Kenyan musicians are not growing but who is to blame?

Save for the likes of Sauti Sol, Khaligraph, Willy Paul, Octopizzo, Nyashinski, Victoria Kimani and STL, I doubt most Kenyan musicians are known beyond our borders and who is to blame?

Sauti Sol
Sauti Sol

You see, we live in an age where an artist doesn’t have to rely on mainstream media. i.e. TV, radio and newspapers, to grow his or her fan base. As such, we’ll spare the mainstream media in this discourse.

I strongly feel like blame should be apportioned equally on the artists themselves, producers, DJs, fans and video directors. In my opinion, all these people are sleeping on their jobs.

These parties are supposed to play various roles to ensure that Kenyan music transcends our borders but they are slacking.

Also read: Kenyans are to blame for not giving local musicians enough support

For instance, why can’t our producers make beats that can be enjoyed by foreign audiences or people who are outside Kenya?

Why can’t our video directors make good videos that are worthy of being played on international music TV shows? Why must they overcharge artists for good videos?

Why can’t our deejays, especially those who play in popular clubs,  have Kenyan songs back-to-back on their playlists? Why are they biased towards Tanzanian, Nigerian and South African artists?

DJ Creme playing at a gig
DJ Creme playing at a gig

As music fans, why are we not requesting and/or buying Kenyan music? Why are we not showing up for events to show Kenyan artists that  are solidly behind them?

Lastly, when will our artists stop being lazy? Why can’t they be proactive? When will they learnt that the biggest secret to success is consistency?

We’ve had this conversation so many times. It has gotten to a point where it is tiring to even talk about these things. It’s time for change!

What are your thoughts on this? Who is to blame? Please leave a comment below.

Stella Mwangi’s new jam dubbed ‘Ma Itu’ is too lit (Audio)

Norway-based Kenyan rapper Stella Mwangi, who is also known as STL, has dropped a new jam and we really love it. No kidding.

Also read: Victoria Kimani Vs Stella Mwangi: Who is making Kenyans proud in the diaspora?

The song dubbed Ma Itu, which is a Kikuyu word that means our truth, talks about saying goodbye to lies which have been spread for long and warming up to facts or the truth.

The main reason why I love this song is because it has some mad energy, even if you were to dance to it, you wouldn’t even have a second to take a breath.

Stella Mwangi
Stella Mwangi

To add to that, you just have to love STL’s lyrical prowess. I mean, how can you not? The rhymes in her verses in this song are too dope.

In the first verse she says, “Keep your head boppin’, I get it poppin’, hip-hop adopting my blade choppin’, no way I’m stopping this drop top,  and I got the flavor, tell your neighbor, hii moto, Holy fire moto, freeze them like a photo, see me hop on the space, otto.”

The beat for this jam is also funky. It’s the kind of beats that will instantly make you nod your head like you are crazy or bust a move. Props to the producer.

Listen to Ma Itu below and tell us what you think.

STL lands mega deal yet again 

Stella Mwangi aka STL has proved to be one of the fiercest rappers from Kenyan so far.

The rapper has not only been taking over Norwegian airwaves but also Hollywood as well as her star continues shining.

STL has now been signed by Rockstar Group. In addition to full-service talent management, the deal also includes a content development deal with its groundbreaking broadcast and multi-platform content companies ‘Rockstar Television’ and ‘Rockstar Radio’.

“Stella is a real tsunami of a talent as her stellar success in hollywood and the usa is already testament to! Stella’s amazing musical talent, combined with her superstar image, explosive attitude and relentless drive for success paths the way for complete crossover audience appeal and success beyond any borders and we are thrilled to embark on this journey with her” said Jandre Louw, the Founder & President of Tsunami MGMT and President of The Rockstar Group. 

Anticipate

STL also acknowledged the deal saying that guys should anticipate her upcoming stuff because she’s about to switch things up.

“I’m really excited in joining the Rockstar and Tsunami fam starting with a whole new exciting chapter in rolling out both loads of new music and in addition an increased pan African focus! Africa I’m coming… get ready!” she said. 

 

‘This wasn’t the way it was supposed to end’ STL wishing she spoke to Kantai in her last visit to Kenya

As Kenyans continue to eulogize rapper Chris Kantai, many have been waiting to see what Norway based rapper Stella Mwangi will say about the fallen solider who was instrumental in shaping her career.

Stella alias STL and the late Chris to the Kantada go way back; the latter is credited with introducing the former into the Kenyan rap scene back in 2005. On Instagram Mwangi was thankful for Kantai’s influence in her career especially when no one wanted anything her.

“This one hit me hard… I been mourning. We come from far G. Fuck this shit! This wasn’t the way it was supposed to end. We were to meet many more times and create uplifting music, that’s what we agreed! I remember early 2005, when I stepped in the Kenyan music scene. Nobody wanted to give me a shot, they said I wouldn’t make it cos I didn’t know Swahili sheng. You showed me love from first moment, you told me; “stick to ur style! U not the one to change,- it’s THEM”. Kantai, you beautiful soul❤️,” she said. 

Regrets

Mwangi also shared that she regrets coming to Kenya last year and never reaching out to him for a sit down.

“We had wonderful conversations about life, God & music. We wrote Happy, recorded it & shot video in like 2 days! It was pure joy. U inspired me so much, i had memorized ur whole ‘Happy’ verse in like 10min, it cracked u up during the video shoot ? I feel so bad that I didn’t reach out to u last I was in Kenya, it all went so fast..I thought we had time!?? Even tho it’s a heartache, I can feel your spirit now, your truly Happy?? I pray for your family with love wishing them peace. #RestInParadise ?”

 

STL rubs shoulders with Akon, Common, Wyclef Jean as she brings the house down at Cannes Lions 2018 (Photos)

2018 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity kicked off on Monday June 18th. Kenyan born rapper Stella Mwangi aka STL was among international stars who performed at the 5-day carnival.

American rapper Common, Ako and Wyclef Jean were some of the international starts who graced the Cannes Lion 2018 in Cannes, France.

STL rubbed shoulders with Common, Ako and Wyclef Jean. The Norway-based Kenyan rapper set tongues wagging when she was seen embracing a shirtless Common.

STL with Akon at Cannes Lions 2018
STL with Akon at Cannes Lions 2018

STL with Common at the Cannes Lions 2018
STL with Common at the Cannes Lions 2018
Performance

Watch the clip below to see how STL brought the house down at Cannes Lions 2018:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkTCBfbnCsm/?