Eric Musyoka, the iconic producer who took Kenyan music to greater heights

It’s hard to talk about Kenyan music without mentioning the name of Decimal Records CEO Eric Musyoka, popularly known as Musyox. He has been very instrumental in shaping the Kenyan sound.

Also read: Stop looking for content from new-age musicians!

In the early to mid 2000s when Calif Records and Ogopa Deejays were beefing, the award-winning producer, who is now 38, was working at Homeboyz Entertianment.

Musyoka

While at the stable which is owned by the Rabar family, Musyoka produced songs for the musicians like; Prezzo, TID, Mr Lenny, Nameless, AY, Wyre, Peter Miles, Nikki, Nonini, just to name a few.

He then took a break and went for further studies at the SAE Institute in the US in 2006. Upon his return, he formed Decimal Records and signed P-Unit.

If you ask me, I will tell you that the group that was made up Frasha, Bon Eye and Gabu is one of Musyoka’s greatest achievements to this day. He literally propelled them to greater heights.

Musyoka and Bon Eye

What most people do not know is that the three started off as Nonini’s dancers and back-up singers and by 2010 they had won several awards including a MTV Africa Music Award (MAMA). Take a moment and let that sink in.

At Decimal, Musyoka has also worked with Just A Band, Juliani, Daddy Owen, Sauti Sol, Elani, Octopizzo and many more. Put simply, there is a high chance that he has produced a jam for your favourite Kenyan artist.

When all is said and done, he will be remembered for nurturing talents and taking Kenyan music to the continental stage because he started  producing music at a time when most artists were just focusing on their local audiences.

Musyoka is one of the producers who changed the game by ensuring our music could transcend our borders and this led to artists getting so many shows outside the country.

He’s a legend in his own right and it saddens me that most people will realize this after he hangs up his boots because as they say, you never miss something until it’s gone.

Watch one of his most popular jams dubbed Furahi Day by Nonini and Nameless below.

 

Blinky Bill treats fans to new single dubbed ‘Atenshan’ (Video)

Kenyan musician Bill Sellanga, popularly known as Blinky Bill and formerly of Just A Band, has released a new song and it’s getting a lot of love.

Also read: Blinky Bill, one of Kenya’s few music geniuses

The song dubbed Atenshan, which is a corruption of the word attention, is off his album Everyone’s Just Winging It And Other Fly Tales which was released in 2018 and that means that this jam isn’t that new, only the video is.

I really love this song. Every time I listen to it it’s like I am hearing it for the very first time and that is how you know it’s a big tune.

Blinky Bill
Blinky Bill

Atenshan is very groovy which simply means that you will most likely get up to bust a move from the moment you hit the play button. It goes without saying that the producer – a chap known as Leon Omondi – did a commendable job.

For me, one of the things that makes this song more than extraordinary is the perfect synchronization of the beat and the instruments. I know you will agree with me after listening to it.

Of course, we have to laud Blinky Bill for his melodious voice. There’s a way that he sings that keeps you hooked even if you are a guy. It is truly glorious.

The video is also great. I loved the choreography, styling and colour coordination. However, I still feel like it does not do this great song justice, not even close.

Watch Atenshan below and tell us what you think.

Just A Band’s Blinky Bill’s new jam ‘Bills To Pay’ is a big tune (Audio)

Kenyan musician Bill Selanga, popularly known as Blinky Bill and formerly of Just A Band, has dropped a new song and we absolutely love it. Like, really!

Also read: Blinky Bill, one of Kenya’s few music geniuses

The song dubbed Bills To Pay is about the hustles that people go through to make ends meet so that they can offset their daily expenses.

In the song, Blinky Bill faults those who hold back on people’s money after they have delivered services or products that were requested.

He says, “You need to know that I’ve got bills to pay and I’m gonna need my money today. Don’t waste my time, life is hard on me. Just make it easy for me. Oh yeah*3.”

Blinky Bill
Blinky Bill

As you listen to this song, you can’t help but appreciate Blinky Bill’s ingenuity. He’s addressing a major issue but the way he’s bringing it out is totally awesome. No kidding.

Of course his superb voice will make you listen to this jam at least a couple of times, your gender notwithstanding.

This song is from his album Everyone’s Just Winging It And Other Fly Tales and it was self-produced.

Listen to Bills To Pay below and tell us what you think.

Blinky Bill, one of Kenya’s few music geniuses

I don’t mean this in a bad way, but there is a shortage of music geniuses in Kenya, people who actually put a lot of thought into the whole process.

For instance, I wouldn’t necessarily refer to The Kansoul or Ochunglo Family as music geniuses. These two groups have just mastered their craft and know who they’re making music for. Thats it!

However, there are brilliant brains in the local music industry. They have an ear for good sound, their lyrics are well- thought out, their music has a unique rhythm. Kenyan singer Billy Sellanga, alias Blinky Bill, is one of them.

Blinky Bill

If you are familiar with his music, I know you agree with me. You never listen to a song by Blinky Bill and feel like you don’t believe the authenticity of the vocal performance. You are sold from the moment you hit the play button.

Blinky Bill is not just a musician, he is also a renowned producer and a disc jockey. He  is one fourth of Just A Band, the other members are Mbithi Masya, Dan Muli and Jim Chuchu.

The band is behind great hits such as Ha He, Probably For Lovers, Huff + Puff, just to name a few. They toured the world and won many accolades before splitting up in 2016 to pursue solo interests.

However, what many do not know is that Blinky Bill was in charge of the band’s musical direction. Perhaps this explains why he has been successful after going solo.

His debut album titled Everyone’s Just Winging It And Other Fly Tales was self-produced and this does not come as a surprise since he is an alumnus of Red Bull Music Academy and One Beat Music.

Blinky Bill’s music background could be the reason why he is a cut above the rest and has a unique sound. He sees music as an art, as such, each stage is well thought-out.

He starts by humming. He then makes a beat and from then he knows what to say and when or who would spice up the song.

For a man who draws influence from the likes of Pharrell, Kenya West, Bob Marley, Andre 3000, Fela Kuti, you can tell that he is just getting started. Watch out for Blinky Bill.