Kenyan Hiphop History pt 1: The Beginnings

Those who are in the hiphop movement call it a way of life, a culture or a way of expressing oneself. It's more than just music as it incorporates several other elements that include MCing, graffiti, bboying, deejaying, knowledge, fashion, beatboxing etc. I have encountered most of these elements here in Kenya. The question for many would be 'what is the history of hiphop in Kenya?' In this sequel of articles, i will shed some light on this question by providing answers in different perspectives.
In terms of Kenyan hiphop music, we developed our own unique style from the early 90s where a mix of Swahili, English, Sheng and also other local dialects are incorporated into our compositions. Hiphop originated from the US and as such it has also influenced Kenyan hiphop through various ways including dressing styles and the way of rapping. This has been enhanced due to the improved media coverage, internet availability and channels like Youtube which have made access to information from any part of the world to be much simpler.


Due to my interest in knowing how hiphop began to take root in Kenya, i did some digging for answers and i was actually surprised to find Jimmi Gathu's name featuring there. Apparently, around 1991, he had a rap track titled 'Look, Think , Stay Alive' which was meant to pass a message about road safety or something like that. The video is available on Youtube and upon watching it, i must say they did well as per the trends at that time. Back then the other acts that would give Jimmi Gathu competition included the likes of Zanaziki, Five Alive and Musically Speaking.

RELATED POSTS:
Kenyan Hiphop History pt 2: The Foundation
Kenyan Hiphop History pt 3: The Growth
Kenyan Hiphop History pt 4: The Media Role
Kenyan Hiphop History pt 5: The Dilution
Kenyan Hiphop History pt 6: Current State and the Future

Monaja - Temaimba Mixtape

Monaja's 'Temaimba' mixtape is his latest project which dropped early this year and this comes after being out of the limelight for a little while. Word has it that he was doing a lecturing job for the time he was away and the same has been expressed on some of his lines. On this mixtape he has incorporated the services of DJ Karizma on the scratches and effects that give the whole project a smooth flow.

1. Nairobi Mpaka Eldama (3:31)
On this track Monaja features Mesh Mfalme and Rapper Phil. On the vocals we have Mesh Mfalme who does a good job to complement the rhymes and wordplay of Monaja and Rapper Phil.

2. Ama Unaonaje ft Ach13ng (3:26)
This brings out the love side as he tries to win the heart of this lady whom he admires much but the lady feels he is just a 'player'.

3. Niko Juu (3:17)
Monaja raps about how he has steadily grown in this industry and is looking forward to a better future.

4. We Tu Tembea (3:35)
Quite a motivational track in which Monaja raps about the need to fight on no matter the challenges that we may face in life.

5. Mziki ya Raiya ft Checkmate Mido and Man Njoro (4:14)
A fun track for everyone to enjoy especially with the characteristic humor filled bars of Man Njoro and a good job done by Monaja and the multi talented Checkmate Mido.

6. Blessed ft Mwafreeka and DMT (3:35)
Monaja incorporates Mwafreeka on this track. He does a number of sampling of speeches including from Martin Luther King to get the track in line with the message being passed across

7. Run (2:21)
Talks of how music has been of great benefit to his life.

8. Kishaipoiteza (2:58)
We get a story of how life was for Monaja as he grew up and presents to us his childhood experiences. This track samples Janet Jackson's 'Got till its Gone' song.

9. Monaja (3:22)
He promises to deliver to his fans the best while asking them for their loyalty in return.

10. Mara Ingine (1:59)
He shows some love to some of the biggest acts on the kenyan hiphop industry including the late Gwiji, as part of his inspiration in this industry.

11. Flow (3:09)
Monaja comes out hardcore to display his prowess in this art.

12. Klub Kwetu (4:02)
He raps about partying and having fun at home rather than going out clubbing. Sometimes things can be hard but that does not mean we stop having fun at such times.

13. Nchi Yetu (5:18)
He takes a political tone on this track. He narrates various political events that have taken place in kenya through the different regimes right from the first president Mzee Jomo Kenyatta



Overally, its a good job from Monaja and i cant wait for his album to be out. His flow and sound kinda reminds me of Chiwawa, they somehow resemble. Purchase a copy for yourself and i assure you you'll feel the worth of the money you have spent.

NEW VIDEO: Khaligraph and Cashy - Micasa Sucasa

After giving us a teaser of their latest project, Kenyan hiphop heavyweight Khaligraph Jones teaming up with Cashy have finally officially released their new music video for the track titled 'Micasa Sucasa'(spanish for 'my house is your house') courtesy of Top Notch Films and Big Beats Afriq studios.
This is a rendition of the 1990's hit by Mobb Deep known as 'Hell on Earth' and its a definate chart-topper.
You can watch the video on Youtube.

Oksyde - Niko True EP

Freimann Mukanga Joe is his official name but on stage we know him as Oksyde or 'the number one chief rocker' as he identifies himself. He has been in the hiphop scene for atleast 6 years now and hails from the hood known as Kangemi on the Western side of Nairobi City which he attributes to be among his inspirations in his music as he passes a message of his experiences of what happens around him through his bars and verses.
He started out rapping by taking part in freestyle battles in the famous Florida 2000 club and at one time was crowned the champion. So far he has a number of complete projects which include two mixtapes; Thee Emcee and Undisputed-Headz, together with a pre-album titled 'King Kong'. He has worked with several artistes including Khaligraph Jones, Kimya, Ace tha Don and Dandan1.



On 3rd October 2016, Oksyde released his latest project, a 6-track EP titled 'Niko True' which is selling for just kes. 300 and also available on itunes

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Niko True EP is a must have in the collection of any true Kenyan hiphop fan. Its got everything going from lyricism to some very intelligent rhyme schemes and punchlines. You better come out and grab a copy for yourself while it is still fresh in the market. Here are the tracks available on this EP;

1. All Eyes on Me (3:15)
2. Tell Em We're Ready ft Junior Rebel (3:03)
3. Niko True (3:32)
4. Put Yoh Hands Up ft Bilari, EMC (3:42)
5. Makilo ft Chiwawa (3:35)
6. Stick Up (2:34)

Ace tha Don presents #BARS101

I have previously heard of this artiste from his collaborations with Khaligraph Jones but I must admit I was surprised to actually find out that the name Ace is an acronym which stands for Arsenic Chronic and Explosive. Well, if you didn't know like me, now you know.
The deep-voiced rapper is well known for his skillfully crafted rhymes and punchlines. Under his belt, he has churned out several mixtapes including 12-track 'Birth of the Best', 10-track 'Underrated' in addition to several tracks and collaborations.
He recently dropped a 10-track mixtape going by the title '#BARS101' where he shows us his lyrical prowess. At the moment, several tracks from this mixtape are doing quite well including Letter to the President, Pound 4 Pound and Night Life. The video for Night Life was recently launched at Club Tribeka and its available on Youtube. Below is a list of the tracks on this mixtape which you can listen to on Soundcloud.



1. Intro - (0:44)
2. 125 - (3:43) produced by Odie
3. Success ft Meryl Paige - (4:45) produced by Odie
4. Night Life ft Shukid and Sydney - (3:13)
5. Light Work - (3:44) produced by Kevin Grands
6. Interlude - (2:01)
7. Pound 4 Pound - (3:58) produced by Odie
8. Letter to the President ft Kevin Grands - (4:05) produced by Kevin Grands
9. Born Winner ft Shukid- (3:47)
10. Outro - (1:36)

This must be what the future of Kenyan hiphop is about.