Ex Ray, Magix Enga, Timmy, Kristoff, Jua Cali and Harry Craze drop highly-anticipated jam ‘Nyoka Ya Shaba’ (Video)

The much-awaited track by Andrew Kibe, Kamene Goro, Xtian Dela, Ex Ray, Magix Enga, Timmy Tdat, Kristoff, Jua Cali and Harry Craze titled Nyoka Ya Shaba is finally out and it is eliciting mixed reactions from their fans.

Although the song, which was released a few days ago, has been rocking the airwaves it has left Kenyans wondering if Gengetone is on its deathbed with some saying the sound has become too cliche and/or predictable.

 

Magix Enga, Kamene Goro, Ex Ray and Xtian Dela.
Magix Enga, Kamene Goro, Ex Ray and Xtian Dela.

I have listened to the jam a couple of times since it came out and to be honest, I so indifferent because part of me was wowed and at the same time I feel there is nothing to write home about it.

I must give it to the musicians who were featured in this jam. I really loved how they were playing around with words and their rhymes were also sick.

If I had to pick 3 artists whose flow totally jazzed me then I’d settle on Timmy Tdat, Harry Craze and of course Baba Yao himself Jua Cali.

I’m not saying that Kristoff, Ex Ray and Magix Enga didn’t come through on Nyoka Ya Shaba, they actually did. The hook by the latter is so infectious that you will fill yourself singing along in no time.

Kristoff, who is often referred to as the King of Collabos, also aced it. His verse is so catchy and I am pretty sure you won’t forget the part where he said, “Niaje Kamene (mambo), kam nikukiss hii si Kameme (eiii).”

The artists who were featured in this song were well-thought out because their styles complement each other. Think of it like having the best of different worlds. I only wish they had included Rekless or Swat Mtoto Wa Eunice.

Magix Enga, Harry Craze and Ex Ray
Magix Enga, Harry Craze and Ex Ray

The beat by Magix Enga was sick. As you listen to this song, you can picture people busting moves to it at a party or a club.

The video, which was directed by the one and only VJ One, was also impeccable. Other than the sexy vixens, you will also agree with me that it had some dope shots and the scene transitioning was flawless.

In as much as I love this jam, I have to say that as you listen to it you can feel that Gengetone is dead because it does not slap as hard as the songs which were released in 2019 but then again maybe it’s just me.

Watch Nyoka Ya Shaba below and tell us what you think. Enjoy!

Ricky Bekko Vs Deska Torres Vs X Antonio: Who is the baddest video director?

If you watch Kenyan music videos and don’t bother to find out who shot them then I’m sure you are wondering who these people are. However, if you give a hoot, like yours truly, then you are definitely familiar with the three names.

The three; Ricky Bekko, Deska Torres and X Antonio are the brains behind the most viral music videos in Kenya today. Chances are your favorite artist has already worked with any of them or is planning to because, let’s be honest, they are the best in the business.

Also read: 10 super talented Kenyan music video directors

The truth is that Kenya has no shortage of talented video directors. If you ask anyone who they want to shoot their music videos, you’ll hear names like; J.Blessing, Sammy Dee, Moses Osidiana, Johnson Kyallo, Kevin Bosco Jr. etc. However, this is changing fast because of the new kids on the block.

Other newcomers whose work really stands out include; Mike Lolly P, Nezzoh Montana, Dambiz, VJ One, Trey Juelz, X Benjoes, Joweezy, Ivan Odie etc. However, today we’ll only focus on Ricky Bekko, Deska Torres and X Antonio because we’ve been seeing more videos by them compared to the others.

All the three videographers are talented, no one is denying that. However, we’d like to know who you would pick if you had to settle on one. If you don’t know them, we’ll mention some of their works so that you can compare and contrast every aspect, from the shooting to the editing.

Ricky Bekko

Ricky Bekko
Ricky Bekko

He is the founder of Big Dreams Studios. Some of the videos he has directed include; Ethic’s Position, The Kansoul’s Accelerator, Rawbeena’s Romantic, Femi One’s Hiyo One, Nadia Mukami’s Radio Love, King Kaka’s Kula Vako, most of Kush Tracey’s songs, among others.

Deska Torres

Deka Torres
Deska Torres

He is the co-founder of Platnumz Pictures and arguably one of the best video directors in East and Central Africa. His works include; Ngeta by Arrow Bwoy, Otile Brown’s Dala Dala, Nadia Mukami’s Lola, Alvindo’s Taka Taka & Boychild, Eddie Butita’s Kidesign, Magix Enga’s Some Love, Dom’s Chupa among others.

X Antonio

X Antonio

He is the lad behind International Textures. Some of the videos he has directed include; The Band BeCa’s 1234, Janet Otieno’s Nifunze, The Kansoul’s No Woman No Party, Papa Dennis’ Olalo, Vivian’s Charm, Bahati’s Mapenzi, Elani’s Sirudi, Size 8’s Ni Yesu, Otile Brown’s Baby Love, Chaguo La Moyo, Mapenzi Hisia, Aje Anione among others.

That said, who among the three is the baddest video director according to you? Leave a comment below.

10 super talented Kenyan music video directors

Maybe you’ve noticed, maybe you haven’t but in the last few years, our local musicians have had some very good music videos.

Artists have learnt that that a good music video is part of the package and it will play a significant role on how their songs are received. As such, they have been going out of their way to seek the services of the best videographers.

Truth is, Kenya has no shortage of gifted music video directors. They are so many. I’m not even exaggerating. However, today we’ll talk about the ones whose works we’ve been seeing a lot in the last few years.

That said, here are 10 super talented Kenyan music video directors in no particular order.

1. Ricky Bekko – He directed Ethic’s Position, Rawbeena’s Romantic, Femi One’s Hiyo One, Nadi Mukami Radio Love among others.

Ricky Bekko

2. VJ One – He directed most of Naiboi’s songs including Dinda, Usipime Mwanaume, Somaga, Gudi Gudi. He also worked on Nameless’ Voloyoom, Mega Rider among others.

VJ One

3. Ivan Odie – He directed Tunji’s Mat Za Ronga (Remix), Ochunglo Family’s Na Iwake (Remix), Steph Kapela’s Too Easy among others.

Ivan Odie

4. Trey Juelz – He directed Khaligraph’s Juu Ya Ngori, Kelechi Africana’s Superwoman, Rojo Mo’s Ni Wewe, Khaligraph ft Msupa S’ Watajua Hawajui among others.

Trey Juelz

5. Enos Olik – He needs no introduction. Enos is the brains behind most videos in Kenya. Some of his latest work include; Timmy Tdat ft Rosa Ree’s Kipopo, Masauti’s Kiboko Remix featuring Khaligraph, Otile Brown ft Khaligraph’s Japo Kidogo, Gilad ft Dela’s Fire.

Enos Olik

6. X Antonio – He directed Otile Brown’s Baby Love, Chaguo La Moyo, Mapenzi Hisia, Aje Anione among others.

X Antonio

7. Johnson Kyallo – Some of his notable works include; Femi One ft Kristoff’s Tippy Toe, Mbithi’s Msichana Mmoja, Arrow Bwoy’s Murder, Rosa’s Ride among others.

Johnson Kyallo

8. J. Blessing – He is also a household name having worked with some of the biggest name. Some of his latest videos include; Avril’s Kitoko, Wahu’s Sifa, Fik Fameica’s Tonsukuma among others.

J. Blessing

9. Moses Osidiana – He directed Drinks Na Mayenx by Bon Eye, Brian Narrates and Konkodi, Le Band’s Move, Konkodi’s Gaza among others.

Moses Osidiana

10. Nezzoh Monts – He directed Naiboi’s I Wanna Be, Arrow Bwoy’s Lover Man and Digi Digi, Nadia Mukami’s African Lover, Si Rahisi among others.

Nezzoh Monts

Honourable mentions; Mike Lolly P, Kevin Bosco Jnr, Dambiz and Joweezy.