revealed that the beat was initially his and was surprised when he realized that Krg had used it on his latest project Giddem.

The Ring hitmaker then decided to confront iLogos. In a screen recording that was posted on his Instagram page, the former can be seen asking the producer why he gave out his beat without telling him.

Apparently, Kelechi Africana’s former manager had taken him to ILogos’ studio and promised to pay when the song was completed but he failed to honour his word.

Kelechi Africana links up with Kristoff on 'I Got You'
Kelechi Africana

When he failed to honor his word, the producer sold the beat to another person which turned out to be Krg The Don and that is how Giddem came to be.

Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, Ilogos has been found himself in a similar situation before. A few months ago, he was embroiled in a war of words with Naiboi after he sold a beat that he had made for him to Arrow Bwoy.

He claimed that the 2 In 1 hitmaker had refused to pay him for 10 songs that he had done for him and when he saw that there was no light at the end of the tunnel, he used the beat to make Arrow Bwoy’s toto.

Watch the video below.

 

Nadia Mukami didn’t need to lie about dating Arrow Bwoy to push her music

A few days ago, Nadia Mukami left her fans disappointed when she revealed that she has never been in a relationship with Arrow Bwoy and that the claims that she made made that the two of them were dating were untrue.

Also read: Nadia Mukami comes clean about her rumored romantic relationship with Arrow Bwoy

Although I am happy that she decided to set the record straight and explained that she just wanted to push their new jam dubbed Radio Love, I must say that I was not amused at all.

Nadia Mukami

You see, Nadia is really talented. In my opinion, she is one of the biggest female artists in at the country moment. As such, she does not need to go to such extreme lengths to push her music. Her music does not need PR stunts.

If you watched Arrow Bwoy’s earlier interview on The Trend where he refuted the claims, you could tell that he was was angered by what Nadia has said so much so that he told her to stop the sideshows and focus on her music.

Some of us hold Nadia in high regard. We believe that if anyone will one day bring home a BET Award it will be her and because I am not in the habit of sugar coating things, I will be the first to admit that she let us down.

Nadia Mukami has potential to make it big outside Kenya
Nadia Mukami

On the brighter side, I am happy that she came out to clarify things and now we can all move past the issue and keep listening to her good music because that is what we came to love her for.

I hope that her management team are not the ones who advised her to lie about dating Arrow Bwoy because if that is the case something like this; will happen again and she will end up ruining her career.

Arrow Bwoy drops new banger ‘Find X’ alongside Arrow Bwoy (Video)

Kenyan dancehall singer Ali Yusuf, popularly known as Arrow Bwoy, has teamed up with Dufla Diligon on a new jam that is getting a lot of love from their fans.

Also read: Arrow Bwoy needs to be very careful

The song dubber Find X, which references a common mathematical equation, simply talks about looking for that one thing that makes you tick, whether it’s a girlfriend, boyfriend, money and whatnot.

Dufla Diligon

To be honest, the first time I heard this track I was not too sure how I felt about it but with time I came to love it and now I can no get enough of it. It’s so infectious ladies and gentlemen.

I don’t know about you but I feel that this is Arrow Bwoy’s best work yet. It’s different from his previous releases. You see, the artist has always been called out for always making love songs but Find X is a new sound.

Arrow Bwoy did a good job on this jam. His verse is sick. To add to that, he is a great singer and you just want to keep listening to him as he does his thing.

Dufla Diligon didn’t disappoint either. His lyrics on this jam are dope. Of course the line that many people will never forget is “hata kwa circle (circular), triangle (triangular), unapigwa na bibi Wetangula.”

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

These two artists really complement one another and in my opinion they should release more songs together. I mean why not?

The beat and instrumentation are on point and we have the one and only Vicky Pon Dis to thank for that. Other than the fact that they make the song danceable, they also blend with the artists’ flow and tempo.

I absolutely love the video concept for Find X. You guy, this song was shot in a laboratory with the artists doing some experiments. Who would have thought? Big up to Nezzoh Montana.

Watch Find X below and tell us what you think.

Arrow Bwoy’s quest to fall in love in new jam “Tujuane” is definitely worth your time

Arrow Bwoy seems to understand his audience by the day. Days after dropping a sensational gospel song he now brings you a new love song dubbed “Tujuane”.

As valentines day approaches a song like this is clearly something we want to listen to. A time of love needs good music too. For one we can say that Arrow Bwoy doesn’t disappoint either.

The 27-year-old has proven that music is a luxury he would not want to lose. His fans too are also a happy lot because of his consistency. After all in Kenya that is what keeps you afloat.

Tujuane

This song is your everyday feel-good love song where a guy is trying to win a girl by telling her he wants “Tujuane”.

Tujuane is Swahili for “Let’s get to know each other”.It is a quest by a guy who has fallen in love with a woman. Trying to win her over and be with her.

Arrow Bwoy Music

This is a situation that many of us face daily falling love with people and trying to know them and be part of their lives.

Basically the song is quite relatable to many. Arrow Bwoy has clearly outdone himself in this jam.

For one I will give a thumbs up for the lyrical creativity he has a way with words and can make you fall in love.

For a guy that has fallen in love, we see him asking to get to know the girl in question. He even goes ahead to ask for her number and a chance to see her again.

The Vicky Pondis and  Trey Juelz produced video is so well done and for a day like valentines day, it can be added on the playlist.

I mean am sure most of you would want to meet again if valentines will be the first date. Maybe this song can help you say those words you are so afraid to put across to that chic or guy you like.

For that good job Arrow Bwoy this is jam is timely.

Your thoughts?

Arrow Bwoy finally releases highly-anticipated gospel tune titled ‘Mungu Baba’ (Video)

After what seemed like an endless wait, Digi Digi hitmaker Ali Yusuf alias Arrow Bwoy has finally released a new jam and it is quite different from all his previous releases because it’s a gospel tune. Yes, you read it right.

Also read: Arrow Bwoy needs to be very careful

The song dubbed Mungu Baba is about showing gratitude to our creator for all the love that he has shown us, his care and being there for us when we need him.

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

In the track, Arrow Bwoy says he can’t desert God after all the things that he has done for him, adding that he is very thankful for all the the wonderful things that the Lord has done in his life.

The Jango Love singer goes on to say that God has been always been there for him although he’s a sinner and that he should remind him how far he has brought him incase he forgets.

Mungu Baba is such a beautiful composition. Apart from the powerful message that it carries, you will agree with me that it’s well arranged. It’s flows smoothly and you’ll find yourself singing along in no time.

Arrow Bwoy’s vocal prowess is on point. As you listen to him, you can easily tell that he really means what he’s saying and that it’s coming from his heart.

Arrow Bwoy back with a new tune Happy Birthday
Arrow Bwoy

The beat and instrumentation on this jam are really dope. However, this doesn’t really come as a surprise seeing as it was produced by the one only Vicky Pon Dis.

They are both subtle thus allowing the message to sink in and also catchy so that you don’t fall asleep as you listen to this jam.

One of the things I love most about this jam is the video. I don’t know if it’s based on Arrow Bwoy’s story but it paints a good visual picture of what  the song is about. Props to the director – Rahim – for the brilliant execution.

Watch Mungu Baba below and tell us what you think.

Photos of an unconscious bruised Arrow Bwoy surface online

Arrow Bwoy has been missing in action for a while now but like most artists we believe that he is working on his music if not his personal life.

His new photos circulating on Instagram have however left many talking and worried as he seen lying inside what appears to be car’s boot all bruised up and bloody.

Arrow Bwoy

Due to the sensitivity and seriousness of these photos Ghafla tried reaching out to the artist who was unavailable on phone at the time.

Arrow boy unavailable to explain

Close sources to the singer have also maintained their silence concerning the photos; leaving us wondering how the photos surfaced on social media in the first place.

Arrow Bwoy

Anyway, for now we cannot confirm whether this is yet another project or if Arrow Boy was recently injured but chose to keep quite about it.

He also remains among the top male artists in the East African music industry and so far his music is proving to take over the youths thanks to his well written lyrics!

Arrow Bwoy

Magix Enga teams up with Arrow Bwoy and Odi Wa Murang’a on ‘Banana’ (Video)

Talented producer and singer Magix Enga has released a new jam alongside Arrow Bwoy and Boondocks Gang’s Odi Wa Murang’a and it’s really dope.

Also read: Magix Enga has taken Kenyan music to the international stage

The song titled Banana has been ruling the airwaves since it was released a few days ago and to be honest, we’re also feeling it.

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

If you thought the likes of Odi Wa Murang’a can only sing about sex, drugs and crime then you should brace yourself because this jam is very different, in a good way though.

Believe it or not, Banana is a love song. While I’m not sure if it’s the direction that Gengetone artists should go, I love it because it’s a breath of fresh air.

Once again Magix Enga has proven that he is a jack of all trades. The way he sings his out in this jam, you would even mistake for Chris Brown. Okay, I’m pushing it but you get my point, don’t you?

Magix Enga
Magix Enga

To add to that award-winning producer has a melodious voice, the kind that you just want to keep listening to gender notwithstanding.

We are used to Arrow Bwoy releasing love songs and that means that there’s not much that I can say about him other than acknowledging him for throwing his weight behind this project.

On the other hand, there’s so much to say about Odi Wa Murang’a since he showed us a side of him that many people were not even aware of.

Odi Wa Murang'a
Odi Wa Murang’a

Other than the fact that he sang in Kikuyu and made it sound like French, there’s a part where he is twenging it make you wonder if he’s the same person with risque lyrics on Rieng, Mboko Haram, Mathogothanio and whatnot.

The beat, which was produced by Magix Enga, is also subtle but that does not mean that it’s whack. Actually, I really love it. Although I felt like the video was too simple, it’s still dope.

Watch Banana below and tell us what you think. Enjoy!

Arrow Bwoy’s collabo with Spizzo titled ‘Kamebeba’ is too dope (Video)

Dancehall artiste Ali Yusuf, popularly known as Arrow Bwoy, has dropped a new jam with Spizzo, who is famed for his Kidege mega hit, and we totally dig it.

Also read: Arrow Bwoy needs to be very careful

The jam titled Kamebeba, which means she has carried, glorifies the curvy women who are driving many men, including yous truly, crazy. I know what you are thinking but you need to listen to this jam.

Spizzo
Spizzo

This jam is really infectious. Arrow Bwoy really killed that hook and you will not resist the urge to hit the replay button a couple of times.

Spizzo also did a good job. This chap has some mad Swahili flow and wordplay. The truth is that I started paying attention to him just recently and I can tell you that he has a rare talent.

The beat on this jam is also infectious but this doesn’t really come as a surprise seeing as it was produced the one of the best people in the business and that is Vicky Pon Dis.

The video concept was also great. As you watch it you will get the Jamaican vibe in it through the colours and general execution.

Watch Kamebeba below and tell us what you think.

King Kaka’s new collabo with Xenia Manasseh titled ‘Dear Stranger’ is totally dope (Video)

Celebrated Kenyan rapper Kennedy Ombima, popularly known as King Kaka, has released a new song with Xenia Manasseh and it’s totally worth your time.

Also read: King Kaka is releasing so many songs but nobody cares

The song dubbed Dear Stranger, which is off his mixtape titled The Servant & The King, is about people that he was really close with at one point in time but they had to part ways for one reason or the other. Hence, they became strangers, sort of.

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

In the song, the Run Ting hitmaker mentions the likes of; Femi One, Arrow Bwoy, Avril, Rich Mavoko, Timmy Tdat, Pascal Tokodi, Phy and goes on to reveal how they influenced his life and vice versa.

His message to these people – who he helped rise in the local music industry – is that he’ll always be there for them and will help them realize their dreams, even if they disagreed at some point.

I love this jam. Apart from the fact that it’s well-arranged, it made realized that King King has sacrificed so much for many artists, were it not for him you would have probably never heard about some of the aforementioned musicians.

I don’t know about you but this song too me back to the Kaka Sungura that I used to listen to 10 years (or so ago) and the truth is that I had missed this version of him.

Xenia Manasseh
Xenia Manasseh

Notably, Xenia Manasseh also came through on this jam. She spiced it up with her mellow voice and believe you me, even if you don’t like King Kaka, the former will make you love this song.

I also love the instrumentation on this song. The tempo just blends well with both King Kaka and Xenia’s voices and it will get you hooked from the moment you hit the play button.

The video is also dope. The really utilized the location i.e. Lord Egerton Castle. Notably, the scene transitioning was also on point. Props to the videographer – CJ.

Watch Dear Stranger below and tell us what you think. Enjoy!

Arrow Bwoy has linked up with Jovial on ‘Wrong Number’ and it’s getting mad love (Audio)

Kenyan singer Ali Yusuf, better known as Arrow Bwoy and famed for his Digi Digi hit, has released the audio for his collabo with sassy songstress Juliet Ayub Miriam who is known to you and I as Jovial.

Also read: Arrow Bwoy needs to be very careful

The song titled Wrong Number, which is off his recently released album dubbed Hatua, talks about a lad who’s very interested in a certain lass but she’s not just feeling his vibe.

Jovial
Jovial

As such, she keeps dodging him. However, she keeps asking for money from him and he’s forced to borrow so that he can impress her. Surprisingly, he is still not ready to give up even after being made to wait for 10 years.

As you can tell, the title of the song was inspired by the fact that the lass in question is not in interested in the guy at all. Perhaps you can relate it to what happens when a person you don’t know calls you.

Wrong Number is a beautiful composition. Actually, it’s my second most favourite song from Hatua after his collabo with Fena Gitu dubbed Ride.

Arrow Bwoy really came through on this jam. I was not expecting anything less anyway. We can argue until the cows come home but the fact is that he is the most melodious of our time.

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

Jovial’s delivery was also good. She has this sweet voice that I know many men, including yours truly, wouldn’t mind listening to all day. She sounds heavenly in this jam, you’ll have no choice but to hit the replay button.

The beat for this jam is also dope. Although some people may say it’s subtle, I feel it works for this song. You will not resist the urge to bust a move. Trust me!

Listen to Wrong Number below and tell us what you think.

Arrow Bwoy is back with ‘Pesa’ alongside Wyre and we’re really feeling it (Audio)

Kenyan singer Ali Yusuf, better known as Arrow Bwoy and famed for his Digi Digi hit, has released the audio for his collabo with legendary dancehall singer Kevin Waire, known to you and I as Wyre.

Also read: Arrow Bwoy needs to be very careful

The song titled Pesa, which is off his newly-launched album dubbed Hatua, talks about how money makes the world go round.

Put simply, there’s very little that you can do if you don’t have money. According to Arrow Bwoy, if you are penniless, people will snatch your significant other.

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

He says, “Mafanikio kwa kila mtu ndio ndotooo, wengine tunakesha kwa baridi, wengine kwa joto, tunasaka pesaaae, tunasaka pesa tuoshe roho, bila pesa bila pesa utavunjwa moyo. If you don’t make money then you don’t make sense, no money no honey lugha ya mtaa, eeeh lugha  ya mtaa, pesa ndio lugha ya mtaa.”

Arrow Bwoy really came through on this jam. I was not expecting anything less anyway. We can argue until the cows come home but the fact is that he is the most melodious of our time.

As expected, Wyre The Love Child also nailed it. His verse really brought life to this song. I never thought a dancehall and Kenyan Bongo combination would sound this nice. I kept hitting the replay button without even knowing.

The beat for this jam, which was done by the one and only Ilogos Music, was also dope. As I was listening to the song for the first time, I could visualize people busting moves to it in a club

Listen to Pesa below and tell us what you think.

Arrow Bwoy has teamed up with Nigeria’s Mayorkun on ‘African Woman’ and it’s a banger (Audio)

Kenyan singer Ali Yusuf, better known as Arrow Bwoy and famed for his Digi Digi hit, has released the audio for his collabo with Nigerian singer Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, alias Mayorkun.

Also read: Arrow Bwoy needs to be very careful

The song titled African Woman, which is off his recently released album dubbed Hatua, heaps praise on the African woman for her intelligence, beauty, bedroom prowess among other things.

According to Arrow Bwoy, women from this continent are rare gems because they are not only homemakers but they can also love you with all their hearts.

Mayorkun
Mayorkun

In one of the verses, he says, “I’ve never seen a woman like an African girl ooo, I say she cooks, she cleans, she makes money eyeaaaah, she got a love in abundance, tamu kama nanasi, so strong kama Mandela, ana sauti inamtoa nyoka, tena ni fundi pale chumbani, ana macho inaita kama jioni ooooo yeeeeah.”

Arrow Bwoy really came through on this jam. I was not expecting anything less anyway. We can argue until the cows come home but the fact is that he is the most melodious of our time.

Mayorkun also nailed it. Apart from the parts where he’s singing his heart out in Swahili, there is something about a pidgin and Kenyan Bongo that makes it irresistible. You’ll hit the replay button without even knowing it.

The beat for this jam is also dope. Although some people may say it’s subtle, I feel it works for this song because let’s be honest, you don’t expect to shaku to this jam but that does not mean that you can’t.

Listen to African Woman below and tell us what you think.

Arrow Bwoy is back with a new jam titled ‘Angelina’ and we love it (Audio)

Kenyan singer Ali Yusuf, who is popularly known as Arrow Bwoy and famed for his Digi Digi mega hit, has dropped a new jam that we absolutely love.

Also read: Arrow Bwoy needs to be very careful

The new song titled Angelina is about this beautiful lass who is giving him sleepless nights. Arrow Bwoy says he’ll give her love in abundance if she gives him a chance.

The joint, which is off his recently released 14-track album titled Hatua, is a fusion of dancehall and Swahili RnB. The result is an amazing club banger that will make you hit the replay button a couple of times. No kidding.

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

While some people may argue that this song sounds the same like the others that he has released before given the subject is about love or a woman, I think it’s amazing.

As I listened to the song, I could not help but appreciate Arrow Bwoy’s ingenuity. He is really talented.

I don’t know how the 26-year-old singer does it but he has a special gift of infusing  Ragga with Kenyan Bongo and the outcome is totally dope.

The hook for this jam is simple and easy to master. It goes like, “Angelina get down, get down, get down, ma senorita, nakupenda Angelinaaa get down, get down *3…”

The beat for this jam is also on point. As I was listening to it for the very first time, I could visualize people turning up to it in a club. Props to the producer!

Listen to Angelina below and tell us what you think.

Arrow Bwoy is back with ‘Ride’ alongside Fena Gitu and it’s amazing (Audio)

Kenyan singer Yusuf Ali, better known as Arrow Bwoy and famed for his Digi Digi hit has linked up with Fena Gitu on his latest release.

Also read: Arrow Bwoy needs to be very careful

The song titled Ride talks about hustling hard and not letting the opinions of other people, especially the haters, get to you. (At least that’s how I understood it).

Although we are used to Arrow Bwoy infusing elements of dancehall and/or ragga in many of his songs, I don’t think he has ever released a song that’s purely ragga. As such, this is a first.

Arrow Bwoy; he is back with a new jam dubbed 'Angelina'
Arrow Bwoy

In my opinion, he should do more similar songs as Ride since it’s not only entertaining but also different from the kind of songs that he released. Also, it’s not about love or a girl that he’s smitten with.

I never thought I’d ever hear Fena Gitu flowing to a reggae/ragga beat but she did that in this jam and it came out so well you would think that she has been doing it for a minute.

The beat was for this jam, which is off Arrow Bwoy’s recently released album dubbed Hatua, is also dope and I’m sure people who love reggae music will agree with me on this. Plus it has a strong message!

Listen to Ride below and tell us what you think.

Arrow Bwoy’s latest release dubbed ‘Mama’ is totally worth your time (Audio)

Kenyan singer Ali Yusuf, who is popularly known as Arrow Bwoy and known for his Digi Digi mega hit, has released a new joint and we are really feeling it.

Also read: Arrow Bwoy needs to be very careful

The new jam titled Mama is a special dedication all mothers who have nurtured and shown care for their children until they were all grown up.

In the song, Arrow Bwoy promises to buy a house and a car for his mum as a sign of gratitude for all that he has done for him.

Mama, which is off his recently released album titled Hatua, is a fusion of dancehall and Swahili RnB.

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

The result is an amazing club banger that will force you to hit the to replay button a couple of times.

As I listened to the song, I could not help but appreciate Arrow Bwoy’s ingenuity. He is really talented.

Let’s be honest, there are so many songs out there that are dedicated to mothers but very few provoke emotions. As such, we should hail Arrow Bwoy.

I don’t really know how the 26-year-old musician does it but he has a special talent of infusing Ragga with Kenyan Bongo and the outcome is totally dope.

The beat for this jam is also on point. As I was listening to it for the very first time, I could visualize people turning up to it in a club. Props to Ilogos Music.

Listen to Mama below and tell us what you think.

Magix Enga Vs Motif Di Don: Who is the baddest producer?

These days, almost every song begins with the words, “Motif Di Don” or “Magix Enga on the beat”. You would be tempted to think that the two are the only music producers in the country which is not the case.

Also read: Magix Enga has taken Kenyan music to the international stage

While the are are countless music producers in Kenya, the work of Magix Enga and Motif Di Don really stands out. They have a distinct approach and this explains why they are a cut above the rest and the most-sought after beat makers.

Motif Di Don
Motif Di Don

Each of them has worked with the biggest names in the entertainment industry and in a way they have helped propel the new Kenyan sound that made many people realize that they can actually enjoy local music.

Magix Enga has worked with the likes of Otile Brown, Timmy Tdat, Arrow Bwoy, KRG The Don, P-Unit, Zzero Sufuri, Ethic, Alvindo, King Kaka, Kristoff, Khaligraph Jones, Prezzo, Naiboi, Mejja, Rankaddah. The list is endless.

On the other hand, Motif Di Don has produced songs for Masauti, Ethic, Otile Brown, Khaligraph Jones, Masterpiece, Nadia Mukami, Qritical, Pro & Lava Lava and Rayvanny who are both Tanzanian singers.

If you are a fan of Kenyan music, like yours truly, then I’m sure you’ve seen your favourite local musician in the aforementioned names. What’s even more is that most of them are big acts which also means that Magix Enga and Motif Di Don are the baddest producers around.

Magix Enga
Magix Enga

In as much as they are both incredible and doing their very best to grow the local industry, at the end of the day, one of them has to be better than the other and that’s what I want to find out from you. I’d like to know your perspective of them.

So tell me, who do you think is the baddest producers between Magix Enga and Motif Di Don? Leave a comment below.

6 collabos between Kenyan and Tanzanian artists that we’d totally love to see

Kenyan artists have been working with their Tanzanian counterparts a lot more lately so much so that people who don’t like Bongo music, like yours truly, are starting to feel like it’s worth their time.

Also read: 5 impossible music collabos we’d love to see before 2019 ends

We’ve seen some impressive collabos between Tanzanian and Kenyan artists in the recent past. Some of the include; Timmy Tdat & Rosa Ree, Willy Paul and Nandy, Bahati and Rayvanny, Juma Jux and Nyashisnki and so on.

In my opinion, we need to see more of these and that’s why I came up with a list of artists who I think should work together because why not? Also there’s the fact that it well grow East African music.

That being said, here’s our wish list of collabos:

1. Nadia Mukami and Juma Jux – After watching their mash up of African Lover on Coke Studio, I think these two should get into studio like yesterday.

Nadia Mukami and Juma Jux
Nadia Mukami and Juma Jux

2. Rosa Ree and Khaligraph Jones – This collabo should have happened a long time ago. I mean why not? Both artists are bad-ass rappers and they would really kill it on one track.

Rosa Ree and Khaligraph Jones
Rosa Ree and Khaligraph Jones

3. Otile Brown & Vanessa Mdee – I’m not quite sure about this but something tells me that a collabo between them would be totally fire. I’m looking forward to the day they will give us a treat.

Otile Brown and Vanessa Mdee
Otile Brown and Vanessa Mdee

4. Arrow Bwoy and Rayvanny –  I live for the day these two musicians will release a song together. Thinking about it just gives me goosebumps. If a collabo between them comes to pass, it will be the biggest song of the year.

Arrow Bwoy and Rayvanny
Arrow Bwoy and Rayvanny

5. Nyashisnki and Nandy – I feel like a collabo between these two would be pure bliss. Nandy’s smooth vocals would really blend in well Nyashisnki’s rap. Get into studio guys!

Nyashisnki and Nandy
Nyashisnki and Nandy

6. Vivian and Darassa – This is another one that I’m not quite sure about. However, I feel like a rap-infused song with Vivian’s vocals would be totally fire.

Vivian and Darassa
Vivian and Darassa

Which collabo are you looking forward to? Tell us below.

 I praise women and sing about love because that is what I wish to spread – Singer Arrow Bwoy denies always same things 

Singer Arrow Bwoy has come out to deny that all his music are the same.

According to the singer, he grew up in a violent home that’s why his songs are mainly about love.

“The reason why I talk about love is because there was a lot of domestic violence in my family; my dad beating up my mum… so I grew up seeing that, that’s why I praise women and sing about love because that is what I wish to spread,” he stated.

Slum

Arrow Bwoy Ngeta
Arrow Bwoy

This address comes after the singer released a new song dubbed ‘Ngeta’ that still speaks about love but with a mix of violence since he was brought up in a slum.

“I’ve been brought up in the ghetto, so getting mugged is a habit we are used to. I wanted that kind of love, a lady to mug me and not let go…I want a lady who won’t get tired holding me,” he stated.

 

Arrow Bwoy needs to be very careful

To date, I’m yet to come across a song by Arrow Bwoy that I didn’t think was a hit or that I didn’t vibe to at all. It almost as if everything he touches turns into gold. I’m sure you agree, don’t you?

The singer whose real name is Ali Yusuf this rare gift of infusing English, Swahili and Luganda lyrics and ends up with a very unique and beautiful sound. The beat justs complements his style.

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

Unlike what most people think, Arrow Bwoy is not a newbie. He has been in the game since 2012 when he was part of a group called QBIC. He ventured out on his on in 2015 and got his first hit Digi Digi in 2017.

Since then, his star has continued to shine so much so that he even landed collabos with Jamaican heavyweights Demarco and Cecile. This is not a small feat but I’m sure you already knew that.

Locally, he has worked with the likes of Gabu, Masauti, Otile Brown, Timmy Tdat, Nadia Mukami, Sudi Boy, King Kaka, Krg The Don, Voltage Music, Jovial just to name a few.

As you listen to all his songs, you can’t fail to appreciate his ingenuity. However, you’ll also notice that he sounds pretty much the same in all of them which to be honest, I feel like it’s something that might curtail his success.

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

You see, in as much as all songs are done by the same person, hence they will have the same voice, music fans expect you to vary your songs so that you don’t bore them the way Jaguar did. It’s just what it is.

In my opinion, Arrow Bwoy needs to be careful or he will lose relevance in no time. He should look for ways of varying his sound so that his fans don’t feel like they are listening to the same song over and over

Listen to his latest release dubbed Ngeta below.

Arrow Bwoy didn’t come to play! Check out his new club banger dubbed ‘Ngeta’ (Video)

Kenyan singer Ali Yusuf, popularly known as Arrow Bwoy, has dropped a new single ahead of the release of his much-anticipated album in August.

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

Dubbed Ngeta, the new jam is a fusion of dancehall and Swahili RnB. The result is a blazing club banger that will make you hit the replay button at least a couple of times.

To be honest, I didn’t really feel the song when I first heard it but after listening to it a couple of times, I realized that it was a masterpiece and probably Arrow Bwoy’s best work yet.

Also read: Otile Brown’s collabo with Arrow Bwoy and Masauti dubbed ‘Lucy’ is totally fire (Video)

Ngeta is a Sheng word that means ‘to be mugged’. In the song, the Digi Digi hit maker says you should press it (you know what) as if you are mugging him. Does it sound ridiculous? I thought so too.

As is the norm, Arrow Bwoy threw in some Luganda words and they really spiced up the song. You’ll also hear the word chinkororo, which means Kisii warriors, a lot so much so that you’ll be tempted to think it’s the title of the song.

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

Ngeta was produced by Victor Muisyo Mutungi, or Vicky Pon Dis if you like and he really came through on this track. The beat is very decent and it will get you in a good mood from the moment you hit the play button.

Apart from the beautiful video vixens, another thing that caught my attention was the use of colour and how it was well co-ordinated i.e. through their outfits and the umbrellas that were used as props.

But this doesn’t really come as a surprise since the video was directed by the one and only Deska Torres of Platnumz Pictures. Put simply, he did an incredible job.

Watch Ngeta below and tell us what you think.

 

Otile Brown’s collabo with Arrow Bwoy and Masauti dubbed ‘Lucy’ is totally fire (Video)

Kenyan singer Jacob Otieno Obunga, alias Otile Brown, has really been on a roll this year. He has released 7 songs since 2019 begun which translates to a new song every month.

Otile Brown

While all the songs are receiving massive airplay on local radio and TV stations, in my opinion none of them comes close to his latest collabo with Otile Brown and Arrow Bwoy dubbed Lucy.

The song was released about 4 days ago and it has already clocked 140,000 views on YouTube never mind the fact that it doesn’t even have a video. I don’t want to imagine what would happen if they decided to shoot a video for it.

Masauti
Masauti

Honestly, I never thought Otile and Masauti would ever do a song together. Most people think that they are sworn enemies but as it turns out, nothing could be further from the truth. They even did us one better by featuring Arrow Bwoy.

Lucy is such a beautiful composition. It is the kind of songs that you want to listen to over and over. Put simply it’s really infectious. Where is the lie?

All the three artists really come through on this song with soulful lyrics that speak directly to the heart. And no, I’m not about to start a debate about who outshone the others. Listen to the song and decide for yourself.

Arrow Bwoy
Arrow Bwoy

Interestingly, Lucy was conceptualised and released in two days. Although it was hurried, the end result was still awesome.

The song was produced by the one and only Motif Di Don and as expected, he didn’t disappoint. The beat is perfect, it has this vibe of a party anthem and a feel good song at the same time.

Listen to Lucy below and tell us what you think.

Arrow Bwoy: In a family of 12 siblings, my polygamous father would beat my mother in front of us

Dancehall artist, Arrow Bwoy makes shocking revelation of his parents´ polygamous marriage that saw his mum receive whippings from his dad.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bww97fxAQjL/

Exclusively with radio Jambo´s Massawe Jappani the upcoming artist shares:

Being the last born in a family of 12 siblings and a polygamous family, my father at one time would beat my mother in front of us.

And the cause of all these:

My father was frustrated with life because he did not have enough money to feed us.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwkHWVPgOHH/

Unfortunately, the children were left to the cruel hands of their father´s temper:

Being a Ugandan nationality, she [his mother] spent part of her life there.

However, the now successful artist recalls his mother´s love that has made him who he is today:

And later came for me, and that is how I was able to go back to school.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxedrq0An3d/

However, all love was not lost as her additionally expresses:

I already forgave my father.

We are now good and sometimes we talk, and I still respect him as my dad.

 

Kenyan musicians have done so many collabos this year and we’re really impressed

Maybe you’ve noticed, maybe you haven’t but Kenyan musicians have dropped so many collabos since the year began. If you are a huge fan of local music, like yours truly, I’m you are also impressed.

For the first time in a long while, there’s something good to say about the local entertainment industry. We’re barely five months into the year and we’ve seen the most unexpected collabos. It’s such an exciting time to be alive.

Artist have not only realized the importance of doing collabos, they have also decided to step out of the comfort zones. On a light note, I’m pretty sure Kenyan musicians agreed that 2019 is the year of working together.

What I love most about this is that our artists are not only working with their fellow Kenyan musicians, they are also crossing borders and working with acts from Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana and Jamaica.

The likes of rapper Khaligraph Jones have featured on four great collabos since we crossed over into 2019. The songs are; Japo Kidogo, Kiboko (Remix), Megarider (Remix), and Chukua Selfie which was a campaign but still counts.

Papa Jones aslo featured Nigerian rapper Ycee on Gwala which was released in January this year.

If you’ve noticed, Naiboi is also doing a lot of collabos this year. He has two songs with Kristoff, a song with Brown Mauzo. He was featured on Chukua Selfie. His new song with Vivian and Savara dubbed came out a few hours ago.

Arrow Bwoy has also been breaking his back when it comes to music collabos. He has a song with Demarco, another one with Cecile. He has also worked with Gabu and Jovial

Other artists who’ve dropped good collabos this year are; Willy Paul, Timmy Tdat, Nyashinki, Jua Cali, Avril, King Kaka, Mr Seed, The Kansoul, Rankaddah, Rankaddah, Mayonde, Ochunglo Family, just to name a few.

To say the least, I am impressed. I can’t help but imagine how many more great collabos we’ll see before the year ends. I hope this also serves as a wake up call to artists who have been shying away from collabos.

What are some of your favourite local collabos this year? Leave a comment below.

Gabu teams up with Arrow Bwoy and Daddy Andre for a new club banger

After successfully taking over the Kenyan music Gabu the award winning artist from Kompakt Records and co-founder with Steve Ogechi of Kompakt Records have teamed up with Ugandan singer, song writer and producer, Daddy Andre  and arrow Bwoy to release a studding banger dubbed “KOROGA” for lovers of great music and good vibes. 

Gabu

The new hit song to be released Koroga is a blend of three nationals including; the director Kenny, originally wasafi records producer.

Speaking about his new collaboration, Gabu opened up saying;

“Arrow Bwoy is a great artist  in east Africa and Daddy Andre has a different  kind of style and sound. And therefore the blend among  the three acts would take the market by force.” 

Daddy Andre who is also part of the project went on to add; 

“It’s an African sure hit song from east Africa of course, big up to Gabu and Arrow Bwoy for inviting me on board to get this track, it is a blessing to me.”

Arrow Bwoy

Koroga

The trio layered arrangement expresses ambitious orchestrations, more of a concert band with distorted electronic synthesizer that act as the melodic instrument; the lyrical inspiration is a club song and a different kind of style by all the artists in it. 

Therefore this attracts a more concert setting with African dances Koroga is a brooding number, containing a blend of melancholic yet entertaining lines that discuss finding ones comfort, the three acts alongside Churchill are the lyrical geniuses behind the hit. 

Video concept

The video shot in Tanzania features beautiful models and flexy guys in an outside performance; while Gabu focuses on an indoor performance.

So far the hot sizzling hot banger is definitely about to give most artists a run for their money. 

Kenyan musicians whose songs all sound the same and what they need to do

There are some Kenyan musicians who sound the same on almost every song they release. Sometimes it’s so hard to tell whether you’ve listened to the song before or if it’s new.

In most cases, this affects artists who sing. Other music genres, for instance Hip Hop, is all about the flow, rhymes and the beat. As such, it’s hard to find two songs that sound the same unless all the aforementioned things are the same.

Several local musicians have been on the spot before for sounding the same on almost all their songs. I’m sure some of them are not even aware of this because let’s be honest, an artist is not the best judge of their own music.

Before he ventured into politics and took a backseat in making music, Jaguar, was often accused of copy pasting his songs. There was a common joke in the entertainment circles that he kept releasing the same song with different titles.

In his defense, Jaguar explained that his songs sound the same because they were done by the same person. He missed the point but that’s a story for another day.

Other local musicians who sound the same in every subsequent release are Nadia Mukami, Arrow Bwoy, DNA, Dufla, just to name a few.

The only Kenyan musician who has managed to get away with sounding the same is Jua Cali. He has been sounding the same way since he debuted in the local entertainment industry but most music fans don’t seem to mind.

Jua Cali

There’s no denying that all these musicians are talented. However, I’m sure most music fans would appreciate if they can tell their songs apart.

And no, I didn’t say they should swap their voices with other artists. Far from it. Instead, they should look for ways of adding flavour to their songs so that there is a clear distinction with every subsequent release.

So the question is, what should these musicians do? In my opinion one of the solutions to this is working with different music producers. Every producer has a unique style. As such, if the artists will be able to incorporate different elements into their music with every subsequent release.

The other solution is doing more collabos. This often works. Working with another artist will definitely vary thier songs. For instance, the could do a collabo with a rapper which will help break the monotony.

Lastly, they could explore other music genres. I’m sure many music fans appreciate versatile artists. By trying out other genres, they will be proving that they can think outside the box.

What are your thoughts on this? Leave a comment below.