Nairobi set to experience a rare twist to Hiphop

By Nasta

After days of  speculation, it's now official that Erykah Badu will be performing in Kenya at the 2012's final edition of the Tusker Lite Experience. 

Erykah who has been referred to as a soul singer and Hiphop jazzist, is a former member of the group Soulaquarains which also had Common, Blackstars, Bilal and the late Hiphop producer as J.Dilla amongst others as part of the group.
 

In 1997 Erykah Badu had a much publicized marriage with Andre 3000 of the OutKast group, in 2000 after a divorce with the ATLien, Erykah Badu was in yet another relationship with a rapper-Common, during this time the two lovebirds collaboed on Love of my life an (ode to Hiphop) which featured as a soundtrack to the brownsugar film. To date the neo soul songtress has five albums under her belt the latest one being New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh). 

During her 15  years singing career, Erykah has featured in multiple Hiphop tracks such as questions by Common & Mos Def, Talib Kweli’s Reflection Eternal, and Rick Ross’ DigIt, and worked with producers like 9^th Wonder and boyfriend Jay Electronica.

Besides Tryrone, one of Ms. Badu’s most notable and earlier tracks is the Dr, Dre sampled Bag Lady Remix. During the 2011 BET Hiphop awards, the sngterss who is believed to be the inspiration behind the gems Ms.Jackson by OutKast and The Light by Common, performed alongside Lupe Fiasco,with an all black hijab covering her face.

Keep it here for details of the December 11th experience.

Kenya, are we ready for an International star?

Story: Nasta

Photo: Courtesy

And so on October 6^th of this year one of  the greatest Hiphop showdown in East Africa came to pass, with Rick Ross taking it back to the Serengeti to give Tanzania an electrifying performance. Going by the numbers of those in attendance (around 22K), it is no doubt that the event was a massive one. While it was an honor to the region, it did bring sharp focus to Kenya’s (in)ability to host such a mega concert.

When the final confirmation of Rozay’s performance in Dar was announced, Kenyan events connector i.e promoter and Hiphop activist Buddha Blaze , went to twitter to cite reasons that have made it difficult for Kenyan promoters and corporate sponsors to fly in foreign artistes for performances on Kenyan soil. A day after the hyped performance, Blaze was once again on twitter, taking shots at the blockades hampering the likes of Rick Ross to tour Kenya. Topping his list of grievances was the fans seemingly cold reception to international acts. On one of his twitter convos, the King Of Bold event MC talks on a light note of fans that leave their houses for an event at Carnivore, only to detour at a nearby pub for drinks.

In yet another conversation Blaze insinuated that a lot of Kenyan fans often complain about the high price of concert tickets and only handful of them do turn up for a concert. A case in point was during last year’s Tusker Allstar concert which was headlined by Cabo Snoop, Shaggy and rapper Eve, so bad was the attendance turning out to be, that EABL, the concert sponsors, had to open up the gates of Carnivore to all and sundry to get in for free. The beer makers even provided transport to and from the venue, again FOR FREE.

BTW, together with Usher and Keri Hilson, Rick Ross had been EABL’s first choice for the last year’s concert, only for the company to settle for Eve and the rest as an afterthought. Just how did that came to be?

A statement that was released at the time by EABL publicists indicated that the Ruaraka based company had ‘image issues’ with the 350 pounds, heavy bearded God Forgives, I Don’t rapper. However, we all know that was nothing but a PR thingy.  The real issue was that the cost of hosting Rick Ross, Usher and Keri, all of who are A-list artists proved to be way too expensive.

How then is it that the same rapper whose show EABL wouldn’t sponsor a year back, flies to the neighboring Tanzania and holds it down under the sponsorship of the same EABL?

While it is true that in Tanzania fans are more likely to show up at a concert in huge numbers, in comparison to their Kenyan counterparts. The real concern amongst many promoters is the Kenyan Tax regime on performing international artists. This is how Buddha blaze breaks it down:-

Blaze advises the Kenyan people to push the government into amending the tax laws on foreign artists, but also terms Kenya as a Snobbish Market.

Related Story: Review of Tusker Allstar

For more follw: @DakikaMedia

THESE ARE OUR HEROES

Story by Chris Prodigy
Photos: Courtesy

October   is here with us once again, with it comes a great significance to us as a Kenyan people. Even of greater significance is its 20^th day, a day that has been set aside to accord our heroes the respect they deserve. when I  talk  about  our heroes I’m referring  to  Dedan Kimathi, Tom Mboya  and other heroes on the same spectrum. I consent  the above mentioned  played an imperative  role in liberating  Kenya, but  I also think  iconz like  K-shaka  also deserve to   be accorded the same respect   as our heroes.  I also think they (Kalamashaka) deserve more than footnote coverage in the history book.  I am not being disrespectful  to our founding fathers, but ask  a  person who has grown up in the 80’s  and 90’s , who he can identify more easily with; K-shaka  or our founding father? Don’t get me wrong I’m not undermining  what our heroes  did, some went to the extent of sacrificing their lives , in order for our country to be liberated and I  applaud them  for that- no sarcasm or pan intended, seriously I applaud them straight from the heart.

After gaining independence  we thought  that  our country will be the land of milk and honey,  bt the harsh reality begun to seep in,  the justice system became  the mockery of freedom, poverty begun to bite, people were judged according to class, being a youth was a crime, if you were from the ghetto that made it worse, you were eligible to catch a bullet, We lacked the medium to express ourselves, being poor was seen as a kind of  Nemesis and we were contended  with that state,  mental liberation was a mirage.  

However, in 1995 something happened; a Swahili rap trio was formed consisting of Johny Vigeti, Kama and Roba Oteraw. This marked an era, an era of revolution. The group boldly addressed police brutality, the issue of poverty , and classism; Before Kalamashaka  mere mentioning of the  poor man’s  pain and  fighting for justice was synonymous to  welcoming the grim reaper, being in the ghetto was like serving  a life sentence behind mental bars , hope  never existed in our dictionary, but thanks to K-shaka  for substituting the word despair with hope. There lyrics were not only captivating, but  the lyrics were also enlightening , impossible was substituted  with we can, breaking free from the mental bondage  was  likened to wishful thinking  , but through their lyrics they made it a tangible reality, their lyrics were beyond mundane, the knowledge they kicked  could be equated to the mind behind the pyramids. They moved the crowd not with the “kapuka” oriented themes, but with kinetic wisdom, everything they kicked was bereft of ignorance. I can safely say that K-shaka paved way for other hiphop artists  and I find it preposterous when some rappers who are lyrically breathing, because of K-shaka  acting rather impertinent, it’s like trying to bite the hand that feeds you. Yep, I agree that K-shaka should be the epitome of morality that the youth should adhere to, but it should also be noted that nobody is perfect, everyone has his flaws.

Jay-z once said, “How does it feel assessing something from the outside looking in, most of the times you might be wrong”.  I know it’s debatable if Kalamashaka have lived up to the legendary status, bt someone once said, “Before you judge, walk a mile in my shoes and you will get the clear view”.

Next time the nation will be glued on TV immortalizing our founding fathers, I will be bumping Ni wakati, Nairrobery, Dandora Burning and other legends who befit the honors. Before I sign out   I would like to big up the meager section of the media, true hiphop fans and other like-minded individuals for showing love to the legends.

Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels Headed to South Sudan For a Peace Concert

Story by Nasta

Photos: Courtesy 

One of Hiphop’s vintage ace Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels of the legendary eighties and early nineties crew RUN-DMC, is set to rock the stage in Juba next week. Darryl’s performance will be part of peace celebration concert, and amongst the tracks he is expected to perform include We want Peace-Reloaded which he is featured in by South Sudanese peace crusader and rapper Emmanuel Jal.

According to a tweet by Jal’s publicist, Rozan Ahmed, the 48 year old Darryl who was recently acknowledged by Nas on the DJ Khaleed track Hiphop, will be the first American Hiphop artist to visit Africa’s newest nation.

In related vibe, Emmanuel Jal has vowed to remain steadfast to the course of peace in the wake of the of police brutality hurled against him in his home city of Juba.

Keep it DaKicker for update of this story and more!

Cover Art for Emmanuel Jal's upcoming album

Agano Jipya: Don't Judge!!!

After being in the game for 10 years, Agano the one half of Wakamba Wawili returns after  2 years hiatus, with a debut album which will have street talking for years. The album 'Usini-judge' promises  to be one of the most  prolific albums, if the Pre-album is anything to go by, the pre-album is already out,  get a copy to get the insight of what I mean, DaKicker's Chris Prodigy had a privilege to have  a chitchat with Agano and this is how it went down. 

To the people  out there, who’s Agano?

Agano is a simple guy , down to earth. People  have the perception  that Agano  is  not  amiable, because  of the hardcore music I put out, but  I’m approachable and I’m open minded when it comes to music as long s it makes sense.

 You are doing your thing, Labala is doing his thing, are you guys planning to reunite for another album or have you guys decided to pursue solo careers?

It’s not like there is bad blood between me and Labala, Wakamba Wawili is still intact  in fact we  are planning to do a follow up to Tumesurvive kila vita, called  'Tumesurvive  Sio  Issue' ,  to add on that me and Labala  we’re like brothers.

You first came to limelight with the song “Fanya Tena” which also featured Juliani and Kitusewer how did that track mould you as an artist?

 The track gave me courage to visit the studio; it also made me more confident.

Your Lyrics are mature, assertive and street oriented, why do you think you don’t get the props you deserve, compared to artistes you clearly outclass?

 I don’t blame the  media,  I think  I’m  the one not really pushing my music,  Coz most of the times I’m indulged to other ventures  outside music, I’ve  joined forces with  other like-minded individuals and soon we’ll form a company which will be managing artists, I’ll be one of  the artists who will be managed, hence this will make it easier to  push my music.

What artists inspired you to become involved with Hip-hop?

Kalamashaka, Wu-Tang, Red & Methodman.

What’s your favorite album of all time?

Ready to die, Black out 1 & 2.

After being in the game for like 10yrs, how has your approach to making music changes?

I tend to self- educate  myself through reading books,  hence my lyrics  also have that intellectual side, also compared to the past where I used to write lyrics, nowadays I just listen to the track  and come up with like 4 bars,  than another  4 bars  and before you know it , the song is complete. 

The rap game has changed a lot in the last ten years, do you approve of what you see today as opposed to when you first started your career?

I  appreciate the change,  I don’t have the problem  with music artists  put out there whether it’s Genge or  any other genre of music as long as it’s good music, at the end of the day it’s all love.

Edu-Tainment (laughing) does it mean the album will have education and entertainment value?

Yep, the album will combine both entertainment and educational value, it will encompass both aspects.

How would you say this album is different from your previous releases?

First of all Labala will not feature on the album,  I have grown a lot since  our last album Tumesurvive Kila Vita. 

What is one thing  you want people  to understand about you as an artist and also, what do you want people to take away from  your upcoming  album ?

Basically the album will be the reflection of the title “ Usini- Judge”, in other words I’m doing my thing.

You’ve been in the game for more than a minute, are you involved with any side  businesses outside being an mc ?

I’m involved in various business ventures including running a cologne shop, designing aquariums and other businesses on the same spectrum.

Not sure if anyone has ever asked you this, but what would be Agano doing right now, if he never became a rapper?

 I would be a  Businessman.

What can Agano supporters expect with your debut album?

Expect a frank album,  I know some people will consider me  a snitch , but  if addressing the system  vices will earn me the title of a snitch I don’t care,  at the end of the day “ sisi ndio kioo cha jamii”, there will be no  water down stuff, people should  also expect grown up music, “Muziki imeenda shule”,  (laughing)  in other words Edu- Tainment. This album the lyrics are more mature, much better and well written and also the design is more enhanced.

With the likes of Octopizzo, Rabbit dominating the airwaves, do you feel threatened that your album might get lukewarm reception ?

(Assertive) Every dog has it’s day there  was a time when we were dominating the airwaves, It’s their day and  I have nothing  but love for them no jealousy tendencies, it’s all love, But do not expect me to change with the times to fit at the end of the day it’s my thing and I will not compromise or  let people’s  perception affect me. You  know some artists  try to change with the times  just to fit  in the process they compromise  originality, but  I’ll be true to me.

As far as music goes, where do you see yourself 5 yrs from now?

Every year I’m planning to be dropping a new album, outside music five years from now my business venture  will be more expanded, I’ll probably  be having kids (laughing).

(Laughing ) a  follow up to the previous question is Agano  seeing someone?

Agano is very much single, looking for the right  one (jokingly)  if you are out there  I’m looking for you my Cleopatra you better hurry.

 Will the album  feature any artists?

 The album features Roba of K-shaka, Cedric  of Tpf 1, Judge (Black duo) and other artists, thus the album will be diversified “ yaani iko na flavor zote”,  but  I would like to assure my fans that the album will be still real , the album will also portray the real Agano,  you know some people have the perception that  I’m all street and hardcore, but the album has deep tracks, tracks that  showcase the  sentimental side of Agano and to all my street fans  there’s also something for you , in other words the album is all round, but all in all it’s still real.

When is the album expected to hit the street ?

December, but  as for now the pre-album is out it features 6 tracks, the pre-album  goes for around 200, for more information you can reach me on face book or twitter.

When you and Labala released Tumesurvive  Kila Vita, you were an household name, but one thing that stands out about you is that you didn’t let the status  get into your head, you were still a humble down to earth guy, what made you not to follow the direction  most artists follow as in being carried away  by their star status?

First of all I’m human and we’re all equal before God, it doesn’t matter if you are a star or an ordinary  person in the eyes of God there’s no one superior and I also believe it’s good to give back the much love you get, leave the status behind be human  and down to earth. You know personally  I usually don’t let  star status  define me, coz the star is not the real Agano it’s the image and I prefer people  knowing me as a person  devoid of the  status, so when we meet in streets feel free  to holler  and get to know the real Agano.

Closing Remarks?

If you want something  go get it, be a go getter, Always think positive and be happy coz life is too short and don’t die if you haven’t accomplished what you want in life.

DON’T SKIM THROUGH IT, LISTEN!!!

When I mention hiphop what pops into your head? a b*tch with a thick A%$%,  a dope fiend , an illiterate nigga spittin  about  how many chicks he has boned, the imaginary Bimas and Benzes he has drove,  if this is what  goes through your mind when hiphop  is mentioned then you are suffering  from misconception  syndrome.

Before  I go on who is your favorite Hiphop artist  mmmh!!!!!, I don’t have to rattle my brain cells , I can confidently say without flinching  that you vibe to  the Lils and the soldier boys and that’s  why  when it comes  to  hiphop  concepts you are lil young. Ever had of Rakim, Nas, Tupac, Krs one, Public Enemy? Ooops!!! I’m speaking Arabic. But I don’t blame  you I blame the media for being the propagators  of the  trash, hence you are brainwashed that  life revolves  around the bubblegum  music which is played on radio,  the music videos  with video vixens under-dressed and artists  vibing to that predictable, preschool n monotonous ish of  b*ches, blunts and niggas assuming imaginary gangsta personas.

The most ridiculous thing is what I have stated above has become the trademark of hiphop, hence hiphop has been portrayed by critics as the paragon of immorality and the catalyst of moral decay. One critic argued that hiphop is “devoid of intellectual value”. The critic used artists like lil Wayne, Souljah boy, Gucci mane and artists who express the same sentiments as his basis to vilify Hiphop.

This is what I call being mentally anorexic afraid of feeding your mind. It makes me wonder do the Anti hiphop crusaders really listen to real hiphop music or do they just skim through it.

Real hiphop can be likened to the modern day Bible. I can envisage the priests and evangelists and member of the church bodies running their mouths trying to make this article illegal, but chill before you start pointing fingers. 

Hiphop is the language of the youths, the book of survival, the epitome of morality, the hope for the poor, the foundation of the less privileged and the book which encompasses the practical lessons of life. Many times there’s being a correlation between hiphop and the vices in the society-thanks to the media and the knowledge malnourished critics. 

It’s high time we say NO to the garbage played by the radio stations, I think it’s time to show love to the real stuff: Instead of seeing young girls giving birth to babies, I’d rather see a young girl grow up to a young lady mentally rich who relies on her brains not her beauty to excel. Instead of seeing young boys snatching purse and using a nine, and investing the loot on crack and cheap liquor, I’d rather see a young boy grow up to be a real man using his mind as the weapon to topple life obstacles. 

The solution is not using bullets. The solution is not entirely on the contraceptives, maybe I’m a dreamer, but I think real hiphop should be introduced to the school curriculum, maybe the society is beyond help, but I believe hiphop can play a subtle role in reviving the glimpse of the once beautiful society, as the saying goes “the journey of a million miles starts with one step”. Instead of burying hiphop into oblivion let’s give real hiphop a chance. 

Back to the die hard hiphop critics, Listen to the 90s stuff, listen to Pac, KRS- One, Wu-Tang Clan, Lauryn Hill, Gangstarr…Listen! Don’t skim and maybe we can trade mental jabs. Before I sign out I would like to live you with these lines by Jigga“They say I only talk about jewels blingbling, do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?”

The Power of a Gal: Lness Launches her album

By Nasta

The calendar reads Saturday 21^st day of July 2012, the time is around half past 7pm, according to my estimate. Together with Dakika Media’s VO, we are on our way to the YMCA studios to have a brief with the DaKicker crew on how best to cover the Lness' Gal Power album launch.

We pass by the venue-Goethe Institute and as expected the event that was scheduled to start at 7pm has only a handful of souls. Ask GQ’seditor Andy Moris, and he’ll tell you it is “Hiphop Time”. The sound and light engineers are busy making sure that everything is in order, and truth be told their output is turning out to be quite commendable.

Kick a few minutes off,  and it is now quarter past eight when we make our way into the venue. Jefro of the Madlove fam has just finished praying. In the house are some of Hiphop’s respectable emcees who include Oksyde , Ekori, and Gandhi Blaka.  The DJ is busy mixing everything that is quality upbeat hiphop-mostly from the 90s. A few names are dropped and their bearers jump to the stage for some cipher session, amongst them being SoReal and Jefro. Despite the latter being gospel, he manages to drop some tight verses on Gangsta rap instrumentals, all in the glory of God’s Kingdom.

MC for the night is Pepe Haze and he does some good work keeping the audience engaged. The curtain raisers include Monaja, Radii, K47 and a host of others who have all showed up, to show nothing but love. It is now 9pm, and the energy inside the fairly small auditorium is to the roof top, but so is the heat and low is the circulation of air. 

We decide to step out for a breath of fresh air and while there,  we get to see even more familiar faces amongst them Washamba wenza, Khaligragh Jones (who had been hosted on Hot96 earlier in the day), Shaky, and a few members of the head bangaz clique-who stream out to welcome their defacto leader Kimya. 

Their activities cause quite a stir and after a few photo sessions, they go inside the auditorium. By this time there is more action on the outside than there is on the inside. VO walks to the event’s magnet, non other than Lness herself, who by this time is seated at the contact desk together with his son Paul and daughter Subira. VO proceeds to tell Lness that she is the night’s pied piper, and if she walked into the auditorium, everyone seated and standing out would follow into her footsteps. 

Before they can finish up with their brief conversation, the sound of Kimya dropping his classic Maliza Njaa, draws everyone who had stepped out back inside.

Finally the moment that for long had been waited for dawns, and Lness clutches the MIC after a meticulous intro by Pepe Haze. Everyone is looking all round like Maasai men from Rongai, trying to figure out where the Lioness is. With a mic gripped on her left hand, she emerges from the back of the crowd dressed in an almost all red everything. The crowed cheers as the Queen of Hiphop-since Nazizi went Reggae and STL techno-takes to the stage roaring with vicious rhymes that symbolizes a Hiphop emcee who has truly come of age.

She spits rhyme after rhyme, line after line, verse after verse, and track after track, much to the pleasure of those in attendance. In between her performances are appearances by featured artists amongst them Radii and K47, but the crowning moment comes when her Lion, the ever energetic His honor J.U.D.G.E  steps to the stage to help his queen tear down the party with the 2004/2005 classic hit Msanii, which was featured on Ukoo Flanii Mau Mau’s  Kilio Cha Haki album.

While holding the crowd’s attention like a gavel, and showing total disregard of any appeals to take it slow, the unforgiving judge pounces the frenzy filled crowd back into time, when he calls Shaky(Mandugu Digi) into the stage to drop one of the best Hiphop records to ever emerge from Kenya.

On realizing that we might just be tempted to party with Lness and her team all night, we decide to call it night.

Despite being an absolutely amazing show, it was saddening to see a few rappers, who presumably were not on the performance list, pestering the DJ and the MC to slot them in.

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