The first time I heard K4 Kanali sing was when Gwaash teamed up with him, Retro and Yung on Katambe. He is the guy on the first verse which goes like, “Danse danse na baby ukichoka wacha nikudare tukikata kakwota…”
K4 Kanali did the hook on the same track and boy, he really brought his A-game. Apart from his impeccable flow, he sang his verse in a unique deep bass that is just interesting to listen to.
K4 Kanali
Since then, I’ve morphed into a big fan of K4 Kanali as he has continued to surprise me with his subsequent releases or the songs that he has been featured on.
Some of the songs include; Juu Chini, 2 By 2, Doba Na Jing, Ikebe, Shots, Pull Up Na Mali, Bad Manners and Patia where he worked with Kappy (Team Ganji), Iano Ranking (Wakali Wao) and Gwaash.
Believe you me this lad is really talented. He has a unique ability of matching random words and making rhymes that will leave you scratching your head as you try to make sense of what he just said.
To add to that, he has some dope punchlines. However, for some weird reason he’s not as big as he should be. Maybe it is because the industry is slow to recognize real talent but I believe his time is coming.
If you are into Gengetone, like myself, then K4 Kanali is one artist you should watch out for because he’s destined for greatness.
Celebrated Kenyan singer Martin Wagura, better known as Fatboy Gwaash or Gwaash, has dropped a new track with K4Kanali and Josephil from Team Psycho and it is getting a lot of love from their fans.
The jam titled Bad Manners has been ruling the airwaves since it came out a few hours ago and to be honest, we also love it.
K4Kanali
I have listened to this song a couple of times since it came out and every time I listen to it, it’s like I am hearing it for the very first time. Yup, it’s that’s good.
One of the reasons why I love Gengetone and the artists behind it is because of their sheer creativity. These guys can come up with random rhymes and it’s just awesome to listen to them as they play around with words.
I am a huge fan of K4Kanali and if you ask me, he totally nailed the hook and his verse in this track. He has a natural flow and to add to that, his deep baritone really sets him apart.
As expected, Gwaash also aced it. He also has an impeccable flow though I must admit that sometimes I feel like he is talking through his verse rather than singing.
Gwaash
Josephil from Team Pycho also did a good job. He is also interesting to listen to and I must say that I’m going to look out for his music and verses henceforth.
The beat is also on point. Other than the fact that it’s very catchy, which simply means that you might get up to dance as you listen to this song, it blends well with the voices and tempos of the artists.
About the video, I do not really know. Not that I have any problem with it but I feel that more needs to be done when it comes quality, concept and location. Anyway, big up to Gwaash, K4Kanali and Josephil.
WatchBad Manners below and tell us what you think.
Celebrated Kenyan singer Martin Wagura, better known as Fatboy Gwaash or Gwaash, has dropped a new track with K4Kanali, Iano Ranking and Kappy and it’s a big tune.
The jam titled Patia was inspired by a speeech made Raila Odinga where he was comparing Kamba women with who will give you ‘something’ once they assure you that they will. This song is definitely not for prudes.
Iano Ranking
I have listened to this song a couple of times since it came out and every time I listen to it, it’s like I am hearing it for the very first time. Yup, it’s that’s good.
One of the reasons why I love Gengetone and the artists behind it is because of their sheer creativity. These guys can come up with random rhymes and it’s just awesome to listen to them as they play around with words.
The first verse by Iano Ranking, who is one half of Wakali Wao is sick. He’s such a dope lyricist and to add to that, he some great punchlines.
Team Ganji’s Kappy also brought his A-game on Patia. I totally love his musical prowess. His flow is flawless and you just want to keep listening to him as he goes about his business.
K4Kanali
If you ask me, I’ll tell you that K4Kanali had the best verse on this track. His lyrics are so dope so much so that it will make you wish he had been given a few more seconds. Wait, does it have everything to do with his unique voice?
As expected, Gwaash also aced it. He also has an impeccable flow though I must admit that sometimes I feel like he is talking through his verse rather than singing.
Kappy
The beat is also on point. Other than the fact that it’s very catchy, which simply means that you might get up to dance as you listen to this song, I loved how it blends well with the voices and tempos of the artists.
About the video, I don’t really know. Not that I have any problem with it but I feel like the shaking of derrieres and low-quality visuals is becoming too cliche. Anyway, big up to Gwaash, Kappy, K4 Kanali and VDJ Jones.
Celebrated Kenyan singer Martin Wagura, better known as Fatboy Gwaash or Gwaash, has dropped a new track with Ex Ray (Boondocks Gang), G Rock and Shagwah (34 GVNG) and we are really feeling it.
The track titled Mtaro has been topping local music charts since it came out a few days ago and it’s not really hard to understand why. Ladies and gentlemen, this song is really dope. I’m not exaggerating.
Ex Ray
Like I always say, if you chose to ignore the raunchiness of the lyrics and focus on the wordplay and rhymes, you will realize that some of these Gengetone are amazing lyricists.
I’ve been listening to this jam on repeat over the last few days and one things is for sure, it’s really infectious. I don’t know if it’s just me but this is one of the best Gengetone jams that I’ve listened to since the year began.
Gwaash
The verses on Mtaro are so sick. For instance, you have to admit that Ex Ray did a good job. This chap has a unique ability to play around with words and you just want to keep listening to him.
As expected, Fatboy Gwaash also nailed it. Apart from his unique voice, his flow is so good that you would think that he wrote the lyrics while asleep. I don’t know if this makes any sense because it sounded okay in my head.
Shagwah, who is a member of 34 GVNG, did not disappoint either. He has a knack for telling stories and believe you me, you’ll be hooked to his verse as soon as he starts rapping.
Boy Bleezy and Tratic of G Rock Music
The trio that make up G Rock Music i.e Madra, Boy Bleezy and Tratic also have some impeccable rhymes. Actually, I am disappointed that I discovered them late but as they say, better late than never.
The beat is catchy and it gets you in a party mood the moment you hit the play button and that is not a bad thing or is it? The video is simple but I feel it works for this song since they shot it in a stream and they’re singing about mtaro.
Celebrated Kenyan singer Martin Wagura, better known as Fatboy Gwaash or Gwaash, has dropped a new track with K4Kanali and Kappy and we are really feeling it.
The jam titled Patia was inspired by a speeech made Raila Odinga where he was comparing Kamba women with who will give you ‘something’ once they assure you that they will. This song is definitely not for prudes.
K4Kanali
I have listened to this song a couple of times since it came out and every time I listen to it, it’s like I am hearing it for the very first time. Yup, it’s that’s good.
One of the reasons why I love Gengetone and the artists behind it is because of their sheer creativity. These guys can really rhymes and it’s just awesome to listen to them as they play around with words.
The first verse by Kappy is on point. I totally love his musical prowess. His flow is flawless and you just want to keep listening to him as he goes about his business.
Gwaash
If you ask me, I’ll tell you that K4Kanali had the best verse on this track. His lyrics are so dope so much so that it will make you wish he had been given a few more seconds.
As expected, Gwaash also aced it. He also has an impeccable flow although I must admit that sometimes I feel like he is talking through his verse rather than singing.
The beat is also on point. Other than the fact that it’s very catchy, which simply means that you might get up to dance as you listen to this song, I loved how it blends well with the voices and tempos of the artists.
Listen to Patia below and tell us what you think. Enjoy!
The Kenyan hip hop scene has become of age. The present hip hop artist generation are out on the street, outdoing themselves with unbelievable, never-before-seen talent. We have finally found a signature beat that solely speaks and identifies as Kenyan Hip Hop.
Wikipedia, on Hip Hop: “…stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhymic speech that is chanted. It’s defined by four key stylistic elements: MCing/rapping, DJing/scratching with turntables, breakdancing and graffiti writing….”
Present day Kenyan hip hop outfits have perfected the art of sampling beats or bass lines from records (or synthesized beats and sounds), and rhythmic beat-boxing.
*This list is not conclusive. It stars in a great extent, other equally talented outfits.
This new sound didn’t debut with the Z-generation artists. They have gone on to perfect the sound that debuted with the Nairobi club-banger by the artists Mayonde and Stonie Jiwe. The track was a huge success.
A few months back, Ethic broke out with a catchy, infectious track, tagged Pandana. That track received an instant stamp of approval by fans – who outdid themselves uploading short dance videos. More favorites followed in quick succession:
Na Iwake, by Ochungulo Family, that stars the amazingly talented Nelly The Goon and Benzema.
Rieng, a punchy rhyming track popular on the party scene, by Boondocks Gang.
Wabebe, by Gwaash ft. 34GVNG.
Amongst other awesome releases (it’s hard to keep up).
KRG THE DON
What greatly resonates with this new hip hop style is that the artists and their producers haven’t over-hyped the genre with an exotic, upper class feel that’s common with the older generation hip hop artists. The videos aren’t shot in upscale neighborhoods with heated swimming pools as a back drop, but in mid-level suburb streets – Dagoretti, Doonholm, Githurai and the ilk.
The cast do not break the bank dressing in Gucci and Armani. They do not use expensive jewelry and unrealistic, hired video vixens – madem wa mtaa wako tu sawa. Teens across the country appreciate and connect with this!
In the USA, that’s exactly how hip hop started in The Bronx, and became a revolution.
The only case of extravagance in a video appears on Mathogothanio by KRG The Don and Boondocks. The video has rides not for the everyday kid, up and including a Ford Mustang 2017 model (they are forgiven – it’s a huge track with awesome beat flow and seamless rap).
Self-appointed moral policemen would be quick to trash the new generation Kenyan hip hop music as ratchet level, vulgar and unsuitable for the average teen. It’d be wise to remember we, read millennials, have grown up on a dirty staple of American rap: Lil Wayne, T.I, Future, et al. These rappers are the real definition of dirty and vulgar. The real problem is that with Kenyan artists, you get to hear the actual lyrics.
Message? Be real, support your own.
P.S
In videos, videos, observe some restraint: Thou shall not have a dancer twerking seductively in the national flag. (The Na Iwake video).
Keep up the spirit. Let’s make this signature style truly Kenyan.
I’m not a fan of Bongo music. I only listen to Tanzanian songs when I have to, for instance when I am doing a review or when they are randomly played at a club, party or in a matatu.
On the flip side, I admire so many Tanzanian artists not for any other reason but because they really work their asses off. I could list them but their names would take up all this space. So, I’ll save you the agony.
WCB artists
Bongo music has always been big deal not only in Tanzania but across the continent and it’s bout time we – or rather our artists – borrowed a leaf from them.
They should ask themselves questions like,”What can we learn from Tanzanian musicians?”, “What areas should we work on?” and “What are they doing differently?”
One of the Bongo artists that I really admire, just like most of you is Diamond Platnumz. Despite being accomplished and all, he has never been content with his success. He keeps pushing each and every day.
Since the year begun he has released more than 30 songs, perhaps more, including collabos. As a result, he is always at the top of people’s minds.
Khaligraph Jones
It always seems like he is a pacesetter for the Tanzanian music industry since most people – including his stablemates – like Rayvanny, Lava Lava, Mbosso and Queen Darleen want to keep up with him.
The local music industry lacks a someone who keeps artists on their toes as is the case with Tanzania and this means that very few musicians, if any, give a hoot about consistency.
The truth is that people get bored very fast. I doubt if any of the people who are reading this article can have a jam in their playlists for more than a week and this means that artists need to release more music. There is no other way.
Many of you will be quick to point out that new age artists such as; Sailors Gang, Boondocks Gang, Ochunglo Family, 34 GVNG, Gwaash, etc. are constantly releasing music but let’s be honest, that is not serious music.
Nadia Mukami
In as much as we find the songs by these youngins catchy, they rarely transcend our borders. It’s what it is. To add to that, the quality is always wanting.
I’m talking about the likes of Nyashinski, Nadia Mukami, Octopizzo, Khaligraph, King Kaka, Redsan, Nameless, Jua Cali, Avril etc. Will they ever wake up from their deep slumber? If so, when? Enough said.
Celebrated Kenyan singer Martin Wagura, better known as Fatboy Gwaash or Gwaash, has dropped a new song with Frasha and Lyrical Picasso and we are really feeling it.
The song titled Short & Brief, which is an obvious corruption of Sauti Sol’s mega hit Short & Sweet, has been getting good reviews since it was released a few days ago.
Gwaash
The song begins with Lyrical Picasso and as you listen to it, you understand why he was given the first verse. This lad is really dope, his rhymes and general flow is really impressive.
Although it was my first time listening to him, I wasn’t disappointed. Actually, I gave him more respect when I learnt that he is from South Sudan.
As expected, Fatboy Gwaash also nailed it. Apart from his unique voice, his flow is so good that you would think that he wrote the lyrics while asleep. I don’t know if this makes sense, it sounded okay in my head.
Frasha, who has always been my favourite P-Unit member also delivered in this song. He also has a unique voice and a flow that’s worth writing home about.
Frasha
The beat was produced by DJ Creme and mastered by Ilogos Music and that can only mean that it’s really good and if you are not careful you will find yourself busting moves as soon as you hit the play button. You’ve been warned.
The video concept was good. Although it lacks a wow factor since it is almost similar with many of the videos that we seen lately, we have to give it to VJ One for the quality.
Watch Short & Brief below and tell us what you think.
The jam dubbed Waria has been getting massive airplay on local radio and TV stations since the four talented artists dropped it a few days ago.
To be honest, this song is a work of art. Why, you ask? Well, it’s because Fatboy Gwaash, Ex Ray, B9 and Tycoon Tata have very unique approaches to music yet they somehow managed to blend so well in one track.
Ex Ray
The flow on this jam is really sick. I don’t know why but I was listening to it, my mind drifted back to the early 2000’s when such music was the order of the day.
As you would expect both Ex Ray and Fatboy Gwaash had some tight punchlines on this song, their rhymes were also dope.
However, what amazed me was Tycoon Tata and B9’s flow. You guy! I don’t know who it is but one of them had a line that goes like, “Niko jaba na ye sio kahaba, lakini kuni nanapenda bila rubber.” You can’t make this stuff up!
The beat, which was produced by the one and only Dadyro, was also commendable. It is very catchy and you will find yourself busting moves to it before you know it.
Talented singer Timothy Owuor, better known as Timmy Tdat, has been featured on a new song alongside Volkhano, Wendee, Gwaash, K4Kanali & Padi and it’s a big tune.
The song dubbed 2 By 2 talks about having two ladies instead of one because c’mon it’s the cold season, plus any other reason.
I really love this jam. As expected, Timmy’s verse is really on point and you just want to keep listening to him as he drops his punchlines. However, some might say that his lyrics are too risque.
Timmy Tdat
Volkhano also came through on this jam. To be honest, it was my first time listening to a song by him but I wasn’t really disappointed.
Wendee, the only female musician who was featured this jam, also did well. You guy, this lass has some dope bars.
Of course, K4Kanali also nailed it. Although I was impressed by his verse, I must say that he killed it on the hook. I don’t know, maybe it has something to do with his coarse voice.
K4Kanali
Fat Boy Gwaash also did a good job. He has this rare storytelling skill that is really dope and you just want to keep listening to him.
The beat on this track was also dope. It’s very likely that you will get up to dance while listening to this jam or maybe it’s just me.
Gwaash
The video concept was also good. I don’t know about you but the vixens who were picked really know how to shake it.
The song titled Bend Ukimove, which means bend as you are moving or ‘twerk it’, has received good traction since it was released.
As you can tell, this song is purely for entertainment. If you were looking for something with an impactful message, I hate to be the one to tell you that you are looking in the wrong place.
Gwaash
Anyway, I really love this song. I can’t get enough of it. In my opinion, everything was arranged. I won’t be shocked if it becomes the street anthem of the year.
It is the real embodiment of Gengetone. As I was listening to it, I sort of felt like I was back to the early 2000s when Genge was such a big deal but then again maybe it’s just me.
All the three artists i.e. Kijiko, Fat Boy Gwaash and Savage, really came through in this jam. Their verses were so on point that I had to pause the song to listen to words that had slipped by.
Kijiko
The beat in this jam is also awesome. It’s so catchy that you just want to get up from the seat and bust moves. I can tell you for free that this song will receive massive airplay in clubs.
Just like most Gengetone jams, the video concept was very simple. However, the one thing that struck my eyes is the well-endowed lasses were shaking their derrieres like the world was coming to an end.
Watch Bend Ukimove below and tell us what you think.
The song titled Pepeta is about well-endowed lasses shaking their derrieres like there is no tomorrow. Put simply, it’s all about twerking. Sorry if you are the kind of people that look for a message, there’s none here.
Anyway, I really love this jam. Apart from the curvaceous ladies who were picked as vixens for this video, I could not get enough of the witty rhymes and wordplay by the artists. They totally nailed it.
Quanchy
This was my second time listening to a jam by Quanchy and I must admit that he’s really good. Although his rhymes aren’t all that, he is without a doubt the upcoming king of hooks.
Rawky is not too bad either. His wordplay seems effortless and chances are, you will look for other songs by him after listening to this jam.
As expected, Gwaash also nailed it. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting anything less from him. He brought life to it with his dope rhymes and if it ever goes viral, we’ll have him to thank.
The beat, which was produced by a lad known as Mawa, was also dope. As I was listening to this jam, I could picture ladies in a club twerking like the world is coming to an end.
Fat Boy Gwaash, who’s also known as Mr Sponyo, has dropped a new jam with Juicy Flaps Family and we really love it. Like, really!
The song titles Mnanishika Nini was inspired by an audio clip of Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu protesting his arrest in April 2012. At the time, he was an assistant minister.
Although this was my first time listening to a jam by Juicy Flaps Family, I was not disappointed. Actually, I searched for other songs by them after listening to this one and all I can say is that they are too dope.
Gwaash
As expected, Gwaash really came through with some dope rhymes on this jam. Anyway, I was not expecting anything less.
His verse goes like, “Chengerere kwa mkono cheza chini buda boss afande form ni gani kwenye mbaru jo umenirusha Mariamu haidai, kupanda miti haidai, kupanda miti haidai shika hongo usinikashi nitakutuma buda boss siku nyingi imetung’ora si vijana wa mtaani, tukiseti mnatunyuria, tukanjwa mnatuchuna, tukipona mnatupona, acha hizo jo…”
The other thing that struck me about this song is the vixens who were featured in the video. They were shaking it like the world was coming to an end an we don’t really mind.
The beat was also so dope. The first time I heard this jam, I wanted to hit the club and get down with some beautiful ladies. Props to the producer.
Watch Mnanishika Nini below and tell us what you think.
The song titled Bum Digida, is a party anthem that that hails the shaking of booty or twerking if you like.
If you were looking for a jam with a message then you are in the wrong place since it is just for entertainment. I would strongly advise you to look elsewhere.
Anyway, in my opinion, this jam is out of this world. It’s totally dope. In as much as it was my first time listening to a song by El Chapo or Puffy, I was not disappointed.
Gwaash
I, however, have to admit that I have a bias towards El Chapo. His wordplay on this jam was so amazing. I just wanted to keep listening to him.
As expected,n Fat Boy Gwaash also came through with some witty rhymes. He really aced it ladies and gentlemen. No kidding.
Of course, the video for this jam is also awesome thanks to the well-endowed lasses who were twerking like the world was about to end. Props to them! Or else it would not be a song about twerking if they didn’t get vixens who can really shake it.
Watch Bum Digida below and tell us what you think.
The song titled Dryspell talks about what happens when a person, especially a man, does not have sex for a long time due to one reason or the other. (I was explaining to the prudes because I know you all know what it means).
Anyway, although it’s the first time I’ve listened to a song by Caridac, I was not disappointed at all. He has some good punchlines. Like, really. I would listen to him all day.
Gwaash
He just doesn’t focus on rhyming words, as you are listening to him, you’ll realize that there’s a lot of of thought that went into his would never mind the fact that he’s just singing about sex.
As expected, Gwaash also came through with some mad flow on this jam. He repped his hood, Kariobangi South, so well.
His verse goes like, “Naunguza kila siku kwa bar-esa wanadhani namada pesa wanadhani namada hela but jioni niko mboka kutesa nitatesa jo kuteka ntateka jo wakoba tutafyeka kila siku kujibamba acha hizo buda boss naskia mkoba wangu analia ako dry acha hizo bana jo form za urazi hatudai form za ujinga hatudai niko kwenye keja jo tunakata.”
The video was also good, especially the scenes that have some endowed vixens twerking their derrieres like there’s no tomorrow. You guy!
I also loved the beat, it gives you this feeling of FOMO. However, for one reason or the other, I could not picture guys dancing to this song in a club or anywhere else. Maybe it’s just me.
Listen to Dryspell below and tell us what you think.
The new song dubbed Meow – the sound that is produced by a cat – is about how guys pursue ladies with the objective of bedding then hence the meow sound, you get it? Sorry prudes, this is not for you.
Although I was really disappointed in the quality of the audio, I must admit that Gwaash, K4Kanali and Xtrim really had some tight verses in this jam.
To be more specific, I was really impressed by K4Kanali. You might remember him from the first verse in Katambe, “Danse danse na baby ukichoka wacha nikudare tukikata kaquarter sai tunasele…”
K4Kanali
K4Kanali also killed it in this jam. His verse goes like, “Baby uko fiti umeshikana kama simiti, mwili ni ya madhako na najua wewe huringi ana forehead proper matako matiti dreadi kama nichi na ni safi…”
Like I mentioned earlier, the only problem I have with this jam is the audio quality. It’s terrible, there is no other way to describe it. It just shows that the song was hurriedly done and released.
That notwithstanding, I really loved the beat. It’s the kind that will get you in a great mood from the time you hit the play button. Props to the producer.
In my opinion, the new crop of Kenyan musicians should avoid working with artists who have been in the game for a longer period than they have. Instead, they should release more projects with their fellow new-age artists and push the new sound.
I’m sure many established artists are dying to do collabos with the likes of Boondocks Gang, Ethic, Zzero Sufuri, Ochunglo Family, Sailors Gang, Gwaash etc., because they are hot on the streets at the moment.
Zzero Sufuri
I, however, feel that they should not work with them, at least not just yet because it’s too soon and they should first grow their names and fan bases before they consider doing collabos with people who have been in the industry for many years.
Secondly, the new Kenyan sound will be diluted if they start doing collabos with established artists left, right and center. Truth is that the two groups have different approaches to music and as soon as they start working together, the older folks are likely to influence the youngins.
As a result, new-age artists will lose their rawness, for lack of a better word and be drawn to sensible music. On the other hand, established artists might also be influenced by the youngins and maybe, just maybe they will also start releasing Wamlambez-like songs and we don’ t want that or do we?
Boondocks Gang
Granted, the new-age artists stand to gain a lot by working with their older peers but at what cost? Who bears the brunt? The way I see it, this is their time and they should maintain the unique identity of the new Kenyan sound by working with each other.
Dubbed Olunga, their latest release is a tribute to Harambee Stars & Kashiwa Reysol forward Michael Ogada Olunga.
The song is a clarion call to everybody to aim for the top i.e. to excel in their respective fields.
The delivery of all the group members was really on point, however, I’m really going to side with Vuva on this 0ne. He really killed it!
One of the reasons why I love this song is because it’s inspirational, it aims to uplift people by telling them that it’s possible.
This song is different from the the kind of music that we have gotten used to i.e. the vulgar kind and I think it’s a step in the right path.
The video concept is simple but dope, as you would expect, there are some well-endowed lasses who are twerking around. If that does not inspire you then I guess nothing can.
The producer – Hitman Kaht – did a good job on the beats. The word that I am actually looking for is great. It slaps really hard.
Listen to Olunga below and tell us what you think.
Just like any other artist, he keeps improving with every subsequent release and it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a household name.
I was astounded when I checked out his YouTube channel. I realized that he has been doing music from 2017 or thereabout.
Unlike what many people think, Gwaash had a couple of songs before Sponyo and Wabebe went viral in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Gwaash
If you listen to his older songs, you’ll also agree that he has really grown. Back in the day, he was more of a trapper but he discovered Gengetone somewhere along the way and he’s been acing it since.
To date, my favourite songs by him or the ones where he has featured are Katambe, Aluta and of course Always say.
If you choose to ignore the raunchiness of the words in the songs and focus on the rhymes and wordplay, you’ll realize that Gwaash is talented, you might even feel like he’s way ahead of his time.
I wasn’t too surprised that he had been picked as one of the artists that will perform at Koroga Festival because he actually has it in him. Keep an eye out for Fat Boy Gwaash!
Watch his latest collabo with Boondocks Gang dubbed Kalongo.
Boondocks Gang, or Genge La Bundoksi if you like, has teamed up with Gwaash on a new jam and we are really feeling it.
I’m probably dancing as I write this and you can’t even blame me. I mean, how can you?
When you talk about Kenya’s new-age musicians, you can’t fail to mention Boondocks Gang, who are known for their mega hit Rieng, and Gwash – who became a household name after releasing Wabebe.
As such, you know what to expect when you hear that the two are on one jam! Its smoooooking!!! (read this in Jeff Koinange’s voice).
The new jam dubbed Kalongo has been trending since it was released a few days ago. So far, it has garnered 95,000 views on YouTube and the comments section is a hot mess as you would expect.
Kalongo is a childhood game where people would pretend that they have a functional family i.e. dad, mum and the children. Kids would even cook!
Does that jog your mind? Well, the new collabo between Boondocks Gang and Gwaash borrows heavily from that. However, they disorted the childhood game and I’d rather not talk about that.
Both Boondocks Gang and Gwaash really came through with some impressive word flow. However, I was particularly impressed by Odi Wa Murang’a. This young man has some good flow. Where is the lie?
Boondocks Gang
The song’s chorus, which was done by Ex Ray, is very simple but catchy. It goes like, “Hiyo story cha baba, cha mama si hawa mangeus wanapenda kalongo, cha baba, cha mama, si hawa watoi wanapenda kalongo.”
The beat, which was produced by the one and only Mashakurah, is also impressive. It slaps hard! Where is the lie?
The song was directed by Qvisuals. Watch Kalongo below and tell us what you think.
Tomorrow marks a year since Ethic, a group whose members are Rekles, Swat, Zilla and Seska, debuted on the local entertainment scene with Lamba Lolo.
They introduced Kenyans carefree music and we loved them never mind the fact that their song was a bit vulgar. Wasn’t it?
Ethic
Soon enough, Ethic released other songs; Position, Saba, Instagram, Pandana and before we knew it, they were household names. Yup, they became stars in one year!
Perhaps the icing on the cake for them was participating in Coke Studio 2018. Anyone musician will tell you for free that that’s an opportunity that they are ready to die for.
Ethic has empowered many young musicians in the last one year. They have shown them that making a hit song does not take much, that you don’t have to splurge.
They also gave them courage to sing about anything that comes to their minds, which is mostly raunchy stuff, but that’s a story for another day.
Ochunglo Family
In the last one year we’ve seen the emergence of new age musicians and groups and in my opinion they should all thank Ethic for leading the way for them.
The like of Ochunglo Family, Boondocks Gang, G-Rock, Gwaash etc. would be nowhere today were it not for Ethic. Deep down you also know that this is true.
Interestingly, though, I feel that some of the new-age musicians learned the ropes too fast and have since dethroned Ethic as Kenya’s best new-age musicians. What do you think?
Side note: A little bird told me that Ethic and Ochunglo Family have already done the remix for Pandana and it will be released anytime now. Get your eardrums ready!
Gwaash is back this time it is ‘Twende sana’. This guy does not cease to amaze his fans. Twende sana is a song that he describes of appreciating the Gengetone culture to the world. Twende sana are swahili words that means we move on.
Actually, twende sana is actually sheng’. Fatboy Gwaash does his music in sheng’. He is part of new upcoming Kenyan artists and has been consistent in his work.
Production of Twende Sana
Twende sana has been produced by Lemario and the video directed by Dennis Goods. In addition, Gwaash has featured Dj Slim B.
Dj Slim B; Featured in twende sana by Gwaash
The collaboration is a great deal. It is a simple video though quality has been considered. Also, the beats and the audio are in sync.
The choice of costumes and the vixens was good. They have given the jam life.
Lyrical Presentation
The choice of words Gwaash uses are out of this world. They are vulgar and no sugar coating. If this is what we call Kenyan music, then we have no option but to play them in clubs.
He is fond of using rhyme in his work and this song is not an exception. Although the song may sound vulgar, it is sweet from the style used to deliver it.
In addition to his style, Gwaash has a way of capturing his fans attention. There are lines in the song that you wouldn’t want to miss; ‘mtoto akitaka mjulus weka mara mbili’. A line like this one, I leave you to get the meaning.
Have you thought of what ‘Chora saba twende sana means’? Only the young generation can relate.
This is a banger that would only come out if played in a club. This boy Gwaash needs to heed to his fans demands and look for Bobby Mapesa.
If there’s an artist who has played a big role in pushing the new Kenyan sound then it’s Fat Boy Gwaash. No kidding.
He is the biggest proponent of Gengetone (or whatever you prefer to call it) so much so that he he has taken it upon himself to ensure it’s not just a wave.
You see, Fat Boy Gwaash has done a collabo with almost all the new-age artists save for Ethic. I’m told that he always seeks the collabos himself.
Gwaash
This way, he ensures that people keep listening to their songs. As a result, they will never fade from the music scene.
He has also previously stated that he will not do a song with an established musician until there comes a time when they will be at par.
In my opinion, he is the future of Kenyan music and we need more people like him if all we ever want to phase out foreign (read as Tanzanian) music completely.
The country is in a good place at the moment – musically speaking and I would love to see the day when our artists will have fans not only in Kenya but also outside.
Listen to his collabo with Munju Reh dubbed Hama Mtaa below.
