Happy Birthday South C’s Finest Rapper and Lyricist, E-Sir…

E-Sir….

It’s a short cryptic name. It’s like a fig.  A fig is a tiny seed, but grows to gigantic proportions. From humble, feeble beginnings to a towering, overshadowing stature in total indifference to numerous challenges and pitfalls along the journey.

Perhaps, in nature a fig seed would best animate the life of Kenya’s most celebrated fallen Hip Hop artist, Issah Mmari Wangui, fondly known as E-Sir.

Today, in better circumstances, E-Sir would be marking 19 years in the Hip Hop industry. However, that bubbly candle was snuffed out in a grisly road accident on a chilly Sunday morning – 16th March, 2003 aged just 21.

Just why E-Sir fondly remains in the hearts and minds of Hip Hop fans? His was a soul born before his time – a dynamic fusion of unique talent, entrepreneurial mindset and a burning desire to be the best in the industry.

A casual online search of the republic’s most iconic musicians has E-Sir cheekily tacked in between regional musical entities – Daudi Kabaka, Les Wanyika, Them Mushrooms, et al – all with eventful careers spanning decades. E-Sir’s case is different.

In two short years, 2001 – 2003, E-sir had grown from ‘South C’s Finest’ – winning freestyle rap sessions on street corners – to a star with a huge national following.

E-Sir had an easy-flowing lyrical flow, often in flawless Swahili and became one of the pioneers of Kapuka. Signed to the label Ogopa DJs, E-Sir’s peers on the Kapuka Beat includes Nameless, Redsan, Mr. Lenny, Vinnie Banton, amongst others.

In 2003, local Hip Hop faced a daunting task to penetrate the market, as Western Hip hop had a fanatical following. Remember The East vs. West beef? Yeah, that’s what E-Sir and fellow stars had to over shadow…..

And, Oh Boy! They did it in style!

E-Sir’s ageless hits include Bamba ft. Big Pin and K-Rupt (Deceased), Mos Mos ft. Brenda, Saree, and the soulful Hamnitishi ft. Talia – which, loved ones believe has a deeper message that foresaw his imminent demise. Up to date, E-sir’s greatest hit, Bumba Train alongside close friend nameless still enjoys massive airplay on radio.

E-Sir’s musical dream still lives on with his younger brother, Habib still in the industry.

Long Live E-Sir.

Redsan says he’s now friends with producer he beat up like a burukenge 

Veteran music artist Redsan has revealed that he’s now on good terms with his producer after the two hit the trending lists following an ugly fight.

Redans and his producer Dr. Sappy became a viral meme after their nasty fight was recorded and posted on social media in form of an audio.

“That issue was resolved ’cause me and him are good right now,” he said.

Redsan went on to joke about the fight saying at least it created some employment.

“Soja Tunavamiwa”, the ‘Shoulder Back hitmaker said, “At least I created jobs for some people, they released songs through that.”

Fight

The fight happened sometime last year. Redsan was accused of being ungrateful, after having the entire album made for him without any payment being made. Sappy vowed not to give him the album in which forced Redsan to take it forcefully.

Kenyans don’t appreciate Redsan at all

I honestly feel like Kenyans don’t really appreciate Swabri Mohammed, alias Redsan. We can debate about this until the cows come home but it’s a fact.

In my opinion, Redsan is one most hardworking artists not only in Kenya but in the East African region as well. His work really stands out.

Somehow, people don’t appreciate his craft yet his music approach is unique. If you asked anyone about any reggae or dance hall artist from East Africa, they’ll probably mention Redsan first.

Unlike many Kenyan artists, Redsan actually goes an extra mile and does not use controversy to market his music or acquire a fan base.

Until last year when he beat up his producer for delaying his album, there was no controversial story about Redsan. I digress.

If you look at his latest releases including Rio, Back it Up, Pon Di Corner – where Kendi featured him, you’ll realize that he puts so much work into his music.

Take for example Rio. I honestly feel that it’s Redsan’s best work yet. He really went out of his way in that jam. The song was shot by Sesan – who is one of the best video directors in the continent.

That aside, Rio such a beautiful composition. Redsan is actually spitting bars in Portuguese or is Mexican? Anyway, that song is dope.

Funny enough, the song only garnered 130,000 views on YouTube, which is a dismal performance by any standards since the song was released more than two months ago.

His other releases including Pon Di Corner barely garnered 50,000 views  and why is this  the case? Do we as Kenyans feel that Redsan is not doing enough?

I honestly feel that it’s about time we started appreciating Redsan, because why not? Is he putting effort? Hell yes!

Watch his latest single Back It Up below.