THIS IS WAKUU MUSIC FAMILIA…

#MUSIC

Your interview on Ghetto Radio. That was amazing. How did you land the interview? 

Our manager has been in the industry. He sent the jam to @djwhizzykenya from ghetto radio,wizzy organized gave him a call from ghetto radio and went for the interview which was great, the response was rogue from the fans and mind blowing . We were actually asked for a second interview which was off the limits .Thank you Ghetto radio

who is wakuu music familia?

..These young talented kids termed as the hip hop ambassador of Africa.   14 and 16 years old respectively. With an aim to inspire educate and connect with our peers who seem to have lost focus, judging from our age sets and where we're from.

How many songs do you have so far and why has it taken long to break in to the industry?

We have 47 songs 23(Recorded as the industry is competitive let’s not too much into detail "hehehe.)....well, no#1 this is Kenya, people don't appreciate talent, and yet they don't execute it professionally 'the ones that are there' we are on a campaign with our manager called supporting dreams; this involves the nurturing of creative in an individual. Lastly, this industry ain't real; it’s more of a cartel, money talks. So were not competitive internationally coz of the people "music artist they put there to represent us, were a joke to the international board, why Nigeria n not Kenyan music.... “

Any mix tapes or albums beckoning.
yes we do have 
Yes, ma teacha wasanaa dropping soon, and more HD projects coming thru

Tell us about Hip-hop Genre in Kenya and how you planning to do different?

 Lol, haven't you heard us already,,, hehehe, anyway. Working with a team of professionals so guess that should answer your question bro

Any collaborations you working on or have done so far?

So good we have done collaborations with chess, Abbas kubaff, Ramzey Siele and some vocalist who should blow your minds off. We are looking forward to new collaborations too actually working on them. "Would love to work with The President of this republic since we have a jam out titled "LETTER 2 THE PRESIDENT" L2TP

How can your fans link up with you on social media?

...find us on our fanpage fb: wakuu music familia, twitter handle:@wakuumusic on YouTube; wakuu music on reverbnation: wakuu music familia

Finally tell us about your project that you working on and what fans can expect?

 We are working on our videos and our fans should watch this space because we are releasing #lazimawatii video very soon.

YEMI ALADE’S FIRST VISIT TO NAIROBI

#THE SPOTLIGHT

“…Johnny give Uche belle,

He talk say he wan marry nene

Nwokem ke di Fe neme

Johnny mo, Johnny mo,

I’m looking for my Johnny, eh

Where is my Johnny…?”

Local fans, old and young like Yemi Alade’s new hit “Johnny”. Her song lyrics have been mastered by all and she is loved in kenya. Her songs are club hits and bangers in Nairobi. This past week, she jetted into Nairobi for her first debut visit and her first maiden East Africa tour.

Award-winning Nigerian afro-pop singer, composer and actress Yemi Ebechi Alade had a rare chance to speak to Larry Madowo; party at Aqua Blu Bar & Lounge, Westlands and also shoot a music video with Zambia’s HHP. She also met her loyal fans too.

While on #The Trend with Madowo; Yemi spoke of her music and life. She is popularly referred to as the Ghen Ghen babe. While some call her the Yoruba- Ibo girl, thanks to her bi-tribal descent.

Her appearance on the live set and her charming beauty stroke many. Her music is edgy and her style so unique and she left her Nairobi fans with a Johnny French special refix.

She began her music professionally at age 6 and in 2005; she was the lead of a girl group called Noty Spices. “Later on, we parted ways due to our high school commitments as each went our separate ways!” she reveals.

Dubbing her music style as Afro-politant; a mix of African tunes and the west; her professional music career took off on a high after she signed a deal with Effyzzie Music Group in 2012. It was here that her tune “ghen ghen love” topped numerous radio and video charts; and she started working with hit producers DJ Klem, D’tunes, E-Kelly, Sizzle Pro, Fliptyce and renowned South African producer Garth.

Yemi has since done massive collaborations with Ice Prince and Sasha-P, both celebrated Nigerian stars. Her East African Media tour is being organized by Taurus Music Group- who also organizes the annual Naija Night event in Nairobi. And already speculations are there that Yemi may be performing at Naija Night this year.

And with a massive following in Africa, Yemi is determined to prove that the buzz is not just a fluke and her “new single titled Tangerine features producer Selebobo, who did Johnny.”

Rumor has sit the video will be out soon and celebrated award winning music director Clarence Peters may direct it once again.

“Meanwhile, I am working on my anticipated debut album Kings of Queens which is slated for release this year God willing, “she concludes.

By Oga Embukane Vincent Libosso.

A NEW RIDDIM FROM KENYA- THE KENYATTA RIDDIM IS OUT!

#RIDDIM UP

 Early June; Rebel Liberation records released two major riddims that brought together Kenyan artists and African artists in a dancehall/ reggae mash up.  The hype mix tape  “ consists of 19 refreshing songs featuring  artistes like SCATA BADA, ABBY DALLAS, IWAN, TONY ANTHONY, KHYLA, CAPOON, J.PHINGA, MOLLES, BLAXTAG, MAXX, ISIAH MENTOR, NEID, KONKARAH, ANANDA, BUDDAMAN, FIIFI SELAH, MICHAEL FABULOUS,  LENN HAMMOND and MILITANT DEGREE…”  reveals Loud Sound Ghana website.

The Rebel Liberation Records and sounds system has been championing for Kenyan reggae music and riddims and also producing for the larger international market where riddims are a major business. Run by the big talented King Rebel; this modes sound system traces its roots to Githurai 45 and it is among the most sought after reggae sound djs and system in Kenya.

They specialize in the Rockerz mix tapes among others and in July their latest riddim will be the Nairobbery Riddim. Another riddim that is on rotation now is the Tranquility by ZJ Heno; another Kenyan DJ and producer championing for more riddims from Kenya and Africa.

Check them out- http://rebelliberationsound.webs.com/

By Embukane Vincent Libosso.

RADIO-GIRL ADELLE ONYANGO GOES INTO MUSIC

#MUSIC

Our extensive spotlight and cover on Kenyan music continues…

“Kenya’s musical history draws extensively from its 42 tribal communities and the sound of modern day Kenya is a culmination of this rich heritage. Although it cannot be painted with any one brush, this culture is today as unique and richly diversified as it ever was”- reckons UP Magazine.

Well, radio personality, poet and rapper, Adelle Onyango has moved into the mainstream music industry with her recently released track- Faded. The radio-girl has been a great pillar of support and strength for many women with her inspiring story of how she overcame a rape ordeal.

And still sticking to radio-girls; Kalekye Mumo is riding high after she released her second music video “I’m okay.” The outdoor shot video, with most scenes shot as the National Museum, shows a story of one leaving behind a frustrated life. The video starts with a dramatized scene where singer Kalekye, who is chef, decides to quit her job, thanks to frustrations caused by her over-demanding boss.

Finally, popularly known for her role in the television drama series; Mali- Maureen Koech also recently released her debut video titled “be afraid.” An afro house beat song, with a love theme, her migration from acting into music does not seem like a bad idea after all!

By Mgenge True Embukane Vincent Libosso.

ALBUMS DROPPING IN 2014

#MUSIC

Let us begin with the high energy of Juliani. Straight from releasing a new tune “Morio and Juliet”, a depiction of shake spear’s play Romeo and Juliet; Juliani’s album is ready. Exponential Potential drops in June after a listening party that he held on April. The exclusive listening party was well attended and has gone ahead to create all the hype and buzz around the album.

Fena dropped her debut album Fenamenon on May 16^th; and it is a must have in your collection. She gave a great performance at the UP Magazine Upstairs- April edition event and after an interview with Grapevine’s Anyiko Owoko; she did let the cat out of the bag “that Brikicho is in the album. Guys would kill me if I didn’t put it in!”  The album has been produced by Jaaz Odongo and the 15-tracked album features other producers including Kagwe Mungai.

Another first album from a gifted singer is Magic in the Air, by Mayonde- an album exploring many different genres and sounds. “It was a dream to put out an album and I’m thrilled to say that dreams do come true,” she says. Her first single will be released in May. She has worked with Mbithi Masya and Jim Chuchu, when she cites as producers of a “very playful, very sweet and so very soulful album.”

Riding high with her recent hit video “254”, is former Necessary Noize member the first lady Nazizi; who is doing touches on nine singles of her upcoming LP called Evo-luossion 14 (evolved from dream 2014). She revealed on Str8-up show, hosted by Ian Mugoya on KTN; that the album is being recorded at another Necessary Noize member’s studio (Wyre the Lovechild Records) and she features various such as Ibra, Kosta and Sappy.

“The flow is there! The Naz everyone has been asking for is here,” she says. The album will contain 4 hip hop tracks. Already 254 video is out- shot by Wallace and features Vigeti of Kalamashaka, Prezzo and members of Ukoo Flani.

This year’s MAMAS nominees Sauti Sol are also set to release their third album. Calling it a special album, they have produced it but enlisted the help of other expert musicians, producers and sound engineers like Musyoka and Aaron Rimbui. This promises to be the biggest year in their career and we wait with bated breath to see how it all unravels.

Another MAMAS nominee for best collaboration in the song Kiboko changu featuring Radio & Weasel from Uganda; Amani too is set to drop her album this year.

-by Embukane Vincent Libosso; with additional reporting courtesy of Up Magazine’s Anyiko Owoko and Budha Blaze.

MUSIC PRODUCER TK-2 & DIRECTOR HAMZA OMAR PUT MOMBASA-BASED ARTISTS ON THE KENYAN MUSIC TIMELINE

#MUSIC: A FOCUS ON MOMBASA

There has been this buzz around town that the Kenyan showbiz industry is dying. Like really? Where do you live? Nairobi is leading the way but also is Mombasa following. The progress might be slow but the growth is steady! Our focus has been in Nairobi, but a lot of great stuff is going down at the coast Mombasa.

In making a record, the music producer serves much the same role as a director in a film. The unsung heroes represent a powerful, and often unheard, perspective of the state of music in Kenya.

When referring to the rising standards of music production in Mombasa at the coast, the likes of Peter Magic and TK-2 spring to mind. These heavyweights are now helping in the shape of music production at the coast and in Kenya in general.

With the age of great music, rhythm beat and melody- that ‘good to hear sound’ requires a great video to accompany. And one man who stands out is Hamza Omar of One Point One Montage. His passion and aim is to fill a niche in the music industry with professionalism and creative finesse- producing music videos for international audience and with good quality.

Both Hamza, TK-2 and many other Kenyan producers and music directors are involved not only in producing, directing music and framing art and the artist behind it; but also successfully pushing the boundaries for music in Kenya.

These great minds have their heads beyond the stars and feet steady on the ground, as they continue to reinvent the metaphorical wheel that is music production in Kenya.

Check out this work by TK-2 and Hamza.

By Dogo Embukane Vincent Libosso.

KHALIGRAPH JONES' “WE BE HAPPENING” ALL STAR REMIX IS 2014 REMIX OF THE YEAR-THERE I HAVE SAID IT!!!

#VIDEO REVIEW

Towards the end of last year, #Dumbala remix was so big; I declared it would be the ‘remix of the year’. Well, last week; Kristoff went ahead and brought together an all-star lineup of ‘superheroes’ in  a rather bizarre way like the superheroes of the Justice League fiction cartoon/movie series.

Khaligraph Jones; Nessa; DJ Joe Mfalme; Frasha; Abbas; Bwana Ngoma and Wyre the lovechild all teamed up for this song- the #we be happening all-star remix.

Being the only female diva mcee on the list; my girl Nessa stood out. Debate has been raging on who killed it with his flow; but that is a debate we leave for you the listeners to discuss on another forum.

Well, i have officially declared this ‘my remix of the year 2014 song’. It now joins on the list that comprises of Wakuu Music Familia featuring Ramzey Siele on the Lazima Watii remix.

The video is well shot. It is an indoor video. The tempo is fast and so are the scenes and this makes a great blend with the video. Quality is high and having DJ Mfalme on the remix was a great marketing strategy.

The transition of different scenes for each artist featured also worked well-pretty well!

By All-Star Embukane Vincent Libosso.

CALVO MISTARI’ “WANABONGA” MUSIC VIDEO IS OUT!

What do you get when you incorporate three of Kenya’s best music video directors? You get one hell of a hit music video called “wanabonga”. Calvo Mistari of Team Mistari in a rather characteristic fashion; has set the bar high- bringing three amazing directors together to give us an amazing video.

The directors; Kimunya Chris, VJ-One and Edu-G; have done a fantastic job in this clip. Shot outdoors; with different scene locations; the directors did an amazing job balancing the video exposure and also the shots blend in well with the words- a clear indication of a well edited job.

On the chorus’ vocals is Amileena and she sings like an angel. This is a definite hit for me and I am feeling this jam and video. It speaks of all the haters who will talk ill when you do great and all that is well captured in the dramatized scenes. Calvo Mistari and team; kudos- you guys keep on setting the trends and raising the bar higher and higher!

By Team Mistari Embukane Vincent Libosso.

BACKSTAGE PASS TO MAKING THE “#LAZIMA WATII” REMIX VIDEO: WAKUU MUSIC FAMILIA FEAT. RAMZEY SIELE

#BEHIND THE SCENES

Kenya is experiencing something of a creative explosion in the music industry. It is just no longer artists trying to outdo each other and compete; which is healthy for the industry; but also producers and music video directors- and all this is what will push Kenyan music to great heights. The future seems bright that’s for sure.

This past Sunday, 15^th June 2014; I joined two great artists- no, make that three and a great team for an indoor music video shoot downtown Nairobi. Being a Father’s Day; and these entire people father’s in their own way; the hype for the shoot had already been created on the social media and hence it was all systems go.

This was the #Lazima Watii remix video shoot that saw Wakuu Music Familia feature Ramzey Siele. Their names sounding new, but their flows, all local; incorporating sounds and styles from the present.

The video brings together a great team. Directed by Mr Keemss; the transitions and new talent will blow your mind. The light exposure is al well balanced and the HD feel is just what it needed to go even bigger and viral.

The editor/videographer is by Yahoo Edits and you can already start speculating what to expect. Many are waiting to see his mastering and final piece that will be out soon. This clip will draw you in not just because of the flows and rhymes that are hard like Mohammed Ali’s punches; but also the use of dancers who do crazy stunts and flips.

Everything in the video is fast and this blends in well. Sisqo Reloaded dancing flips will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The song is predominantly rapped in Swahili although Ramzey flows in with a great English rap. This is a good feel video- no pun intended.

And after long hours of getting the perfect shots and the Director calling it a wrap; way past 11pm; it was a shoot worth attending and being a part of.

And as Ramzey finishes in the song with a clear message punch- “these rappers will never feel the same again! Your radio (and TV) will never be the same again”…need we say more?

-Photos and behind the scenes footage shot courtesy of- Frank Kibe and Rocow piddey

check out the original version here- http://www.reverbnation.com/p/vGMXEQ

By Embukane Vincent Libosso.                                         

JOYCE OMONDI IS BACK…WITH A NEW MUSIC VIDEO- “UINULIWE”

#new music video

After a stint in the U.S; former Kubamba host Joyce Omondi is back with a new music video- “Uinuliwe”. The song; a worship; is off her new album “Conqueror” which she is working on and will be released soon.

The indoor-shot video is a simple yet inviting clip that manages to draw the audience’s attention to a well-balanced video. The director deserves a lot of credit for controlling the light exposure that eventually boosts the overall quality of the video.

Noticeable also is that the scenes in the video are well supported with the lyrics in the songs- which show the video was well edited.

By Embukane Vincent Libosso.

KENYAN DANCEHALL WELCOMES NEW KID FI DI TWISKY

#EXCLUSIVE

When his new video dropped- “pita naye” in May; he got everyone talking about his new style of dancehall. Boniface Kimani aka Fi Di Twisky’s style of music is inspired by dancehall and R’n’B genres with a touch of hip hop and dance. His style resembles his icons TOK and Wayne Wonder.

The video is a reflection of how he has spent a great deal of money- working with big names in the industry. The “whine up” star latest single pita naye was produced by Saint P and the video done by Andrew Macharia.

Some argue whether Fi Di is a new kid. He was a member of the award-winning Air force Dance crew that made it to the Sakata Dance Competition and also made cameo appearances in different music videos.

Then came the fame, the popularity and several nominations; and the group was a force to reckon with. Teaming with Wyre; they did a tune- ‘Kode’ before the crew split over disagreements.

After the split; Fi Di went ahead to release his debut single, “dance with me”; in which he features yet another female dancer; Emma. The song got relative airplay landing him gigs in Mbarara; Uganda; where he performed with Jose Chameleon during the launch of his album “Valu Valu Extra.”

Coming back to his motherland Kenya; Fi Di has since gotten a recording; marketing and distribution deal. He now puts his best foot forward as he takes on his passion for music. He is definitely an artist to look out for so watch this space!

-additional info from his interview with The Pulse Magazine.

By Starboy Embukane Vincent Libosso.

SANAIPEI TANDE GOES THE PASIONATE SAUTI SOL WAY WITH NEW VIDEO-“MFALME WA MAPENZI”

#EXCLUSIVE

So it seems now that the trending way to have your video being the talk of town is going the sexy and passionate way as Sauti Sol did. Well some say it is a reflection of art about the society and if that is so then it means our ladies are yearning for more intimacy if Sanaipei Tande’s latest video is anything to go by.

The video done by Onfon Productions has scenes set in the bedroom and shower and is quite a high quality HD video. The concept is also quite easy to grasp and the director has chosen to hide the Mfalme (king) in the video.

As I write this; the video is at 73,000 hits already on YouTube. What we remain to see is whether the video will only be a YouTube hit and not make it to TV as others before it have done.

By Mfalme Embukane Vincent Libosso

GRANDPA’S KEPHER PRINCE FUSES BONGO & OHANGLA- #OBERANA

NEW MUSIC VIDEO

Grandpa Records are back with a new style- a blend of Bongo (Tanzania) and Ohangla (Kenya). The latest release by Kepher prince dubbed #Oberana-my beautiful; oozes pure praise and innocence of love. The video is quite colorful and the choice of scenes shot in atop hotel adds to the video’s quality and tempo.

The artiste’s decision to rock colorful suits including Gor Mahia jerseys; and the lady in colorful dresses that compliment her body helped create an alluring contrast. The out-door shot video has a well-balanced light exposure and this is a thumbs up to the director.

Kepher Prince is a new act and he has room to improve but al in all; the video is easy for the eyes. Check out another video by Grandpa’s Kidis- full shangwe and the new video by Bwana Ngoma and Kristoff- Nipe…

By Wuod Gi Libosso.

KAKA SUNGURA RELEASES NEW VIDEO: “BADO NAKUPENDA”/ SUDI & AMILEENA- “NAONA BADO”

NEW MUSIC VIDEO

“Naona Bado” is the latest music video that has brought together two great coast based vocalists Sudi Boy and Amileena in this amazing song that has a bongo feeling to it. It is a simple but easy to grasp dramatized video set in a coastal village.

The song was officially launched at Refigah’s wedding last month and Amileena particularly wowed the gathered crowd with her vocals, earning prolonged applause at the end.

Shot by Hamza Omar of One Point One Montage; the video tells a story of Sudi whose wife-Amileena; has refused to bear him a child and now he wants to bring in another wife but Amileena is against it.

And still on matters on love, Rabbit Kaka Sungura has also released a new love themed song- “bado nakupenda”. The indoor shot video goes ahead to stem Rabbit as a great poet and rapper as he expresses himself on the track.

The video would have been more established on the love theme with more outdoor scenes and the lyrics to accompany some dramatized scenes- but that is just our take! Directed by Wawesh; it features Safari Sound Band on the chorus.

Also kindly check out this new video release of Victoria Kimani featuring Bien of Sauti Sol.

By Kaka Embukane Vincent Libosso.

AKOTHEE RELEASES NEW VIDEO- “PASHE”

#NEW MUSIC VIDEO

Kenya rocks! And Kenya music rocks! I am glad discussions are on-going everywhere on Kenyan music that has rapidly grown up and out. A thriving music scene exists throughout Kenya with new local styles. And Akothee’s latest release- “pashe” incorporates tales of the past with sounds from the present.

The song is well shot and the village scenes also enhance the video. The vigorous dances of Akothee and her girls set the clip’s high tempo. The story is about “pashe”- a guy who lives larger than life and has managed to convince everyone of his good life; yet on the contrary he is a poor person.

The change of dressing from kitenge on some scenes to tights and white tops while dancing also worked great and the director does a commendable job- balancing the video exposure and the final mix down.

And in a rather characteristic fashion borrowed from his hit song ‘kwata kawaya’; gospel star Mbuvi has again release a fast and highly dramatized video for his latest song ‘mutui museo’; which loosely translates to “good neighbor”-check it out!

By Mgenge True Embukane Vincent Libosso.