Ethic Archives - Ghafla! Kenya

Ethic are right, their music gets judged heavily by Kenyans

Posted on June 22, 2020 by Ozymandias

Ethic are one of the biggest new age of performers in the country and they only seem to release hits. Unfortunately, a lot of their recent releases seem to be rubbing their fans, especially women the wrong way.

Savage! Ethic ranks Octopizzo among top Female hiphop artists in Kenya

More often than not, artists make music that is a reflection of their background and upbringing. As a result, Ethic, for example, will make music that might seem out of place in more refined settings. Music that seems out of touch with “common decency” and sometimes is downright off.

And then, as with Ethic, fans bash the artists both in an attempt to correct their world view but also, increasingly, to virtue signal. So you can imagine that people who have a holier than thou attitude begin bashing an artist for something they grew up seeing as normal. I mean, sure it doesn’t fit into the sensibilities of a more enlightened society but how we approach the subject matter actually matters.

Ethic just keeps getting better and better

And that brings us back to Ethic. Not as an example but as the primary subject. You see, the past few songs they have released have earned them the ire of Kenyans on Twitter. And oftentimes, as they have since pointed out, they earn way more in punitive measures than their contemporaries who release the same music.

Sure enough, Ethic are victims of their own success and popularity. the group which first came to the limelight after releasing a rather cheaply produced and taped song, Lamba Lolo which catapulted them to superstardom and began their career. The group, made up of Reckless, Swat (Mtoto wa Eunice), Ceska and Zilla, are often chastised for the lyrics contained in their songs yet we as a society gave a pass to the likes of P-Unit, Nonini, Juacali just to name afew.

“Mumechoma, rape haifai ku glorifyiwa shame on you!” Miracle Baby blasts Ethic

Infact, recently on social media, the group claimed -and rightfully so I believe- that if they had released a song similar to Ochungulo Family’s Benzema aka Alehandro’s Ngwatiology, they would have been forced to apologize.

Compe ni compe roho safi! Ethic throws shade at Benzema’s ‘ngwatiology’

Whatever the case may be, Ethic should take this up as a challenge to see whether they can diversify their lyrical content to show versatility. Or you know, they could keep up their tried and tested formula and ignore the haters.

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Hypocrisy 101: Kenyans cry over content but demand ratchet music

Posted on May 11, 2020May 11, 2020 by Ozymandias

Kenyans have peculiar habits or so Michael Joseph observed. This would have to be one of those habits. Because let us face it, us Kenyans always cry and belly-ache about our comedians, our artists and even our politicians lacking substance in their content.
Kenyan comedians are always mocked for only having ethnic jokes about ethnic stereotypes. We lampoon musicians for not having quality content, especially now that Gengeton is a thing. We also complain and cuss our politicians for being airheaded social bombs. Thing is, we still book those same comedians, we flock to the Gengeton music videos and we vote in the clowns who vie for political office.
Today we will talk about Kenyans and the musical hypocrisy.

Why Lilian Muli crying about her love life deserves no sympathy

Kenyans love trash music.

Take the case of Eric Wainaina. Homie releases splendid music; beautifully composed and with a ton of content that is thoughtfully put together. He recently released Gegenwind which is a project that is so wonderfully done, it showcases his years dedicated to bettering his craft. Eric Wainaina can only garner one thousand views in six days.

Annitah Raey is right about single mothers and child support

Meanwhile, Ethic releases a song that is poorly produced and edited. That song will garner damn near half a million views within a 6 day period. And the radio airplay will be immense. As for the clubs, they will play their songs till you’re familiar with the tough Sheng lingo. Why is that? What are the differences between the two songs? Well, we have already highlighted one difference, production quality. Why? Eric Wainaina releases international standard music. Ethic, as an example of Gengeton artists, release locally oriented and directed music.
Then there is the content. Eric Wainaina touches on subject matter that is of interest and note to the international community, Ethic release music that is of interest to Kenyans. Tanzanians aren’t into it nor are Ugandans. But Kenyans gobble this ~~shit~~ up. And true to form, the more vulgar the Kenyan songs, the more beloved they are by the Kenyan audience.

You have to wonder why Kenyans complain about the type of content they consume but they do not support the artists who do have awesome music. It has to make you pause for thought. And when you do, it makes you wonder why Kenyans are like this.

ZARI SHOULDN’T GIVE UP ON LOVE BUT ACCEPT BEING A SECOND OR THIRD WIFE

And even when we look at music videos, you realize that the cheaper the video, the more beloved it is by Kenyans. The same Kenyans who then begin to lampoon artists like Timmy T Dat whose strategy is to exclusively cater to the local market by shooting sexually explicit and suggestive videos. Meanwhile, they refuse to support the music videos put out by the very same guys killing themselves and racking up debt to ensure it is quality. Ethic releases songs shot on cellphone cameras (and we aren’t talking about the latest iPhone either) and they quickly gain millions of views on YouTube.
At this point, Kenyans just have to accept who we are, a people who have low disgust levels: encouraging the output of what other societies would consider low brow content.

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Rekless releases Saliti Freestyle and this is what we need for quarantine time

Posted on April 27, 2020May 4, 2020 by Ozymandias

Rekless has come through with a blessing for your ears. And it comes in the form of a freestyle called Saliti. And with a name like that, what do you think it is about if not Judas Iscariot tendencies?

Rekless serves fans hot with ‘Lawama’ (Video)

You see, one of the biggest criticisms about his group, Ethic and himself is that they are too one dimensional but with this offering, he has come to dispel that assumption about himself.

And he decided that to prove himself, he needs to stand alone so rather than give the jam in conjunction with his Ethic groupmates, he decided to come alone and stand on his own two feet.

Rekless comes through with ‘Geezer’ (Video)

The song itself borrows the instrumentals it uses from a Lucas Joyner diss track aimed at Tory Lanez. And this is perfect for a man whose song seeks to establish him as a stand-alone. And though he probably will be forking out all the royalties to the song to the originating artists, this is a proper jam for hip-hop heads who want to enjoy a different, ore hip-hop influenced side to Rekless.

Meet the lovely lucky lady dating Ethic’s Rekless

Known for doing most of the Ethic hooks as well as being the elder member of the group, he has decided to let his age show, forgoing popular lollipop themes for a lyrical display. He speaks about his experience as a man but also his experiences being a famous man at that.

He addresses the haters and every jolly topic you can expect a popular man to address with the main theme being betrayal. Is this a subliminal message? Only time will tell. For now, all you can do is enjoy the freestyle:

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What inspires Kenyan Musicians stage names?

Posted on August 24, 2019 by Catherine Nderitu

What inspires Kenyan Musicians stage names? Kenyan music is really trending and also an inspiration to some people around the world.

It has really been a struggle trying to keep the name up there. Majorly because of poor marketing in our own local stations. As time passes the debate and cries of musicians have been heard. As we can see lately, our music being well marketed in our own local channels.

Why some of this stage names?

Majority of the Kenyan artists do not use their real names or stage. Besides a few in which majority are the gospel artists. We find that most of the secular artists names tend to have been derived from sources, which we can not by ourselves understand why.

Looking deep into the secular industry most of the musicians are risen talents from the ghetto life. Many of the ghetto risen musicians tend to have names they call ‘mtaani’ names.

Some are nicknames from friends or family, majority of the slang names have a meaning with the a sheng versions of it. In such a scenario we can say perhaps they do so to remind themselves where they came from.

Kenyan musicians on the other hand especially the young upcoming artists, on my opinion they do random lifting of names perhaps from vocabularies just to capture attention. Taking an example of “Ethic, Sailors, among others whatever the content they happen to sing in the secular industry is not what their names perhaps mean or should be delivering to their audiences.

Another lot is that group which just comes with random names that even we can’t tell what is their inspiration? Should we call this the lost lot? Like Mr Yoo, we can’t even tell the reason behind such a name on stage. Majority of the musicians have random names which they can’t tell what the names on stage mean.

On the other hand to sell into music or rather to capture fans attention, we must agree this weird names serve them well.

Does a stage name really matter?

Among other people those names serve them well and thus they enable them have lots of fans. Looking back some musicians like the likes of Nyota Ndogo, Jua Kali, Nameless, this are among the few names which we can tell a meaning. This stage names are more of attention and that’s what enables them to get known.

After all it is all about how they sell to attract the public otherwise we can as well call it a waste of time and resources. Should we confront a number of them and get their opinions on the same? Perhaps it will serve our question better which you and me can’t resolve now.

Collaborations are all some musicians need to survive

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Catherine Nderitu

Recently collaborations have become the order of the day. Left, right, center you’ll find artists attempting this. Could it be the only way to save sinking legends. Everyday we are waking up to new collaborations some of which we didn’t think would work.

Looking at the Kenyan music industry, tremendous growth has occurred. We have seen the rise of new artists. The new age artists are quickly taking on the music platform from the long time legends.

These new musicians seem to have understood what their audience want and have also embraced collabos. I feel like this is the only thing left for most musicians.

Reasons why collaborations are keeping some artists relevant

You all know of big names who even after releasing hit after hit are slowly going down. Well, this could be one of the reason they need to do collabos. Look at how the new musicians are doing it. Ethic and Ochungulo family are making it up there especially with their remixes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw6HdKNFkZ8

Have you all noticed that King Kaka is also using this trick?King Kaka is known to be doing better but I’d say that is not the case nowadays. Recently he has featured in two collabos which seem to be doing better than his single releases. The one with the Kansoul and also Butita and Dj Shiti seem to have sold him.

Below is a link to a collabo between King Kaka and Kansoul.

Look at it this way, would watch yourself fall or merge with a new person in the industry to survive? I would go for the latter. We all need to remain relevant especially in this industry. Also artists like Otile Brown and Arrow boy are also doing good. Recent collabos are something that I feel is all about being relevant.

The music industry is changing and some of this artists need something to lean on. Someone like Otile now needs to go internationally and even try and get Mbosso for a collabo. This will enlarge the market for his work. Let this people also avoid local collaboration.

Anyway if this is what is left, then I would wish that Nameless does something with a super artist..

Here is why Kenyan music cannot sell internationally

Posted on July 5, 2019 by Catherine Nderitu

When we talk of music, we forget to state that this is art. It is something that people need to keep being entertained. I am sure we are all lovers of music which genre it is. Today the industry is filled with a lot of artists both old age and new age artists.

There is something that we fail to note with our artistes be it from whichever age. I remember someone debate about playing Kenyan music. You’ll argue with me on this but we have to state facts. No one will force me to listen to content that I do not like. You realize that most radio hosts said give them something that is of content and they will play it.

By now we should realize that only a few of our artists have made it internationally and onto the East Africa Market. It is funny that some of the local artists work is only played on their local stations which is also a hustle.

Reasons Kenyan music will not sell

Most of these artists have a shallow mind. What do I mean? When composing their work they only see their surrounding. They fail to realize that the local community is probably 10% of their audience. The only look at something that pleases the few but deep inside they went to sell. Come on one needs to think wide and far.

Secondly, there is no content. Yes there is no content. I know you’ll throw stones on this. Like how do you expect the likes of Lamba lolo, Pekejeng, Wamlambez, Figa to sell internationally? It is a good that they want to fit in a certain environment but what about the long-term goal?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilnOAwKuZLQ

Even if the likes of Ethic, Sailors, Zzero Sufuri are selling now, the question is for how long will they survive the industry?

This is crap, these boys need to think and re-evaluate their music. It will play for sometime and then boom, it is already forgotten. We do not need this, we need something that anybody from whichever part of the world can listen to.

Also, laziness is something that is eating up our artists. They want things to come easy for them. To sell you need to invest your time and resources. I must say that most of Kenyan artists work is of low quality. How do we expect this to compete at the international level?

There some artists who have been able to climb the international ladder like Khaligraph Jones, King Kaka, Nyashinski, Nameless to mention but a few. These are people from America, no they have made it their business to do great things and market their work.

For now I’ll stop there. But again, lets embrace music that is making sense and something that can go out there. There are words that can also be won by Kenyans. Go for good producers and directors to come out with something better.

It only requires a willing heart, dedication and the urge to entertain a larger group of people.

Ghetto Anthem Boys should re-evaluate their music

Posted on June 27, 2019 by Branny

Boondocks gang are among the most hardworking Ghetto Anthem musicians in the country at the moment. With a sequel of music production by the day you’d appreciate the speed at which they release music.

Lately you might think there is a music competition among the Ghetto Anthem boys. Furthermore, the songs have audios that are immediately followed by the music videos.

When Ethic released their latest jam ‘Figa” that stands at over 600k views, we thought we would jam to these for while.

However the Boondocks gang are back on the scene with a new jam dubbed, Mavitu.

Mavitu

Mavitu is a feel good song especially for fun and party lovers. Despite the little shades of obscenity in the videos of women just shaking their behinds we love the sound of their music.

In mavitu there is nothing big but the appraisal of women’s body. Their creativity will interest some people but to some this is the kind of music that you wouldn’t want watch around kids.

The language they use also requires a lot of energy to even listen to. Even with the publicity they are getting I believe they should now tone down on the vulgarity.

Musical Art

Music is an art aside from it being an element of entertainment. Boondocks, Ethic, Ochungulo Family amongother Ghetto anthem musicians just tapped on a concept of the sheng language and forgot that being an artist entails a lot of things.

Well, from me I believe using metaphors and poetry works much better.Reduce the ratchet looks and sell more.That is if they are planning on a long term stay in the music scene.

Another thing is that, seemingly people have started getting tired of their music that revolve around the same topics of objectifying women.

A group like Ethic, they started of well with over 3.5million views on their first song but the results seem to be dwindling by the day . Check them out if you think am lying.

Their latest song ‘Figa” still struggling to get views days later after release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R8fhgmSBYE

That means as Boondocks gang release their new jam Mavitu I believe they should all go back to the drawing board. Kenyans are people you won’t risk disappointing when it comes to music. Just in case you were wondering why Diamond Platinumz trends more in your country. They will either be your strength boosters or they will cut and bury your career with a snap of their finger.

Below is the song listen and tell us what you think.

Pressure?Kenyan artists are Being Wasted despite clean releases of Music

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Branny

When the year started, Kenyan artists were blaming the media for failing them in terms of playing Kenyan music.

Few months down, the music is being played on most media platforms;social or mainstream.

However, there is the question of what happens after successful releases of music.

This is because the once appreciative lot of Kenyan artists seem to overlook Kenyan Music.I mean months after a song is done you get back to it the views are very few.

Is because the music is bad? What did the musician not do for you the fan? Ama ni Kiburi tu tuko nayo ya kutoskiza mziki?

Music release spree….pressure?

After the blame game went down Kenyan artists went back to the drawing board.How? They have been releasing hit after hit.

Something Kenyans should appreciate.With success stories from upcoming artists like Ethic, Ochungulo Family,Rico gang just to name a few that can now dine with the music legends.

Another problem comes in, what happened to letting a song marinate for a few months before releasing another?

Honestly these artist too do feel wasted or rather discouraged with low response to the music they release.

Even the gospel music artist are also in these camp. They do amazing songs but the numbers are the biggest set back.

One Guardian Angel of Nadeka hit almost gave up on music, because his efforts were not paying off.

Receivership

But again come to think of it, Kenyan artists are doing well in terms of studio time and production. Kizingumkuti comes in at how the songs are received.

A good example is Kaka Empire’s CEO King Kaka,first we should appreciate the effort he has put in music for the longest time.But this year seems to be more of a step back.

In the past 3months or so he has had big hits that have sadly hit the wall. True?

Proof, his song Njia that he featured Bridget Blue stands at 218k views on Youtube, another is Poison that stands at 108k views and his latest Far Away that he featured American Musician Cassidy Stands at 118k views.

He among others have suffered the cruelty of Kenyans ignoring the Kenyan Music.Or as it said A prophet is never welcomed in his own land. These prophets are clearly being overlooked.Sad huh!!

Considering the fact that most songs by Wasafi Records from Tanzania are fast and highly received in Kenya. I believe we are forced to ask this big question,Is WCB music threatening the Kenyan Music scene?

Look at the latest jam by Diamond Platinumz featuring Fally Ipupa whose video was released yesterday has over 1million views in 24hrs.

What should our artists do?

Ochungulo Family release yet another fire hit “Aluta” as fans chill for “Position” remix with Ethic

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Pauline Syombua

Ochungulo family are the new kids in the block that you can’t just pass by. Nellythegoon, Dmore and Benzema who make up the group, have teamed up with Exray and Gwaash for their new hit “Aluta”, a dancehall jam that is sure set to take over the clubs.

“Aluta” was released yesterday and is already taking over the online space, raking in almost 30,000 views in just 24 hours.

Pandana

The song was mixed and mastered by Ashi Akatsa while the video was done by Ivan Odie. The song comes just days after Ochungulo family revealed that they are in studio with Ethic working on “Pandana remix”. The two agreed to work on the remix after the group posted on social media asking who they should feature.

Watch the video below

Pandana by Ethic ndio mdundo mpya, tupandane basi

Posted on March 29, 2019March 29, 2019 by Catherine Nderitu

Ethic are at it again with their new jam “Pandana”. Panda is a swahili word meaning climb. This jam has hit the airwaves very first. The song was directed by Mackenzie. Ethic has become a household name.

Looking at the title of the song, for me the first thought that comes to mind is laughter. Looking at the video the dancers are really climbing. I would say that the title is so clear in the bridge. Production of this song was excellent and entertaining.

” Si hupandana, panda panda Si hupandana, katangaze basi baby Si hupandana, panda panda Si hupandana eeh”

“Tunabakana, hapo nyuma na sidika Mnafanana, maana kila day bana Unaitangaza, katangaze basi baby” In this verse symbolism has been used. It likens the lady’s behind to that of Vera Sidika, who is known to have a big booty. It goes on to tell the lady to go ahead and do what she does by showing it off.

Although the song is vulgar, it still manages to entertain through the dance , the vocals are on point. I feel like the song is talking about sex, come to think of the words in the bridge;
“Si hupandana, panda panda Si hupandana,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSmhrEd9TpU

pandana dance

This song “Pandana” is good for a club setting, where people are there to drink and shake their bodies. I give it a rating of 5/10. This is because for me people in the age bracket of 16-25 are the most likely to listen to it than any other group.

Below is a link to the video.

These kids! Have you watched “Pandana” the new song from Ethic?(video)

Posted on March 26, 2019March 26, 2019 by Pauline Syombua

It’s now official. At least every month, controversial group Ethic drops a massive tune with a ratchet video that ends up taking over Kenyan airwaves.

SWAT Reckless, Seska and Zilla have released “Pandana” and just like all their other songs, yes, it’s all about bedroom action, smoking weed and having fun.

Raila Junior

The song, which has been produced by Motif Di Don and the video done by
Makenzie, has been trending at number one on YouTube’s list since Saturday when it was released.

It’s on it way to 300K views already and marks the last video from the kids before they start their agreement with Raila Junior in which he’ll sponsor all their videos.

Watch Pandana below:

Ethic dropped from lucrative deal days after SWAT was almost lynched by angry mob in Umoja

Posted on March 8, 2019March 8, 2019 by Pauline Syombua

SWAT of Ethic might have survived an angry mob at Umoja a few days ago but it seems, together with his fellow group-mates, the rappers aren’t able to escape tough boardrooms decisions.

According to Hype Group Entertainment who are behind popular show Hype Fest, Ethic has been dropped off and won’t be performing in the event scheduled in April.

Though the company didn’t explain exactly why, they simply stated that they had to let them go due to ongoing legal issues the group has with it’s management.

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

Beaten up

The announcement comes just days after SWAT was almost killed by an angry mob who thought he was stealing in Umoja.

According to sources, Swat was getting high with friends when they saw police patrolling and decided to hide in the apartment. The manager of the group later released a statement denying that SWAT was a thief

Lamba Lolo crew already breaking up? Part ways with manager

Posted on August 29, 2018August 29, 2018 by Pauline Syombua

Ethic, a group that trended for days after releasing their first song “Lamba Lolo” is already having problems barely three months after breaking out.

Different sources have been hitting hard on the group claiming they have become unfocused and bigheaded after their huge breakout.

Success

The group, which consist of four guys, is rumored to have had their first fall out with their manager who has been sponsoring them since they started their young career.

On Twitter @telehmani confessed that he supported the kids but they ditched him later on.

“A lot of industry guys told me to stay away from @ethicentmt and it was gonna be rough. Nothing repaired me for the fuckery today. I was wrong and I shoulda listened,” he said.

Pulse also did a story saying that the kids refused to work with Timmy Tdat. Ethic has not directly commented about this and Kenyans are eagerly waiting for their reply.