Octopizzo Vs Khaligraph: Whose music approach is better?

A few days ago, I bumped into a music producer who’s behind some of the biggest hits in Kenya. Naturally, we found ourselves talking about the local music industry and its growth potential.

We both noted the significant improvements that have come with the digital revolution. It has opened up artists to more sources of revenue unlike in the past when then had to rely solely on performance fees.

As we were talking, I asked him who between Khaligraph and Octopizzo is making a killing in the game. He told me he didn’t really know because their approaches are different and I agree that it might be hard to tell.

However, I have a strong feeling that it could be Khaligraph Jones and I’ll explain why I think his strategy works to his advantage.

You see, Khaligraph is in the habit of churning out song after song just like King Kaka. What’s the point of owning a studio if you can’t release as many songs as you want?

In the last 6 months, he has released 7 songs namely; Work, Juu Ya Ngori, Miti, Coming Through, Khali Cartel 2, Gwala and Beat It – which premiered less than a week ago.

His strategy is to make sure he’s always hot on the streets. By constantly releasing music, Khaligraph makes sure he is in constant rotation since deejays and radio stations are always looking for new catchy music to play.

When you are hot on the streets, event organisers will always be looking for you to add you to their line-up.

More often than not, Khaligraph’s music cuts across audiences. In as much as he makes music for the streets, you will always come across them in music charts in Tanzania, South Africa and Nigeria.

Octopizzo, on the other hand, has not released any song in the last 6 months. Yes, you read that right. His last song dubbed Oliel was released on August 8, 2018.

The Kibera-bred rapper seems to be keen on the international market at the expense of his Kenyan fans.

Perhaps this would explain the high-class nature of his videos and why he puts his music on platforms such as iTunes, Tidal and Deezer.

Of course, Octopizzo puts his music in these places because he wants to make some extra cash.

I honestly don’t think Khaligraph is even aware of these platforms, since his music is meant for the streets.

As such, it does not come as a surprise that he’s the one first one who came out to criticize radio presenters for lack of airplay. They are the middlemen who ensure he’s hot on the streets.

Some believe that Khaligraph is making a killing since he always has more local gigs than Octopizzo who is currently on a tour in Australia.

You could also argue that Octopizzo makes more money in his few foreign gigs combined to the many that Papa Jones is getting locally.

What do you think? Who’s laughing all the way to the bank? Leave a comment below.