Tag: Kenyan music

Dawa ya Wasafi ni wachafu! Kenyans for Kenyan Music.

Posted on by Branny

As the ghetto anthems take over the air waves it is now clear that Kenyans can love their own music artists. It was not long ago when Kenyan artists were seeking airplay in mainstream media for air play.

However as it stands now, Kenyan fans have been treated to Kenyan music that they have been jamming to.

Furthermore, despite the music  having some heavy connotations in terms of sexuality and another  forms of nudity,Kenyans are enjoying Kenyan secular music.

Lucky enough the Ghetto anthems that carry raunchy vixens in them are now the talk of town. The Wamlambez Saccos are now house hold names if not international.

Even the veteran musicians in the Kenyan Music scene like Jua Cali and the OG Khalighraph  Jones  have acknowledged the entrance of new age music. The likes of Boondocks gang,Ethic,  Ochungulo family, Sailors among others are clearly redefining the Kenyan music scene.

Ethic

Edging out Wasafi?

For the longest time the Kenyan airwaves  were being enjoyed by Tanzania’s Wasafi records  music.  However things seem to be changing gradually.

I mean Wasafi artists are still doing good music, but Queen B  hit makers  among others are now the talk of not only town but East Africa.

Look at Figa by Ethic it is a song that many are still dancing too. I saw a post somewhere on social media saying, ‘Dawa ya wasafi ni Wachafu!!! True??

Well need I explain further than that? We are taking our musical crown back!With no apologies.

On the other hand Wamlambez is now an anthem in the Kenyan Music scene.

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

I mean at least that is what our able hardworking artist deserve. Hard work, creativity and lyrical prowess  pays.

Healthy Competition

Wasafi  artists, no offence but it is about time that they are edged out especially in Kenya.

We love their music yes, but now competition is good for growth.

Though in different genres, the new age musicians are going to give these foreign artists a run for their money. Sounds unreal though!! But it will happen if this spirit of hits goes on.

In my opinion, I can confidently say that today, music events promoters should prioritize our own artists.

This is because these artists have proven beyond doubt that Kenyan has massive talents.

I  just hope these new age music will not fade just shortly after being received by fans and on the other hand  Kenyan fans should also be congratulated for the support of Kenyan music.

Why vulgarity is now selling in Kenyan music

Posted on by Branny

Have you ever wondered why a song that has vulgarity sells more than the open ended songs?

Well, as it stands right now, Kenyans seem to be enjoying the vulgarity in some of Kenyan music. How?

Look at it this way, it all started with lamba lolo antics then Wamlambez shortly after Pandana came by.

Let’s be clear, am not hating on the music but clearly these new crop of artists seem to have Mastered the craft of “easy and fast sale. ”

The kind of audience they reach tells you what we want as a source of entertainment.

Some friend of mine mentioned that in the Kenyan secular industry if you want to make it fast, do what anthem makers are doing.

Short Term goals musically

If you want to crawl musically but at the end of have a long term career stick to deeper creativity and poetry.

However, we won’t dismiss the fact that the ghetto anthems are here to stay for a while.  But at the end of it they will be edged out if they are not very careful.

Why? As I always say Kenyans are a hard lot to please,they dance to your tune for a while then slowly they put you in the sides. Reason? Monotony!!!

We can’t be screaming a certain word for so long but just long enough to tell you it’s time to grow up.

Another thing is to make it in the industry of Kenyan music sometimes you  don’t need the supposed talent you need courage to deal with fans and trolls.

The anthem boys have had there share but have sailed through it successfully despite the little shake up.

Master your game understand the needs of your audience, deliver then wait for the reaction.

These are reasons that make Some artists like Sauti sol,Khaligraph Jones, Willy Paul among others  the most relevant artists in Kenya.

These have captured their audiences for long term career paths.

For them music is good through proper content creation.

So as an upcoming artist pick a struggle is it long term or short term?

Why Kenyan Musicians are no longer doing patriotic songs

Posted on by Branny

Years back you would be jamming to five or more patriotic songs that would give you a sense of belonging without question.

However, for a few years now it’s clear that Kenyan artists are no longer doing  patriotic songs. Why? I believe Kenyans are frustrated.

Musicians like Juliani and Eric Wainaina have been on the fore front when it comes to this kind of music.

But as the Wamlambez regime took over the Kenyan airwaves,the patriotic songs were totally ignored. Why?

Bad Politics

In my opinion I believe it is because of the bad political situation that we are facing as a nation.

But again, this should not be factor that cripples our sense of patriotism as a nation.

Far, from just being a source of entertainment music can be used to bring us together with little consideration to ethnicity.

A situation that is slowly eating us up as a nation.

Anyway my point is when Sauti Sold said “Tuko pabaya Leo kuliko jana” in their song of Tujiangalie, they were right.

I mean look at the economic state that Kenya has plunged itself in.

If only Kenyan musicians took the initiative to  do more music on patriotism like before I believe our state of helplessness would be lesser.

This would sooth the negative energy that many carry around.

Recently celebrated dancehall Gospel artists Gurdian Angel did a patriotic song  in partnership with Permanent Presidential Music Commission that clearly resonates with every Kenyan.

However to date the views to the song stand at 63k views, this is sad. What do we want?

Are our Kenyan artists now afraid to articulate the state of the nation?

Our Hope

If only the likes of Juliani  and Eric Wainaina would come back to music scene then some Kenyans will get that little glimmer of hope in our country.

Juliani

A hope of one day being a nation that is  scandal free or corruption free and leaders will finally provide the servant kind of leadership.

Then just maybe our musicians will be inspired to create patriotic music instead of hiding in the Wamlambez cocoon.

 

Here is why Kenyan music cannot sell internationally

Posted on 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.

king kaka one of Kenyas artists who is doing well internationally

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 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.

Kelechi Africana back with “Yaga Yaga”

Posted on by Branny

Kelechi Africana seems to have mastered the art in  Kenya Music. Yaga Yaga is his new jam and yes we love it.

I mean Kenyan music changes by the day and he has managed to remain relevant.

He creates an environment that is easy to blend to naturally in terms of contemporary dreams and our daily lives.

Yaga Yaga is not your basic love song that depicts cliche’s of  romance.

It has a vibe that gives you the urge to dance too.If you are wondering if it deserves to be termed as  banger, then then the answer is Yes.

Yaga Yaga Lyrics

Whoever told RnB singers that their songs should have the iyeeeeeeeeee….tone-I don’t know the name of that – was a genius.

This is because this sets the mood in the song for the listener.

For Yaga Yaga he starts with the high tone followed by the first line…

I know that  Talaka tatu

  Hata moja hupati

Wewe wangu, wangu tu iyee

And believe it beiby

Nikisema I want you forever

Wangu wangu tu iyee…..
Simply, Kelechi is expressing his feelings to his woman.

On the other hand, the Nimechoka hit maker goes on to tell her she is the only woman he is going to love till the end of time.  Eish!! every woman’s dream as I always say.

Chorus

Though repetitive, the chorus stands out as every line describes what Kelechi loves in his woman. Does he?

“Yaga yaga, chunga penzi wasitie dege ,Yaga yaga, napenda kiuno chako lege lege,Yaga yaga, chunga penzi wasitutie dege

Yaga yaga, napenda kiuno chako lege lege……”

As we ponder on the meaning of the word “Yaga Yaga” let’s appreciate the Swahili used in this jam.

Si wasafi tu that have Swahili.

Kelechi says to her to keep off the haters…chunga penzi wasitutie dege, instead she should work on just being his lover.

 

Visuals

In addition, the visuals in the song are superb and well blended in the song.

From the look of it, the video was shot in a studio and the use of just one model in it gives it a thumbs up.

Less activity goes on in the video and the  incorporation with different graphics gives the song life.

Furthermore, the views and Comments on youtube just like many other Kenyan artists, Kelechi is among the most underrated artists.

However, this is Kenyan fans fault, they don’t appreciate good music, sadly.But we hope he won’t give on music.

It was shot and Directed by True D pictures.For rating we give this 8/10.Tell us what you think.

Susumila is fading away, who do we blame? Kenyans?

Posted on by Branny

Susumila -biologically known as Yusuf Kombo was born on April 30, 1983, in Mombasa county. He is from the streets of Bombolulu Bankhead Zone.

He is among the top most high ranking artist from the coastal part of Kenya.

This to the extent that he had gained the title to seat among veterans in the Kenyan Music industry for two decades.

Despite being from the coast he had gained popularity among his fans from all around Kenya.

However this year seems not to be working for him.For a man that has been consistent in music production and writing we can now say that his light is dimming by the day.

Track Record

He  released two albums “Ngangari” and “Haki Iko Wapi!” which proved successful for him.

Both albums sold well and produced some impressive hit singles.

However two songs from the albums , “Niko Ngangari” and “Nawaka,” were blatantly targeted at the mass market with their pop-rap tendencies and further increased the more loyal fan base.

The Kide Kide song  by fellow Coast artist Dazla Kiduche can be said was a catapult push to his career as he featured in it.

After that Susumila has gone down with less  music productions by the day.What could be happening to him?We need to know.

Why?This is because lately he has been doing music that basically hit the wall-for lack of a better word.His latest release being the pace setter to this argument.

The song is titled “Napambana”. Napambana is a song that depicts the tribulations  and struggles of  musicians.

Could this be his own story?Well we hope to find out soon.In the song he says ‘anapambana” and everything he does seem to be stalling. Trying all means to even just pay rent but things are tough.

He goes on to talk of how promoters and producers also play the role of bringing down artists that are just trying to fend for themselves.

Sadly, despite having an easy to relate to concept and message the views are very low.Compared to his previous track record Kenyans seem to be ignoring this legend.

We hope someone will find out what is happening before we forget Susumila in the Music Scene. Below is his new jam listen and tell us what you think.

 

 

 

It’s all about showing “Some Love” By Magix Enga

Posted on by Branny

Magix Enga is a Kenyan Producer and Singer. He came to  limelight as a producer but recently decided to lay some lyrics over his sound.

I must say he did a good job.He has done several songs including collaborations in Kenyan Music industry.

Now he brings us one of his solo projects titled ‘Some love” .

Some Love

Clearly Magix Enga is among the most underrated artists in Kenya. With success when it comes to other productions of music, we are overlooking this talent. Sad!!!

His vocals are so soothing to the ears, not forgetting the lyrical prowess he posses in music.

Some love delves into the usual love story, but gives you the urge to listen and watch what happens in the video.

He starts of with….

Oh na na Taking Kenya International King on this

Ma baby gal let me tell you something now

They call me Magix but you can call me King…..

Truth is he might be taking over as the King if the Kenyan Music Industry.I just might bet on that!

He goes on to tell us about their love,

I can give you anything you want

I’mma get for you

Gal you are sweeter and hotter than the sun…..

Mmmmh!!Ladies I believe you understand this language huh.Love is a beautiful thing when it is right.

Grove

The song posses a grove that provides you the chance to dance to it.The sensualism in Enga’s voice makes this song one for those “moments”. Need I explain more?

The Chorus in itself is rather repetitive and very well put.

Ma baby say

Show me some love

Show me some love eh……..

Production

We should appreciate the effort put in the song’s production.Just like he says at the beginning this song is more International than local.

I believe this is the kind of production we should appreciate as  country.

The audio was done under Magic Enga Studios and the video directed by Deska Torres.The video was shot in Diani, the Coastal part of Kenya.

For this good job Mr.Enga we expect more from you.

For rating i will give it 8/10.We will appreciate your thoughts.Enjoy.

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

Posted on 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.

Ethic
Ethic

 

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?

The “Kansoul” of Elders of Kenyan Anthem Music

Posted on by Branny

The Kansoul, is a Kenyan afro-pop, Genge group formed by Mejja, Kid Kora and Madtraxx in the year 2014 in Nairobi. Before teaming up, the team worked as individual or solo artists.

They had their wins at different levels before they decided to join hands and work as team coming up with the new title the ‘Kansoul.‘

As individuals

Indivualy they were doing so well doing genge music-Genge seems to be Kenya’s longest standing sound.

For instance Mejja , He started off well in 2008 with his first hit ‘Kwani Jana Kuliendaje” produced by Clemmo  after a struggle with his music. He is known for other big hits such as Niko Poa (Barua),Landlord,twenzetu among others.

Madtraxx in his part also had  a success in his career with big hits like Skamaress, Get down , Ita waiter among others.

Kid kora in his part is a producer and a singer at the same time.He started off as protégé of his brother Bamzigi and Madtraxx in 2007.He did not know much about Music but says Madtraxx was the biggest contributing factor to his growth in production.Did you know he was the one created Madtraxx’s hit Skamaress? Now you know.

Do we miss them as solo artists?That is a story for another day.

Career together

Working together, the Kansoul turned out to be more successful with anthems that redefined Kenyan Genge music. How?They released their first track, DaboTap which was a big  hit both locally and internationally.

The song gained popularity  in that,their collaborated effort  won them a number of accolades and nominations in the process.

With successful tours in Africa , the UK and the US, they managed to put a humble face to be relevant in the ever changing music scene.

The Kansoul Songs

  • Mabega
  • Nyongwa
  • Thitima
  • Drum
  • Dabotap
  • Utamu wa Life
  • No Woman No Party
  • Tumekubali
  • Moto wa Kuotea Mbali
  • Shinda

Awards

Artist of the year 2016, Bingwa Awards

Support for New Talent

If for anything, The Kansoul can be crowned as the “Kansoul of elders” when it comes to supporting young talent.Why?

In the past year, the controversial upcoming music group Ethic managed to feature the Kansoul in their 2nd Hit ‘Position”. The song was able to get 3.3 million views. The video quality too was far much better than their(Ethic) first song lamba lolo.

Other teams they have worked with include, Ochunglo Family of the ‘na Iwake song” remix and Tribless of Kufa juu among others.

When hip hop, Kapuka, genge and rap is mentioned, this talented group is bound to be mentioned.

They are bound to be a part of that list because of what they have been able to achieve musically in the short time they have been together and their prowess of merging all this genres together.

Rapper Kapela confesses how he once performed in an empty club: I performed to the bartender and bouncer

Posted on by Pauline Syombua

Rapper Steph Kapela recently aired his frustration with Kenyan music saying fans should support local artists.

Speaking in an interview with on Kiss FM, Kapela said that Kenyan music is hard but artists have to find away to exist.

“Nairobi we didn’t have a good induction but we don’t blame anyone so we are creating the space for ourselves. but slowly by slowly we are getting there.We need to find our own kind of art and stick to it. we do not want to show that we live a life we actually can’t afford.,” said the rapper. 

Small crowd

Steph Kapela has a new song dubbed Exposure which talks about how artists are forced to do free gigs for experience and growing their brands. He shared that as younger artist he was once forced to perform for only two guys at a club.

“My first gig I performed to just the bartender and bouncer in the states. It didn’t make me want to quit. It made me want to prove them wrong that I can scoop a crowd.” he said.

 

Sobriety in Music Writing:Kenyan Vs Tanzanian Music

Posted on by Branny

This year has had its fair share of Drama in the entertainment Industry majorly Music.It started with the play Kenyan Music  hashtag.This sparking a conversation for several weeks both on social and mainstream media.

But where do  some of our artists go wrong? Essentially there is good music, but not enough has been done to better the Kenyan Music.

Kenyan Artists and Writing..

Do Kenyan artists  ever ask yourselves why some of the music ain’t playing on mainstream media?

Understanding music as an art and not just a way to fame are two different approaches.As a musician, one has to embrace the fact that dedication to writing is key.

Many of  the Kenyan artists get lots of backlash because of  the songs lyrics.The biggest bunch of artists are this that use direct vulgarity to do music and their lyrics depict nothing less than ‘we need help in writing”.

Good examples of these artists are the likes of  Ethic, Ochunglo family,Rico gang among many others. The latest song by Ethic that was able to amass over 1million views has lyrics that in my opinion  are too sexual,

‘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”

This does not mean that there are no music writers its just that not many embrace them. Such writers include,newly signed under Sol Generation, Bensoul,’Bazokizo’ hit maker Collo,Bien Barasa of Sauti sol, ‘Lingala ya Yesu’ singer Pitson is also a celebrated writer just to mention a few.

Well, these names depict that the Kenyan Music scene would do so well with such talents in writing more music for artists.

Content creation…

On the other hand Tanzanian artists have embraced song writers that bring a poetic approach to music.This gives music a touch of sensualism. Thus making the music very easy to relate to. The likes of Wasafi records artists take a poetic sense to reach their audience. Furthermore I believe they understand their audience before releasing a song.

Recently Darasa of Tanzania Released three songs back to back .His lyrical approach in one of the songs ‘leo’ that he featured Juma Jux is spectacular and metaphorical,

Hello its me again Mr Burudani, take away the pain Pole kwa kuchelewa si unajua foleni Nawapa vidonge kutuliza complain” “Kichwa, sijabeba kama pambo Akili, nimetega kwenye chambo Fullu, charge na fullu bundle Ukileta usoo, unawekwa kando”

Bottom line…

Its evident that, yes Kenya has good music writers and good artists.But so does Tanzania.

However, fact is that there is a line drawn between the two industries and if we are not careful,Tanzania will dominate the East African Music scene just because they embrace partnerships,research  and team growth.

But again in the millenial sense of thinking,maybe the receivership of music is also a factor that degrades lyrics writing. If vulgar songs are accepted allover the world.Why not our own Ethic and the likes? Wakisema ‘Pandana’ tutapandana as regulators keep gushing on these young lads instead of helping them grow.

Furthermore, if Kenyan artists embrace excellent song writers then we’d have hits like ‘Megarider’ by Nameless and Kaligraph on a daily basis.