Eric Musyoka, the iconic producer who took Kenyan music to greater heights

It’s hard to talk about Kenyan music without mentioning the name of Decimal Records CEO Eric Musyoka, popularly known as Musyox. He has been very instrumental in shaping the Kenyan sound.

Also read: Stop looking for content from new-age musicians!

In the early to mid 2000s when Calif Records and Ogopa Deejays were beefing, the award-winning producer, who is now 38, was working at Homeboyz Entertianment.

Musyoka

While at the stable which is owned by the Rabar family, Musyoka produced songs for the musicians like; Prezzo, TID, Mr Lenny, Nameless, AY, Wyre, Peter Miles, Nikki, Nonini, just to name a few.

He then took a break and went for further studies at the SAE Institute in the US in 2006. Upon his return, he formed Decimal Records and signed P-Unit.

If you ask me, I will tell you that the group that was made up Frasha, Bon Eye and Gabu is one of Musyoka’s greatest achievements to this day. He literally propelled them to greater heights.

Musyoka and Bon Eye

What most people do not know is that the three started off as Nonini’s dancers and back-up singers and by 2010 they had won several awards including a MTV Africa Music Award (MAMA). Take a moment and let that sink in.

At Decimal, Musyoka has also worked with Just A Band, Juliani, Daddy Owen, Sauti Sol, Elani, Octopizzo and many more. Put simply, there is a high chance that he has produced a jam for your favourite Kenyan artist.

When all is said and done, he will be remembered for nurturing talents and taking Kenyan music to the continental stage because he started  producing music at a time when most artists were just focusing on their local audiences.

Musyoka is one of the producers who changed the game by ensuring our music could transcend our borders and this led to artists getting so many shows outside the country.

He’s a legend in his own right and it saddens me that most people will realize this after he hangs up his boots because as they say, you never miss something until it’s gone.

Watch one of his most popular jams dubbed Furahi Day by Nonini and Nameless below.

 

‘Dan’hela’ by AY is finally out and we love it (Video)

Legendary Tanzanian singer and rapper Ambwene Allen Yessayah, alias AY, has released his highly anticipated track titled Dan’hela and it’s getting so much love from his fans.

Also read: Kenyan musicians have so much to learn from their Tanzanian counterparts

The track has been ruling the airwaves since it was released a few hours ago ant to be honest we are also feeling it, or else we would not be reviewing it, would we? Okay, maybe we would but I’m sure you get my point.

AY

Basically this jam is about this person, presumably a lady, called Dan’hela who does not like to associate with people and the artist is trying to encourage her to mingle because in life, what you give is what you get.

Dan’hela is really infectious. I’ve listened to it a couple of times since it was released and every time I play it, it’s like I am hearing it for the very first time. Yup, it’s that good ladies and gentlemen.

As expected, AY’s wordplay on this track is so sick. He gets you hooked from the moment you hit the play button and you don’t wan’t him to stop flowing.

AY

To add to that, we must admit that this lad has an amazing voice and he can sing well as you all know there’s nothing that is better than a versatile artist.

I totally love the instrumentation on this jam though some of you may say it’s too mellow for their liking but you see, this is a love ballad. Well, sort of and not a club banger so we have to love it as it is.

The video is a masterpiece. I love its simplicity and it also aligns well with the theme of the song. To add to that, the scene transitioning and styling is impeccable.

Watch Dan’hela below and tell us what you think.

Rosa Ree, AY, Country Boy, Xtatic and Jay Rox team up with Weusi on ‘Wapoloo Remix’ (Video)

Tanzanian Hip Hop group Weusi, which is made up of; Joh Makini, Bonta, G Nako, Lord Eyes and Nikki Wa Pili, has dropped the remix of their Wapoloo mega hit and we are really feeling it.

The remix which features; AY, Jay Moe, Rosa Ree, Country Boy, Frida Amani, Jay Rox & Xtatic has been getting a lot of airplay on both radio and TV stations since it came out a few days ago.

If you thought the original version of Wapoloo was totally dope then you’ve not seen/heard anything yet because the remix is impeccable. I have listened to this a couple of times since it came out and I am yet to get bored with it.

Weusi

One of the artists who had a tight verse on the remix is of course AY. Yo! This chap had a mad flow and you just want listen to him as he does his thing. Of course, I was not anything expecting anything less.

Notably, I was also impressed by Jay Rox who hails from Zambia. The first time I heard of him was when he featured The Kansoul in Distance and I’ve been a huge fan of his since then.

When it comes to the lasses, I think they all nailed it but if I had to choose two who carried the day, then I’ll settle on Frida Amani and Rosa Ree not for any other reason but because they both have a good flow.

I like the fact that the beat is subtle because it makes you follow the artists’ punchlines and rhymes. The producer did a good job.

Listen to Wapoloo Remix below and tell us what you think.

AY and wife throw lavish birthday as their son turns 1! (Photos)

Tanzanian rapper AY and his lovely Rwandese wife on Wednesday celebrated their son’s 1st birthday in style as seen on the photos shared on their Instagram pages.

In the long post shared by AY, the singer thanked God for their son Aviel Yessayah which simply means ‘God is my father.’ He wrote saying;

Mungu ni Mwema na namshukuru sana kwa kutubariki mimi na My Beautiful Wife #Remy tarehe 12.08.2018 Medical City Healthcare Dallas Texas tumepata mtoto wa kiume AVIEL maana yake GOD IS MY FATHER…. 3.9Kgs & 27 inches…Welcome to the World AVIEL YESSAYAH”

Looking at the Photos, it’s obvious to tell that the party was graced by close friends and family.

Break up with wife?

Well, a while back rumor had it that AY and his wife had called it quits. Others went on to claim that the lady relocated to Texas leaving her son with her mother back in Rwanda.

However the two refuted this by affirming their fans that they were still together despite the ups and downs all couple face in marriages.

AY’s son
AY’s son’s 1st birthday
AY’s son’s 1st birthday
AY’s son’s 1st birthday
AY’s son’s 1st birthday
AY’s son’s 1st birthday

AY’s wife finally responds after AY failed to confirm whether their two-year marriage was over 

Tanzanian artist AY recently left fans hanging after dodging a question from EATV presenter who wanted to know whether he was still together with his wife Remy.

The presenter asked AY to confirm whether the two were together but AY said he doesn’t respond to rumors.

Hizo story gani sasa, wewe za udaku mimi sio mtu wa mambo ya udaku. Hizi stori za udaku mimi nazitoleaje ufafanuzi, kwasababu mtu mmoja anaamka nakuandika anachotaka,” said the Tanzanian rapper.

Together

His wife, however, was recently on social media to deny splitting up with him, confirming the rumors were not true.

In a question and answer session with fans, Remy denied she abandoned her husband together with their son and she fled to the United States, where she is currently working.

Here are the screenshots

 

AY fails to confirm or deny he has broken up with wife

Tanzanian singer AY was recently asked about whether he’s still with his wife Remy following flying rumors that they no longer staying together.

A blogger claimed that AY and Remy, who have been together for only two years, have parted ways and the rapper had taken their son to Rwanda to stay with the wife’s parents.

Can’t talk

In an interview with EATV however, AY avoided speaking about the issue saying he’s a man who doesn’t talk about rumors.

Hizo story gani sasa, wewe za udaku mimi sio mtu wa mambo ya udaku. Hizi stori za udaku mimi nazitoleaje ufafanuzi, kwasababu mtu mmoja anaamka nakuandika anachotaka,” said the Tanzanian rapper.

According to the social media post, the blogger claimed that Remy abandoned her husband together with their son and she fled to the United States, where she is currently working.

AY: My respect for women grew after watching my wife give birth to our son

AY and his wife Remy welcomed their first child together on August 12th 2018. The baby boy was born at Medical City Healthcare Dallas, Texas, USA.

The Bongo rapper broke news about the birth of his son on social media, he shared a photo of himself donning Operating room clothing.

AY minutes after his wife gave birth to their son in US
AY minutes after his wife gave birth to their son in US

Apparently AY watched as his wife delivered their son. Speaking during an interview with Millard Ayo, he revealed that doctors insisted that he should get in the delivery room.

“The doctors insisted that I should get in. They said I should get to see what the person I’m having a child with what they go through,” said AY.

Respect for women

AY further said that his respect for women grew after watching his wife give birth to their son;

“I respect women, and the respect that got bigger. For a person that doesn’t have the heart to look at a woman giving birth, just know that its important to respect our mothers.”

 

 

Filthy rich rapper AY finally admits he owns the mega mansion in Calabasas, California, USA. Talks about relocating (Photos)

Sometimes in July 2018, Ambwene Allen Yessayah popularly known as AY took to social media to show off a mega mansion in Calabasas, California, USA.

“?Now let me welcome everybody to the Wild,Wild West ? @sheilasloans #californialove,” AY captioned photos of the Calabasas mansion.

AY acquired the mansion two months after Tanzanian High Court awarded him Kes 96 million in special damages in a case against telecommunications giant Tigo.

Also read: Kes 96 million richer! AY speaks of epic battle with telecommunications giant Tigo for 7 long years

Assets

AY opened up about his material possessions during an interview with Global Publishers. The rapper admitted that he owns the Calabasas mansion, he also revealed that he owns another mansion in Dar es Salaam.

The filthy rich rapper further revealed that he only owns four vehicles. AY said that he plans to relocate to Calabasas to stay in his mansion.

“Ni kweli nimefanikiwa kupata nyumba Calaba­sas na ndipo yatakuwa makazi yangu, ninamiliki nyumba mbili ikiwemo hiyo ya Marekani na moja Tanzania,na pia ninamiliki magari manne,” said AY.

 

Tanzanian Rapper AY set to perform at Dubai 7s alongside two Kenyan mix masters

Tanzanian rapper AY of the ‘Zigo’ hit song is set to bring the house down in Dubai this weekend at the official Dubai 7s after-party set to go down at the BOA Dubai Lounge.

This year’s Dubai 7s takes place from 29th November to 1st December, the rugby tournament is known to be the most enchanting of all  in the circuit attracting over 100,000 people.

Dubai 7s after-party has been organized by Stardome Entertainment, Hype Group and BOA Dubai. The party is meant to treat the East African diaspora community.

Kenyan mix masters

Deejays from Kenya who will be playing at the event include DJs Juan of Supremacy Sounds and ZJ Heno. The two will be joined by DJ G Money alongside Dj Dommy.

The Dubai 7s after-party will be hosted at BOA Dubai, organizers of the event promise to bring the true African party vibes.

Entrance is 100 AED. Doors open at 8pm. The Kenya Rugby Sevens team, which is grouped in pool B against Fiji, Scotland and France, will be on full display at the party.

 

 

 

AY and wife blessed with bouncing baby boy days after buying mega mansion in US (Photos)

Sometimes in July 2018, Ambwene Allen Yessayah popularly known as AY took to social media to show off a mega mansion in Calabasas, California, USA. The Tanzanian rapper confirmed he bought the house during an interview with Star Showbiz.

“It has always been my dream that I own a home in the US. And now that I have purchased a mansion in California, I feel that I have achieved a major milestone in life. I thank God for this,” said AY.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkqw8PvACH1/?

Anyone doubting whether AY has the financial might to buy such a huge mansion in US should remember the rapper was compensated Kes 96 million in a case against mobile phone company MIC Tanzania (Tigo).

Also read: Kes 96 million richer! AY speaks of epic battle with telecommunications giant Tigo for 7 long years

Wife gives birth

AY’s wife Remy gave birth to a bouncing baby boy on August 12th 2018. The boy was born at an hospital in Dallas, Texas and named Aviel Yessayah.

“Mungu ni Mwema na namshukuru sana kwa kutubariki mimi na My Beautiful Wife #Remy tarehe 12.08.2018 Medical City Healthcare Dallas -Texas tumepata mtoto wa kiume AVIEL maana yake GOD IS MY FATHER…. 3.9Kgs & 27 inches…Welcome to the World AVIEL YESSAYAH ??????????,” wrote AY.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmaKucHg_tQ/?

 

 

Kes 96 million richer! AY speaks of epic battle with telecommunications giant Tigo for 7 long years

Ambwene Yessaya, aka AY, and Hamisi Mwinjuma, aka Mwana FA were embroiled in a 7-year battle with mobile phone company MIC Tanzania (Tigo) for unauthorized use of their music as callback tunes.

The two songs at the centre of the controversy are “Dakika Moja” and “Usije Mjini” featuring AY, Mwana FA and the late Mangwea.

The two musicians decided to sue Tiga after they failed to reach an out-of-court agreement. The case was heard in different courts but finally in April the High Court gave the final ruling.

Almost gave up

The High Court ruled that Tigo compensate Ay and Mwana FA 96 million in special damages in a landmark ruling that could set a precedent in the application of the copyright law in Tanzania.

AY and Mwana FA
AY and Mwana FA

Speaking to Word Is during his recent visit to Kenya to support the East Africa Music awards, AY said that they were almost giving up on the case before a lower court ruled in their favor giving them hope to push on even as Tigo appealed the ruling.

“The case started seven years ago and there were times we got to a point and felt like giving up. But I did not give up and we are happy that justice was done and we have been given what is ours,” said AY.

 

 

 

AY and MwanaFA awarded Kes 96 million in a landmark ruling 

Kenyan musicians complain about their work being used by corporate bodies without compensation –  just across the border AY and MwanaFA took telecommunications giant Tigo to court for unauthorised use of their music and they won the case.

The two rappers were awarded TSh 2.18 billion or KSh 96 million back in April by Ilala senior resident magistrate Juma Hassan. Tigo however moved to High Court to block the execution of the award.

4 year court battle
AY and MwanaFA
AY and MwanaFA

The plaintiff and defendant have been embroiled in a legal tussle for 4 long years. The case was finally concluded a few days ago when High Court upheld the ruling made by Ilala District Court.

The High Court was convinced Tigo benefited from using AY and MwanaFA’s music as callback tunes without compensating the two rappers for using their work.

The two songs at the centre of the controversy are “Dakika Moja” and “Usije Mjini”. Tigo quickly complied with the High Court ruling, the two rappers confirmed to Tanzanian press that by Monday Kes 96 million had been deposited in their account.

 

AY to wed his wife in a white wedding this weekend

Tanzanian singer AY and his wife will apparently hold their white wedding tomorrow as revealed. According to several news outlets, AY and his lovely bride will officiate their union tomorrow in front of friends, family and close relatives.

https://instagram.com/p/BfLjTKJgKYp/

This comes close to 3 weeks after the singer and his family accompanied with friends flew off to Rwanda to pay for the bride price. From the photos shared on social media, the ceremony was one of a kind as his male friends ensured to make him look good in front of his in laws.

AY’s white wedding

Now that he is to hold a white wedding, the details are quite scarce as we don’t know where the ceremony will take place.

However judging from the previous event in Rwanda we are assured that the wedding will be a big one.

Anyway, though many are waiting to see how it goes down, below are photos from their union on 10th February 2018.

Shaffie Weru’s message to AY and his bride shortly after their lit wedding in Rwanda

Tanzanian singer AY is now a married man to his his lovely Rwandese wife. The two held their wedding this past weekend in Rwanda inviting relatives and close friends.

Since AY is a well known man in the East African entertainment industry; he invited his Kenyan friends to the flashy wedding that is still being talked about.

Among the invited guests is Shaffie Weru who jetted into Rwanda for the ceremony. Through his gram the renown radio presenter uploaded a couple of photos congratulating the couple for the new milestone in their lives.

Shaffie Weru’s message to AY and his wife

Having dated for years, Shaffie Weru wished AY and Remy all the best as they begin a new journey together. He wrote saying;

https://instagram.com/p/BfBIasrDZpf/

They move on so fast! Prezzo causes a stir online after posting a photo hanging out with a new lady

Call him Mr presidenti, king Mswati or whatever…but Prezzo must be the one Kenyan artist who attracts ladies really fast.

He does not take long to replace his exes and if his latest photo has any truth to it then he now has a new boo.

The fella dropped the new photo a few hours ago leaving his fans wondering whether he had moved on after struggling to get Yola back.

Prezzo and Yola

Well, the two have been entertaining fans on social media with their issues until Prezzo decided to get rid of Michelle Yola’s tattoo from his hand.

Going through the comments I couldn’t help but notice the likes of AY, Mwanafa among other Tanzanian celebrities who also dropped their opinions under the photo.

For this reason – I also can’t help wonder if the photo is from an upcoming project to be released soon by Prezzo and his Tanzanian brothers…but all in all check out the photo below;

Singer Amani talks about her current relationship with AY now that she is a married woman

Bonbon‘ hit maker Cecilia Wairimu popularly known as Amani recently revealed that she is now someone’s wife after she secretly got married to the love of her life in a private wedding that saw her close relatives attend.

She revealed this during an interview with one local news outlet where she praised her husband and talked about her new life now that her life had changed.

Away from that Amani also talked about her ex, AY who is among the most successful artists from Tanzania. For the 100th time she made it clear that she was in good terms with the fella and went further to deny the rumors claiming they secretly raising a child who they have been keeping off social media. She said,

Why would I even hide a baby? Truth of it is that I didn’t and don’t have a baby with AY. Yes we dated a very long time about 10 years ago but it didn’t get to that.

The best 90’s themed party: This is how Diamond, Wema Sepetu, Rayvanny, AY looked when they rocked old school costumes

Diamond Platnumz’s manager Sallam Sharaff aka Mendez held a 90’s themed birthday party – all revelers who attended the bash rocked old school costumes.

Mendez’s 90’s themed birthday party was held at Club Rouge, Hyatt Hotel in Dar es Salaam on Thursday night May 11th 2017.

Diamond had announced that all revelers should wear 70’s, 80’s and 90’s costumes. And they all showed up at Club Rouge looking cool in a funny way.

AY, Babu Tale, Rayvanny, Rich Mavoko, Wema Sepetu, Dogo Janja were among the big names that attended Mendez’s birthday party.

See how all those celebs looked in their old school costumes in the photos below:

Rayvanny
AY (Right) and Mendez (Left)
Diamond
Ricardomomo and Babu Tale
Wema Sepetu
Rich Mavoko
L- R: Dogo Janja, Diamond and Rayvanny
Birthday boy Mendez
Dogo Janja