Octopizzo’s latest release ‘Zikishika’ is possibly his best work ever (Video)

Image: Octopizzo

Henry Ohanga, alias Octopizzo, has released a new song dubbed Zikishika and it’s a classic ladies and gentlemen. Why, you ask? Because he is rapping to the instrumental of a Rhumba classic – something like this is almost unheard of.

The song that he has sampled is none other than Massu by Franco and Le T.P.O.K. Jazz. The song was released in 1986 – that’s 33 years ago. If you grew up in a home where your dad was always listening to Rhumba or Lingala then you must be familiar with this song.

In the new jam dubbed Zikishika, Octopizzo raps as the instrumental of Massu plays in the background. However, it has been polished a bit to give it an urban touch.

After listening to the song a couple of times, I arrived at the conclusion that it is Octopizzo’s best work yet. It really dwarfs all his other songs. It also shows how much the Kibera-bred rapper has grown.

Zikishika appeals to different generations. Chances the next time you’ll visit your dad. You’ll find him jamming to this song and he’ll ask you whether you know of a rapper by the name Octopizzo. Anyway, I hope you get my point.

Octopizzo

As expected, Octopizzo’s rap flow in the song is also flawless. I was not disappointed at all. He spits in Sheng, Swahili and English. I particularly loved how he was interchanging the words.

The only part that upset me was where he said, “lamba lolo, pewa lollipop”. This was a great song until Octopizzo added the words “lamba lolo“. Now it’s just a good song. Anyway, I am joking, this is one of the greatests songs ever!

The song’s video, which was directed by Nathan Collet, is also excellent. There’s a beautiful co-ordination of the locations with Octopizzo’s outfits. I was actually surprised when I learnt that it was shot in Kenya. It has a West African vibe.

Watch Zikishika below and tell us what you think. Get good earphones or headphones for this!

About this writer:

David Kingsley

Comme ci, comme ça [email protected]