VOTE FOR KANJA AND NAOMI THIS WEDNESDAY
I will make this post very fast and simple. If you are an avid fan of this website you will notice one key thing, we often or normally never advertise anything on this site. We are very picky and specific on artists, products, services and in most cases events. By virtue of our business model its not part of our social DNA to be involved with too many community out reach programs simply because its so hard to be everywhere and support everyone.
So over the few years we just decided to help/support very few people or initiatives that seem to align with the kinds of mission statements we want to be associated with. Actually with the exception of Kaz, Jamhuri Wear, Serengeti Record Pool, Blackstar Entertainment, Xtreeme Music Video, Decimal Records, Juzl Media and some companies in Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria – we really just keep a low profile and prefer that the hype of the site is solely based on the hard core music lovers as opposed to a PR stunt.
However there are a few exceptions to the rule – such as KANJA. I will spare him the accolades today and the history. For today I need you guys who are in the US market to get your cellies out and vote for Kanja this Wednesday during WILD OUT Wednesdays on 106 and Park. To me this is bigger than what his actual skillz are this is about creating a platform for a lot of the African/Kenyan artists out there. This cat came on TV the first day and straight up claimed he was from Kenya regardless of his history and his residency. To me thats love beyond anything I can explain at this point. 106 and Park commands such a youth market in the US that the general viewership he had on his first show and to actually win that show – I can only imagine the type of attention this Wednesdays show will have.
THATS why we are giving him all we got for this week – no new ziks for at least 4 more days until Wild Out Wednesday is over.
Kanja Good luck – I wish out fans in Kenya could vote coz they are about 10,000 strong now – but rest assured they love and support you. Your humility is adoring keep it up and good luck.
Watch the Take it Video here:
Bamboo – Go DJ (GetMziki Exclusive ****)
I love Bamboo for a few reasons, through the thick and thin homie can really bounce back as if he was never down. I love Bamboo because sometimes he listens to his fans. I love Bamboo more importantly because he is a go getter – he will do what he must to make it out of this rap game/entertainment. If you can recall a few months ago I was bitching about Bamboo going back to his roots and just getting fresh with the Sheng flows.
Bamboo has it all, he has the talent, he has the flows, he has the smarts to put together some really cool choppy bars that keep his audiences engaged. Sometimes I think however as an artists it gets confusing which call you should answer. I’ve been watching this Trey songz show on BET lately (considering I hate BET). And its interesting management told Trey Songz to kill his gangsta image and the braids/corn rows for the clean cut snazzy sexy boy look. IT WORKED. Sometimes I just wish someone can do the same for Bamboo and manage his brand – and manage it well. Because all this is all about BRANDING – sio kitu ingine.
Either way – the African BANTU I salute you and love your work each time you send me the hits. This is no exception, this is a sure shot. Its not a club dancing song – this is not your COMPE type of track. But you will sit and listen to the Bamboo Delivery. Also key thing to note is that Bizzy has been in the US for a minute but am happy his Sheng flow is on point 
..Wapi album za K-South, tume uza – sija uza uliza Suzanne… // Bamboo youze a fool for this one – I thought Samawati ni mambo ya zamani.
listen to Go DJ here
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download the track here:
Abby Skillz Feat Alinda – Dunia (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
Tanzania is on the verge of one of the biggest elections in its history. In my little knowledge of the Tanzanian Government structure, I believe since its independence Tanzania has had only one political party in power – CCM. For the first time in the history of the country and the community as a whole – the mass majority of the people are dissatisfied with the Governance CCM has put in place since president Jakaya Kikwete took office.
Essentially over the last 5 to 10 years Tanzanias economy has dwindled down as the people in power continue to take care of their own interests. Its as if TZ picked a page out of the Kenyan corruption notebook and perfected it. A few years ago (1999) there was an airport scandal of monumental heights. The Tanzanian Airports Authority bought a radar from BAE systems for 46Million Dollars. I mean this radar can see planes landing in South Africa thats how powerful it is, all with Tax payers money with other arrears that can’t seem to be tracked at this point. There has been an inquisition since then with no particular resolution to that effect(typical of East African countries). Remind me of the passport or ID equipment scandal Kenya had a while back too… Makes me wonder kwani there is not Government comptroller who checks to see whats being purchased and why? Or is he in on most of the things too? Sometimes I wish we could replicate that KAGAME guy… (coincidentally did you know that Rwanda has the most women in Government that any African country!! talk about equal opportunity)
Anyway I digress..
Today as I drop this Abby Skillz track I can’t help but listen to the words and hope and pray Tanzanians will make the right decisions on the polls this year. Abby breaks down region by region how politics and people just get power and go crazy. I think also taking into consideration today Kenya goes to the polls to vote YES or NO on the Draft Constitution – there has never been a more appropriate song.
Dunia ni Tambara bovu – The world is a messed up piece of cloth!!
listen to Dunia here:
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download the track here:
Collo – Huduma ya Kwanza (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
I am probably going to be in trouble for posting this song here – but F*&k it this is a CRAZY joint needs to be loved. I had a previous version of the same track but the quality was pathetic so there was no need to post it up here. However when this CDQ landed on my laps – I knew I had to push it regardless of a few minor details here and there.
So here are the facts – Track is produced by ULOPA NGOMA, blessed by the one and only Collo (King wa rap) from Kleptomaniacs. I am still trying to figure out who blessed the hook/vocals coz that cat is off the chains. But honestly this song is FIRE – it doesn’t matter how many ways you dissect it and digest it. This is a banger in more ways than one. Ulopa is on fire – the arrangement of this track sits very well with the crazy new sound coming from the East Coast in the US currently. The drums the beat maps. All so familiar sound, once you add a little genge/sheng and English its just a classic.
I will spare you with my praises please put your headphones on if you are listening to this at work – play it loud. Collo you did it again on this one. Big ups. Big ups to all the cats at Msanii Records also…
listen to Huduma ya Kwanza here:
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download the track here:
Wachera – Msichana Mdogo
I love Dallas, mainly because Wangari, Emma and some other local fools live around that area. Not to mention my man Tom Mwicigi (Uhuru Clothing) lives there. Its amazing Tom’s name has eventually become Uhuru Clothing. I told him it would happen but I guess he knew he was a walking brand – anyway I digress. There is a track from some Dallas chile that I have been meaning to post for weeks but I just keep getting caught up – life happens especially when you are stuck in this Obamaconomy, however am glad I am able to get to it today so here goes.
A few months ago when I heard this song I didn’t think it was all that, I thought it was just okay, I honestly felt like she has a good voice but the beats were too fruity-loops for me and the arrangement could do with some work. My personal opinion was that she has a voice which she needs to tap into and build up on. However I got ruled out by some of the ‘opinionators’ that we have on GetMziki. Personally I think these cats (whom I won’t name) just love Dallas and they got a lot of love for Wachera thats all. Down playing Wachera’s capabilities as an artist would be wrong because she’ been singing for few years but never really took it very seriously. Infact the lead vocals on Daddy V’s track are blessed by her cords. If you have listened to the infectious Daddy V tune – Nare and Julietta (if you guys recall these tracks the catchy hooks are what generally made these songs) then you’ve heard her. I just personally think that is she focused on singing and got some good ass producers she could be flawless.
Anyway Wachera is a sweet heart her emails and communication were just heart felt, I couldn’t help but post this track here. Give it a listen and let me know what you think –
listen to Msichana Mdogo:
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download the track here:
Cartel feat Alfayo & Kumi Kumi – Katenga B’Nice
Cartel is not new to GetMziki, we posted a collabo he did with a bunch of other artists conveniently titled inakubambia wapi. He is back on with this interesting track featuring Alfayo and Kumi Kumi produced by Babz.
There is something about this song that I like and I cant put my mind or ears to it. Maybe I just like Jango-Swa. But either way I have to admit its my best Cartel song by far. Give this a good listen.
listen to katenga here:
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download the track here:
Bamzi – Mizuka (GetMziki Exclusive ****)
It’s been years since we ever mentioned or heard of this name, its amazing how time flies. Whats more amazing is the fact that over time we stopped associating Bamzigi with Necessary Noize – not taking into consideration that his career was sparked up by that union.
Bamzi also known as Bamzigi (born Harrison Munio Kariba) has been rapping/free-styling for a long time, however its not until Ted Josiah through Audio Vault Studios/Records decided to put him together with Nazizi and Wyre to form Necessary Noize. The group dissolved when Bamzi went to college in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and failed to re-unite when he moved back to Kenya. I figure he had already changed too much to blend in with his former group members. Since then Bamzi hooked up with Gichboy producer/DJ turned entreprenuer whom collectively seem to have churned out some hits inspired by Ambrose (Mandugu Digital) (all of which have bits and pieces of controversy here and there).
Bamzi has been struggling and suffering with addiction – the highs and lows are suggestive of a man really trying to look for himself but often falls short through his drug problem. I personally think the first step towards recovery is to first accept that you have a problem, which in his case has been pretty eminent in the adverse recover institutions he has been to endlessly.
Today I look at a picture of Bamzi and I see his cut off his dreads and seems candid and optimistic towards the future. I listen to the interview he had on Capital FM with Chao and I hear a level of growth and aspiration. I hope this stays. This track is firmly titled Mizuka, which is his attempt at reinventing the sound of Kenyan local music. He did it before with the Bounce, which became Mandugu Digitals ultimate musical/production signature – lets see if he can pull it off with Mizuka which is inspired by the Red Room (CodeRed Recording Studios or what i understand is better known as Red Republik)
I plugged the S (superman) on his image to crown him his will-be title the African Superman… Thats been his Mantra for years.
listen to Mizuka here:
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download the track here:
Bonus Material:
Listen to the Capital FM interview with Chao – Bamzi and Madtraxx
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This is an influential story if you have the time and bandwidth please listen, Bamzi talks about his addiction, talks about how he is getting back on track how he has overcome objectives. Deep interview.
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Kikuyu Lover – Give Me Another Chance (GetMziki Exclusives *)
When I was in Kenya I had the opportunity of working with some very interesting people. Mostly when I worked at Capital FM. One such interesting soul is a lady called NANA! who works with the capital production and research team. Nana has an interesting sense of humor amongst other incredible talents and qualities but the fact that this track was inspired by her, I thought it was important to share this banger considering she sent it to me ages ago.
I think the essence behind this track is that the one man guitar show can eventually go main stream. I am not sure what that means but clearly this Kyuk sang the whole track in English. As it is we really don’t know who sang this song or what the title of the track is. However to make this long weekend humorous i decided to upload this track – especially after Ghanas tragic loss I really need something to up my mood.
Here goes.
listen to give me another chance here:
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download the track here:
Five Alive – Oh Ndio Ndio (GetMziki Throwback Exclusive ***)
Its probably 1am as I post this classic track, see what happened was … I watched a video reel that Afroshok had made and he used a snipped of Just a Bands – Oh Ndio (off their new album). The song kept looping in my head like a bad flu. I realized I had heard that song before somewhere. So I reached out to our contacts in KE (Dan!) and pretty much just looped my thoughts over an email.
Dan just responded with the track and the facts – FIVE ALIVE, 1996 Oh Ndio Ndio – I still love you. Ohhhhh YESS and my night is complete.
Real talk Five Alive paved the way for so many Kenyan local artists its amazing when I listen to the likes of Didge, Nameless, Chizi and so forth. There was something special about this group – THEY COULD ACTUALLY SING. They were all musicians in one form or another and some actually played instruments. Although I think Bruce Odhiambo was really the man behind a lot of their hits. Ive had the privilege of meeting and be-friending 90% of the crew (Joe, Victor and Eric) became really close friends and honestly the dudes are just fresh and good energy. Its no wonder Five Alive was just successful bunch of singers. I have so many fond memories of their music and their performances, but for tonight/today I leave you all with this hit thats well deserved on GetMziki.
I will update this post with the Just A Band version. But for now just enjoy this, sit back on a corner somewhere and think about where you were in 1996 when these guys were running media in Kenya (Jimmy Gathu’s JAM A DELIC looped these tracks back to back).
listen to Oh Ndio Ndio here:
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download the track here:
Remembering the King of Pop (GetMziki Exclusives ***)
So today is exactly a year since the King of pop passed away. In reality some would argue that he has no business being on GetMziki, but I think the sheer fact that he influenced and inspired so many African artists – we ought to pay tribute and share some of the two greatest works available online today made in his honor. Since we love you guys so much and have the resources and technology to support these files, we have stored them on our servers and you can enjoy them here (play them) or download your own copy.
DJ Ayres is a bad ass Jungu DJ based in NYC, Ive been a keen listener and follower of his mixes and blends so it wasnt shocking that his mix was well put together. I think if you are an all time MJ fan you will appreciate the depth of the music selection and how he builds up from the 70′s to the current. I’ve been blasting that mix for more than a year since it was made way before MJ passed away, but how relevant is that mix right now.
The second mix is by DJ Eric, (Update: I over stated earlier – this is DJ Eric not DJ Nyandat.. My bad)
as much as I don’t feature a lot of his work here, I think Eric is one of the most talented cats out there – a bit OG at this time in the game but still very relevant. My dream is to host a Dinosaur party with Nyandat, Otieno Vee, DJ Peter, DJ Kay Dee, Bruce Odhiambo, Hussein Abdala amongst other great Kenyan DJs ive met in my time. I think these OG’s have an understanding of old skool that many new school cats just dont. These days DJs mix and blend BPMs sometimes some cats dont even know the name of the song or who is singing… so long as it blends – lets go (http://www.willitblend.com/)
Anyway as we sit and remember MJ, lets keep in mind that this is one of the few cats who had put Africa on the map way before many of these other Bono, Alicia and the likes did. To date “We are the world” has sold over 20 Million copies raising about 63Million dollars in aid/food to Africa. Thats a major step for one album/song.
Enjoy the sets below.
Listen to DJ Ayres Mix here:
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Download the mix here: [Right Click and hit save target as]
Listen to DJ Eric’s MJ Mix here:
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Download the mix here: [Right Click and hit save target as]
watch we are the world here:
Alahola – Nduano
One of the things that sucks about not living in Kenya anymore is that sheng just passes you. I think my sheng is so ancient these days and it gets worse by the day when I don’t have anyone to talk to in sheng. Last week a guy called me a babi and I was almost offended – but then realised I had no come back. I think I just responded back with “matako or makende” either or.
My displacement with Kenya is more evident on this track. Honestly what’s “Nduano”? Mi hulike kurusha Nduano? Nikiwa Mjini mi hulike Nduano? Kama kuna msee ananyita please hebu translate hio sheng mzeiya. Hio ime ni pita. This track is not new by any means. It dropped at the same time with Ocha (Alahola’s other hit). However Ocha was just a banger it over shadowed this jam. Clemo’s coastal instruments can be heard all over this joint which just makes it fresh.
listen to Nduano here:
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download the track here:
Tamani – Survivor (GetMziki Exclusive ****)
Update: This track was produced by Musyoka in 2004. the artists on the track are Edna and Linda. Currently Edna is working in corporate Kenya and Linda Muthama, well she has been roller coasting with Nyambane under his Ultimate Band. Linda Muthama was also part of the whole Tusker project fame gig. Was was also a Coca Cola popstarts runners up in 2004.
During this time I guess Linda and Edna were going to kick off a project with Homeboyz based of their different successes but due to some personal reasons the project didnt kick off as expected. Somewhere i between this time this track was produced and lost in the skirmishes as SEMA also was coming out the same year and too much was going on. Somehow in 2006 Homeboyz started playing this track in radio and it eventually found its legs on my lap through a dream and a vision and essentially we have manage to revive the luster and fury it had back in the day.
The songs title is well fitting with its current buzz in the market place.. the song is a survivor
I have an interesting mind when it comes to music appreciation. I consume a lot of sound and music day to day, however one of the few things that I think separates me from an ordinary guy is that I wake up each morning with a different track playing in my head the whole day. Everyday I will wake up with a song playing in my mind, its often so vivid, too vivid that I can hear the lyrics the sound and the composition so well that if I was to go into a studio I possibly can remake the damn thing if I could.
However some days I am just humming and buzzing to tunes that are stuck in my memory for years that I cant seem to remember who or what. Today I woke up to this track called Survivor. Truly I couldn’t remember who performed it, when or how. Its possible because the artists actually just had this one hit track then disappeared, from what I hear she is currently Gospel so its likely that I would never have remembered her at all. However thanks to our extensive DJ network its easy for me to mention the tune to someone and they will immediately know what I was talking about.
Survivor came out in Kenya a while back (notice I have been posting a lot of throwbacks lately).
Tamani or better known as Mitchelle is sort of a Genge sensational artists that I personally thought was produced by Musyoka turns out she was actually an Ogopa project. The track I have posted is the shit I woke up hearing in my head, playing over and over again. I cant explain the circumstances of the loop in my brain but reality is that immediately I sent this email to one of my boys it came back with the appropriate results and it just didn’t drop with the song itself it came with the goodies too. So in Ode to Tamani for making this crazy track back in the day (2006) Survivor was a hot track, Ogopa was going places with this artist I just wish there was more such material from her. Because honestly evidently 4 years later am still jumping up and down with excitement over the track.
listen to survivor here:
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listen to the extras here:
Accapella:
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Instrumental:
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download survivor here: [right click and hit save target as]
download the instrumental here: [right click and hit save target as]
download the accapella here: [right click and hit save target as]
updated:
Prime sent me the track that I had playing in my head (Slikk remix).
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If you’d like to give this a couple of spins go ahead: [Right Click and hit save target as]
Daddy Owen feat Nyuki Ndogo, Dunco – Yesu Alisema
image courtesy of Kenyan Gospel
We would like to apologize for not posting this song any sooner, Yesu alisema was a huge hit last year and somewhere in between System ya kapungala and the numerous gospel music we receive daily we sorta just forgot to post this track. It goes without saying how highly we regard Daddy Owens track and capabilities. As much as this song is a collaboration of sorts from other equally talented artists we think Daddy Owen undoubtedly carries this song to great heights.
The whole kapungala sound / fusion of kapuka and lingala seems to be somethings integrating really well in the Kenyan Gospel scene. Its interesting to create new genres within already existing genre’s and make them sound funkier than the original versions. however as much as we embrace this diversity, its a fine line to walk on especially when you take into consideration that the same gospel cats are now trying to create a new version of coupe de cale in Kenya. Thats our hmmmm moment. We will just have to wait and see what happens. However for now – enjoy this relatively old track that deserved to be here last year. We apologize to any of our fans who have requested on end for us to post this track. here it is.
listen to Yesu Alisema here:
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download the track here:
Watch the video here:
Abbas vs Chiwawa : Strike One/Two & Shot (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
Normally we don’t do this but we are going to do it today because I strongly believe whenever two artists are beefing there is potential of some interesting creativity coming out of the strikes going back and forth.
This is to arm you all and to ask one Question
1. ARE YOU GUYS READY FOR THESE TRACKS?
We have all 3 tracks that have been released, Abbas claimed Chiwawa did some shit, and then followed up with a Dis track to which Chiwawa Gladly responded – but he didn’t only just respond with one TRACK he came strong with TWO TRACKs. We are working on some logistical issues so stay posted as these tracks will bring your weekend to a climax…
My personal Disclaimer – Strike Two – Chiwawa is official (beat sounds like something Musyoka did but I understand its a guy called the Master Producer/Babz .. really that track sounds like Hii Ngoma) Either way Chiwawa if I never respected your skills and craft then consider me converted after listening to your ill flow on both these tracks. On this beef shit you really CAME HARRRRRRD. I cant believe the amount of HUNGER in you on both joints… The delivery is just sick, line by line word for word.
Abbas for me I don’t expect any less, I don’t think he came hard as he normally would. In my opinion I think Chiwawa murdered Abbas on these two tracks if you put them side by side. But I will let the people decide. Maybe we should run a poll…. he he he
So here is how it went down, Chiwawa released Strike One:
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which was gladly received and answered by Abbas – Shot:
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And lastly Chiwawa just released this crazy track to answer shot called Strike Two:
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Apparently all this is because of some misunderstanding with regards to Abbas’s wife (ex-wife). I dont have the full 411 but if you listen through half these lines there are glimpses of the pain and anger between the two. However my sources say that Chiwawa isn’t really trying to carry this beef any longer – I think he has proved his point. My sources also say that Chiwawa got caught up in the middle of some personal stuff so he decided to respond via raps. That eventually got Abbas to fire up SHOT… and then Chiwawa answered. On a personal level I think letting beef get to this level isn’t worth it. But truthfully until this week I had always thought Chiwawa was just an okay artists but I fully respect the cat – Listen to the delivery on Strike TWO.
Abbas your my man/dogg and all – let this beef go no need to validate your story or your skill. Its like asking Jay Z to respond to Beenie Sigel Why would he?
Madtraxx – Get Down (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
We’ve been holding this song for a few months now at the request at Madtraxx and his team while they work to complete the video. It looks like the video just dropped last night so we are able to release this crazy banger. Through this genius work its evident that Madtraxx is growing as a producer, the instrumentation on the production seemingly has increased and in essence there is a level of keyboarding that stands out on this track compared to other tracks that he has produced in the past.
The first time I heard this banger I knew it will be a hit. I didn’t hide my enthusiasm as I emailed/texted Georgie to tell him what I thought. I still believe this will be a summer song in Kenya given proper airtime and proper exposure. The climax of this song can only be experience best through the crazy video produced by Luche (Clemo’s brother). Towards the end, Madtraxx yells out the different dance routines that are popular in Kenya, the video does enough justice of bringing this in and showing the current pop dance trends in the country. By far I think Mosquitoe is the most hilarious dancing style.
Either way – lets kick in the week with this exclusive track – enjoy
listen to Get Down here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
Take Over DJs – Homeboyz Radio Mix (Fully Focus Exclusive ****)
I was going to post these mixes last week but I got caught up with work and other unrelated issues. So please allow me the time and space to post the last few mixes I wanted to showcase last week but didn’t especially because we are on the final stages of re-launching 9Mixtapes.
I would like to give a personal narrative about my relationship with Chris (Fully Focus). A few years ago I wrote/blogged about meeting him in ATL and how that experience was unpleasant for me. Basically I think he kicked me out of the DJ booth as I was kicking it with DJ Stylez (but I understand now he didnt know who I was and I can understand as a DJ you might need some space while working lol). Knowing me (am a hot head), I didn’t let it go so I blogged about it. I didnt know him and he didnt know me so we never talked for months/years and we didn’t need to. However one thing no one cant take away from my sentiments that I made on that blog, was that TAKE OVER DJs was going to take over the Kenyan-US Market.
Even as much as I was salty about that experience I still knew that these cats were onto something big. Fast forward to today, it’s happened already – and although many may not want to accept the facts of the matter, the fact is many Kenyan DJs in the US are still trying to figure out how it happened and at what point did Take Over – TAKE OVER. Fast forward to today – Chris and I talk and exchange text messages about doing different things here and there. For most part I have come to respect the mans attitude towards entertainment, quality of work and more importantly MUSIC. There are a few things you cant take away from Focus, love him or hate him but the man is just talented musician (DJ/Producer). Chris has managed to unearth music that I practically thought was dead and make it sound cool layered on other current pop hits.
TOD as a movement is something I have no opinion about. I tend to think the lifespan of a DJ is about 5 to 6 years tops unless you have another side hustle. Otherwise I tend to think many local/Kenyan/Tanzanian DJs are done within 5 years unless they establish themselves as brands. Some people argue this out with me which is okay, to me if DJying is a hobby then its fine – but if DJying is your career and in 10 years you still are doing the same thing you did 10 years ago then its possibly time to switch careers. I also think the US-Kenyan DJ market is over saturated with very many people who use sound equipment and call themselves DJs. Over the last 5 years there have been more DJ’s in the US than the total number of Kenyan DJs in the Diaspora between 1999 to 2005. Over the last few years DJying has actually emerged to be a lucrative career for many people. Over the last few years promoters have become DJs and DJs have become promoters making the entire US/Kenyan Entertainment fuzzy and cloudy.
I personally think some DJs forget that their audiences grow older too and thats how the Kenyan US DJs lost market share to TOD because they kept doing the same type of parties and same things forgetting that there was a new crowd new market in the scene. But somehow to contradict with this statement its when artists such as Focus/Chris do mixes like the one I’ve shared below you realize that the breadth of music knowledge is unaccounted for. Testament of these truths are well orchestrated in different segments on these mixes that were originally done for a Homeboyz Radio (Kenya). The first set has a Jay Z Mix (pay attention to the mixing & the blend). The second set has another 50 cent mash up with P-Square (pay attention to the transitions). The CLIMAX for me and the reason am all emotional on this post is that 3rd set. Focus mixes Bob Marleys – Zion with Black Eyed Peas. Now anyone can blend these two songs, find the right tempo, the right pitch and the right BPM’s and its all greavy. But not very many people have the genius to listen to the peaks and the highs of both songs, ultimately align these songs and then transition into the next (Bob Marley Chorus). That for me is sheer genius. To top it off he goes into NNEKA – Heart Beat (we posted this last year Jan) when no one even cared who Nneka was. Lets just say these mixes have been part of my social music appreciation sessions this weekend driving from Sacramento. Am truly humbled today to share these mixes. I call these sets the creepers/ coz they creep up on you nice and slow.
I wish Chris and their TOD crew all the best – y’all don’t need me to validate the amount of talent you each individually have. And if it sounds like am brown nosing, anyone who knows me – will tell you I complement and give credit where its due – And ever since Prime quit radio and DJying I’ve had to look to an alternative lol. Currently my top five DJs to watch for 2010 are Wesley, Focus, A-Dubb (Allen), Creme, Mista Trixx (if he kills the scratching) and Dyme (bonus). (There are other great DJ’s out there definitely, but they either are established or are missing a beat somewhere, the ones I have mentioned are DJ’s I am following closely and looking at what they do each step of the way).
listen to Take Over DJs – Fully Focus: HB Radio Band 1 here:
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listen to Take Over DJs – Fully Focus: HB Radio Band 2 here:
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listen to Take Over DJs – Fully Focus: HB Radio Band 3 here:
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Download the sets below by right clicking on the file and hit save target as, or save link as.
[Folly Focus : Homeboyz Radio Set 1]
Take Over DJs & Black Supremacy presents – MADD Dancehall Anthems
CD Front:
CD Back:
I want to do this right and I want to do it quick because we are building a home for all these mixes and most of them dont deserve to be here. The reason being there is no way to justify having a Dancehall or an R&B mix on GetMziki. This is the home of African Urban music not Jamaican popular music, however exceptions to the rule include Mixes done by Africans/Kenyans very own so it really is a fine line. That said because 9Mixtapes is not ready yet, there are two or three mixes that I think everyone deserves to have.
This is the first mix put together gladly by TOD and BS // If there was ever going to be a Dangerous Dancehall mix this would on the top 15 list simply because of the two DJ crews putting it together. My personal opinion is that I wasn’t overtly impressed – it lacked a few mashups here and there and didn’t have the classic Dancehall sirens and Jamaican blab in the background. Reason I say this is coz Chris/Focus has a sick ass Dancehall mix he did for Homeboyz Radio (I will post that shortly also). That has Black Eyed Peas and Bob Marley Zion – THATS THE SICKEST thing I’ve heard this whole Quarter. Really I have been unimpressed with many things until he sent me that mix. I would have loved to hear more of that on this Compilation.
However from a sheer entertainment perspective, this is ONE GOOD compilation of the biggest 2010 Dancehall tracks. Its a must have. I like the fact that they put a CD cover to go with the tracks coz thats the one thing we at GetMziki Cry for everyday. If your’e a DJ and you make a mix, please do the courtesy of sending it with a track list. Its just baseless to upload a mix people cant figure out who is who on the session.
Anyway lets start with this MADD mix I will post 3 more mixes I’ve received in the last 3 weeks that I think are a must have. DJ KayDee has an AFRO BEAT mix thats just a MUST HAVE. Lets Go!
listen to MADD here:
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download the mix here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?mmkyggm221j | [Right Click and hit Save Target As]
AY feat Mwana FA – Usije Mjini (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
Man, I have been low key for a few weeks – sometimes life happens and you have to attend to life first and then get back to your thing. I am glad that Alvin and Dona were able to hold down the fort coz some of the other contributors including myself have just been too low key.
Anyway I’ve been getting a lot of new music from Hermy B who is an emerging Bongo Flava producer currently responsible for many of the hits coming out of the Tanzanian Studios. Actually the previous post by Alvin – Kidum feat Lady JD was produced by Hermy B.
A.Y is my personal friend and for years we’ve enjoyed a symbiotic relationship. At some point I told him I think he is changing his style too much. I felt like he was going pop with trying to be too hiphop – but often he reminds me that when he released YULE! produced by Steve Jean he was going for a different sound. I mean AY has always been reinventing the wheel and trying and testing new things in Tanzanian hiphop and for most part they always seem to work because he is still relevant in the market place.
This collabo (although I understand they did the song together and hence would like to share the song title as in AY and Mwana FA as opposed to featuring – minor details really)
This song is fiyaaah give it a listen and let us know what you think.
listen to Usije Mjini here:
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download the track here:
Kaz – Run Run Run (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
It’s no secret that GetMziki has been backing up Kaz for a few years now, its not really a big deal, it happened magically one day we discovered Kaz when she was hosting some Karaoke shows at the Intercontinental hotel in Nairobi. This was before the project fame successes and the album hits. Since then we knew that we would want to play a part in ensuring her music had legs wherever she went. Her Journeys can be found separately at www.kazmuzik.com – however Kaz has been busy wrapping up her sophomore album conveniently titled “The Naked Truth is…”
We have sampled at least half the album which includes tracks recorded in the US and Kenya mastered and produced by a wide array of producers by far we have to admit this is going to be an interesting journey for Kaz. Her style has completely changed and on a few tracks such as the attached and featured track you can tell her demeanor totally different. I have had the honor of sitting down and spending time with Kaz for a while, overtime you will realize there is a small little fierce rapper yearning to come out and be a part of the Nicki Minaj, Lil Kims, Lauren Hills and so forth. Kaz admires the STL’s and has always felt she can fit right into that genre if given the opportunity. I personally don’t think its a smart move but creatively it seems to allow her to express so much more and cover so much more ground musically – Its like a FEMALE/ Local DRAKE which I applaud.
So in honor of her new style and album approach here is Run Run Run which was produced by Mandugu Digital – Please let us know what you think. Kaz is an artist we support and as such we would highly appreciate all feedback given. We think this journey as risky as it feels its very promising and we are actually loving the single which is getting a lot of airplay in Kenya currently.
Enjoy the track here
listen to Run Run Run here:
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download the track here:
Dela – Ulivyo (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
Wawesh has been acting shiesty with this track for the last few months and I am getting increasingly aggravated… (jokes Wesh, jokes lol). Seriously the first time Chao told me about Dela, she was like yo! you need to check out DELA she is the truth! I slept on it for a while because there wasn’t enough material on her at the time, whats worse is I wasn’t entirely impressed by the live performance clips that were on YouTube and stuff. So I snubbed her as I usually do to artists that don’t impress me on first impulse.
But week over week each one of my soul friends would hit me up with have you heard of DELA, do you have this DELA track, DELA this and DELA that… I admit I was almost DELA’d out. Sue hit me up about 5 times about DELA and shared her album page and I was still unimpressed. But let me say this – from a users/listener who listens to a lot of music and I listen to a song nearly 20 times before I pass judgment – DELA for me was something I just grew to love over time and I cant explain how it happened because it didn’t happen over night. So if someone asked me what do you think about DELA I would say it has a distinctive taste and may not necessarily resonate with your ears at first – but give it time because it will hit you and hit you hard.
Currently am trying to find the AUDIO but I have to post the Video here coz I like Kule And I mean that in a non sexual way. But if I was a chile I would totally be fukuzaing this jama like a tight mathree. I’ve never met Kule personally but we have talked over and over – I must say if this cat had half the resources and exposure US has to offer he would be pretty far. I would put him in the same caliber with people like Denzel and Morris Chesnut in terms of swagger – presentation, media understanding and entertainment. I used to watch his uncut video clips that Chao would upload on Facebook and right away I knew the kid would be a star. Jim Chuchu directed this video, and dude was saying how Kule would play director half the time and dictate where he thinks the shots would work best. Real talk – shit look fly, why lie. So if anyone has the Audio please send it through – although I have a feeling Wawero will sambaza it soon since I have complained.
Thanks in advance.
watch the video here:
Q-Ta-C – Chips Funga (GetMziki Rewind Exclusive ***)
It seems I will be doing all these Clemo throwbacks this week mostly because Calif Records just released the videos to some of these songs. We posted this song about June last year – on the GetMziki Faceoff Feature of the week. To which gladly Q-Tac won the battle. It was hilarious then as much as it is today – the fact that someone made a whole song about Chips funga.
The video is hilarious, a jama under the bed being treated like a Clande (Clandestine is an actual English word fyi). Not like Makmende and Make My day. But again Calif Records have and continue to outdo themselves when it comes to creativity, content and delivery. These are at least two videos back to back which are pretty hi quality and good story line. Big ups to Luche and his team.
ps. On the flip side of things, this is a funny song but very informative about the current social conundrum bestowed on many Kenyan families or relationships in Kenya. “Mpango wa Kando” which pretty much is when a guy has a shorty on the side or vice versa when a Chile has a guy on the side of his/her main relationship is one of the biggest growing trends in Kenya. Not only from a moral perspective but more from a health and disease perspective. Its so easy to carry things over from one partner to another and Kenya govt has been trying to spear head various campaigns to kill the whole “mpango wa kando” movement… Some of my sources in Kenya tell me – most women don’t care about being kept because the economy is so bad that they’d rather have a dude who takes care of them, and then in the process they actually tend to have a main guy also. Its all rather too confusing for – As difficult as I know it is staying and remaining faithful – I think I would rather make my wife/chile into the Clande I want her to be. Maybe try playing roles – dress her up like a Kuro and try get some excitement from that. I don’t know … he he he am just saying,
listen to Q-Tac’s Chips funga here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
K Solja – Siku Kumi Za Mgeni (GetMziki Exclusive ****)
Clemo just dropped this video today so we figured it would be important to share the track after as well. This song dropped earlier in the year and its been banging HAAARD in the Kenyan streets as we understand. Once you listen to the lyrics its hard not to like the track. Overall I like the formula that Calif Records has maintained over the years. All these artists are straight from the streets. None of these cats is essentially painting a picture of a life they never lived.
Growing up as a kid in Eastlands, we had a poem about the unwanted guest, which this song is a clear and true rendition of that exact poem. Honestly I don’t know where Clemo gets his artists from but I must admit I am always entertained with the lines these cats come up with. K-Soja is hilarious, I mean how do you make a song about a “mgeni” (guest) and how they impose on you space. Pure genius. Enjoy this banger.
Clemo! the video is off the chains too, good quality – I can see Luche acquired a new camera eeh?
side note: Hii video ina kaa ni kama ime shutiwa Marish.. hio story ya kuweka njumu kwa window zi dry ime nimaliza… nime dedi. I dont know know how many guys noticed the things in the background. Mara kuna njumu imeshikilia odiro… ha ha ha ha Na hio blanketi ya bed. I cant explain vile umenipeleka ma throwback na hii video. Good one.
listen to siku kumi za mgeni here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
HARDSTONE – Beautiful Girl (GetMziki Exclusive Remix***)
Its a slow FRIDAY so I decided to dig into my music vault. I have some interesting music if I was given a whole month just to showcase the music I have collected over time from artists themselves I am sure guys would be shocked. I have music that wasn’t supposed to leave studios. I have songs and beats Musyoka had made about 5 years ago and decided not to sell, I have stuff he has made for fun (for creative purposes). I have stuff that people like P-FUNK make that NO ONE Has ever heard. But the stuff I enjoy the most is the stuff that I have or that i get from artists who just make music for fun to be creative and just to have some fun with music.
To me HARDSTONE was one such artist who just enjoyed making music from the bottom of his heart. I cant seem to find an equivalent to what HARDSTONE did in Kenya to reinvent local ethnic vs pop music with his UHIKI. I know today its a norm to hear Kikuyu on a rather pop beat but I must admit HARDSTONE was the pioneer of this. Just like my friend the late Cool James (Mtoto wa Dandu) was the first guy to put pop over Congolese beats, remix the sound and make it sound so fresh.
Anyway on a slow Friday I would like to share this unreleased (came out in 2007) HARDSTONE beautiful track. Of course some guys may have heard this track because it was officially recorded in 07. However for the masses we have never really posted it on GM and now that I think about it I don’t know why I never have. If I did I apologize but it needs a few spins today. I wish i could understand Kikuyu coz HARDSTONE makes this song sound so sexy yet I am sure the words are just OKAY. I would be dying to see a HARDSTONE and Mike RUAH collabo… Or is that wishful thinking he he he.
listen to beautiful girl:
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download the track here:
Maye Hunta – Ekaette (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
This has to be the most evasive track I have ever had to post. Honestly I have had this track for months but I was unimpressed with the quality of the file I have (sadly its the version I have posted today). But we kept asking our Naija connects to hook up a better version all with no success. We even tried hitting up Maye Hunta’s peeps down in SA but still nothing got back to us. At this point we decided this is a big tune to let lose, its been out for a while but we just cant keep holding it hostage anymore.
Olumayowa Adekunle Odejimi aka Mayé Hunta is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. Maye who is currently based in Jo’berg South Africa has been singing for a while but got into the commercial scene around 1998. Part of his acting career can also be seen on M-Net series called “Jacobs Cross.” However we fell in love with this track last year when it dropped because it reminded us of what most guys growing up in Africa experienced.
You see the reality of the storyline on this track is so real that its almost impossible to ignore the entertainment factor. Most of us guys know a guy or a man of a household who was tapping the housegirl. Most guys who grew up in Africa probably lost their virginity to some house girl (lol). And thats just me being real with you guys, so there is the sheer entertainment of the track and awesome high quality video. Then there is the reality on the ground that guys really fyeka their housies… Am just saying! Anyway let me kill this vibe before I get into trouble.
Enjoy the track..
listen to Ekaette here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here: