Kyraz feat Abbas & Chiwawa – Freestyle (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
I dont know if anyone has noticed lately but we’ve been on a roll in posting new music over the last few days… please congratulate us, please… lol seriously its like there has been this fire burning in our in boxes and our music delivery system that its hard to contain the amount of good music coming in.
So one of my connects – Robert has been on my case about Kyraz for a minute, the last song he dropped featured Wyre – No more that we posted a while back. Though I felt at the time that I really couldnt tell how Kyraz sounded nor couldnt form a real opinion about his skills. I am still yet to get a single that just features him on his own, however if this Freestyle session is anything to go by – then we are money.
First of all let me just confirm this – IS ABBAS AND CHIWAWA all made up? (meaning have they changed their relationship status from “its complicated” to “in a relationship” lol) seriously coz both these cats are doing a disservice to themselves if they are not DROPPING HOT JOINTS like this posted track. Doobiez comes thru on this track like crazy, then Kyraz murders and English verse then a swahili/sheng verse and then letting Chiwawa close the show. I honestly cant thing of a better way to start your career than putting yourself in between these two great heavy weights. Lets make this post simple listen to this sampled beat courtesy of LODWAR. Official.. Official …I love this ..
Rob can you confirm if all these three cats were in one studio when this was recorded…
“Niko juu ya maji kama Zanzibar, Na zi angusha kama msee ako na Manzi – BAR..” – Abbas
Man I love Doobiez man the jama is just too talented – ana mistari minene..
listen to the Freestyle session here:
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download the track here:
Fauz Noir – Nu Bounce
One thing I like the most about new artists is the hunger, I am often inspired by guys who are fearless and just ask you for honest opinion on their tracks. I however tend to lean towards artists that are able to back up their career path. By this I mean don’t send me a song if you are not ready to support your career with a video, a photoshoot amongst other things that will definitely make your life cycle as a recording artists successful.
So maybe on an average day I probably would have missed this track by Fauz, especially because I havent heard the name Fauz anywhere in my inner entertainment circle. However when he sent me his track this week, he included the audio, the video and images (I LOVE THAT) because it makes my work so much easier. And by that simple virtue I decided I must post the track regardless of whether its a banger or not.
Now lets get to the nitty gritty here – Fauz honestly reminds me of MYSTIKAL (you know Mista Shake ya Ass, and DANGER)… I think he probably will be the first East African artsits with this unique rapping style unless I missed something somewhere. Each time I play this song I just hear a Kenyan-esq Mystikal.. ha ha ha.. that shizz is amazing. This particular track seems to be an ode to Nairobi which is the city thats has influenced Fauz upbring. Through out the song he shouts out all the neighborhoods he has lived in that albeit shaped him and motivated him to be better and to become an artist. Funny enough in his words not mine he says … “I see music and Nairobi so closely intertwined that they form the shape of beautiful women, whom I adore and woo to develop this new style of music called “NU BOUNCE”
So I don’t know if this new music style will stick, I also currently don’t have any tangible thoughts about him as a new artists. At the moment I just think he is different – and DIFFERENT CAN BE GOOD. But give me a few more days to collect my thoughts, I will add them in the comments section. For now enjoy the track as well…. this could be the beginning of something new and fresh.
Listen to Nu Bounce here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
Collo – Kuwa Mpole (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
Collo dropped this song a few days ago and I cant hide my excitement at being told that he mentioned me and GetMziki in a line on the track. By virtue of that respect and acknowledgment I will put this song on blast for the next TWO WEEKS without fail. I have always said Collo is a killer rapper and freestyle artist. I definitely think he will have a hard time trying to shed off the Kleptomaniacs image but he definitely can stand on his own on any record or any song.
Actually for a long time I always felt his personality is what sold the group. Every group needs one bad boy, and Collo for the longest time was this BAD BOY and his image just made Klepto alive. I am not sure about where his personality and character traits are today but from listening to the new material he has put out I can say Collo still sounds the same and his lyrics are still razor sharp. Collo has repeatedly told me that Nyash is always by his side even as he tries to venture into a pseudo solo career. Which just makes me like the idea that they are solid as a group and still solid as friends while pursuing their separate individual careers. And thats just something as miros we lack when trying to venture out into separate business after long term partnerships.
Next week I will post his current single making rounds in Kenya Called [Chini ya Maji], which I also understand is available on Skiza and Vuma.
listen to here:
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Habida – Get Down Tonight
I need to apologize to Habida for sleeping on this track. Somehow somewhere in the back of my mind I feel like I had posted it last year but I can’t seem to find it anywhere on GetMziki. So Habida my apologies, however I have a pretty good feeling you didn’t really miss the post as much with your new hectic busy maternal schedule lately (wink* wink*). Congratulations!
R.Kay (Robert Kamanzi) blessed this track from start to finish, i’ts interesting how I can hear a beat and know thats an R.Kay signature beat. He has a distincitve way of keeping his music production style African. In most cases there is an element of Benga or Zouk being fused together with some Urban essense which I find fresh when put together with a soulful artist. Actually the beat was so fresh I almost forget that Habida is singing in english (coz I have a pet peeve with many Kenyan artists who sing in english and dont do it well). But I am glad Habida doesnt really have this problem (Kennesaw and Rusinga really helped lol).
That said on a personal level, looking at the video I can see so much growth and maturity in her, I understand she is a mother and generally there will be changes in most women but its amazing to see that she is still working it in the video, she looks hot and still sexy. Whats more evident to me is that the clothing style has changed sexy yet still conservative. Am always trying to tell mamas here that you can be sexy and conservative but you don’t have to pull some scandalous mini sketi and some avunjas to get attention. But am often shut down because most mamas believe that they dress to make themselves feel good – blaargh whatver.
I also gotta say I love the video, I love the quality of the video especially the lighting and the color treatment. But I hated the dancing routine and competition thing going on in the background. I think dancing in Kenya is still in its infancy – I enjoy the mosquitoes and Kangaroos anyday more than guys trying to “Bring it On” and they don’t really bring it. I mean there are a few guys on that video that could really dance, but the rest were like an average 30/100. Anyway i digress as usual. Habida this is a tight jam and a much needed production – Am feeling it.
ps. For the instrumental and accapella hungry DJs – hit me up for these assets.
listen to Get Down here:
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download the track here:
Watch the video here:
MOG feat MR. SEED – PAPA GOD OH (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
I am sitting here reviewing all the new songs that have come in over the last 3 months knowing darn well that I have fallen off slightly from posting all these new hits. I ask myself whats the best song out of all these 45 to 50 hits you are sampling right now. Its so hard to pick one out of the pack, for whatever reason I keep going back to this MOG song which to my understanding is a club banger in Kenya right now.
I am however so conflicted I am not sure if I should be excited that GOSPEL music has taken new form and shape in Kenya? I am not sure if I should be concerned that people dance and drink listening to GOSPEL music, or more importantly that this new sound in Kenya is a complete REPLICA of NAIJA music? Which should I be more concerned about? Am not sure yet – for now I know this is a banger and a complete rip off the P-SQUARE play book. I wonder how Nigerians are receiving these tracks? There is nothing wrong with copping someone else style, I think this happens all the time in the music world and in the business world. There are so many people trying to get into the whole social networking game or he music game – regardless of territory occupation.
My biggest challenge however is to see how many people are willing to explore the unchartered territory. The areas that people dare not go – If you look at Kanye, Just Blaze and the likes they explore some unchartered territory, the Neptunes created sounds that people didn’t think existed and made them fun and funky. Those are the types of questions I always have. It seems copping style is cool but often is an easy way out to get people to love your music – JUST MY TWO CENTS.
That said – this is a banger. PERIOD. While I listened to this track I was reading some Steadmans report and trying to compile some information for a client, and I realized based on what Kenyan Marketers think that GOSPEL is number two in the Youth’s (18 to 35) mind in Kenya. These are interesting stats, the report didn’t say Faith or religion, it said Gospel (Music) is one of the top 3 things that most Kenyan youth are interested in. Anyway overall these are interesting times in Kenya I presume – if I was a marketer and I want to promote my Beer Brand would I sponsor a Gospel concert? Would MOG take the money? Would EABL actually sponsor – better yet do they sponsor and support GOSPEL concerts?
I was kind enough to share this slide – see below and enjoy the music below below..
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
Thanksgiving Experience to the World – Take Over DJ’s (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
Ahhh!!! Another year another Thanksgiving, Another Take Over DJs mix. Ahhhh!! I wish the events were as simple as the mixes come out but maybe that will happen another year. As it is my sources tell me Atlanta is likely to have about 2 to 3 competing events this year. This should be interesting considering the amount of resources and finances being pumped into both these events. I guess this is good whichever way you look at it – essentially all this is being done for you the customer. The better the entertainment package the more you are likely to attend one event vs the other.
Actually a few years later and I have completely changed my opinion. If there is no competition in any market then the products just remain flat. I mean why try to do something out of the ordinary if you are still winning it big. I remember during akina Oscars time – the highlight maybe was the fashion show – and maybe Hardstone but thats about it… So be prepared to be sold on a variety of different formats this year better than last year.
Keeping this in mind, this is the official TOD mix that dropped a few weeks ago and was released on their website first and then to us guys next. TOD are good DJs so am not going to try getting into explaining and talking or criticizing their capabilities. But truth be told the first set on this mix is just okay – it’s what I expect from TOD or many DJ outfits… well to put this into context, its not comparable to what they did last year in terms of a local/genge mix. However the second set of this mix is BANANAs, I dont really care what anyone else says but this new crew that TOD have put on the bill is Bananas. THIS JAMROCK SOUND is sick!! Mike Lex, DJ Waxfiend and that whole crew is guaranteed to turn things around. This shit for me is just different and I may contemplate an ATL trip just to see this cats live. Seriously if you haven’t downloaded this mix yet please do so and listen to the JAMROCK set (Actually BLAST IT).
Real talk without kissing any ass – that mix and that whole platform is a good look for anyone. To TOD/Focus for exposing folks to different sound this is a good look, coz real talk we’ve done the same, the usual which is the reason some of us stopped travelling for parties….I love Kris Darling but there are other sound systems in Kenya or in the world. I think the only way to top this would be to bring maybe … ahhh….maybe… MIGHTY CROWN? he he he and its a wrap. I mean who would have known Netherlands has so much Dancehall sound – Anyway From me and my GetMziki Crew we salute the JAMROCK SOUND indefinitely.
ATL is going to be interesting this year I can already tell he he he … maybe I will come .. 
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download the mix here [right click and hit save target as]
P-Unit – Aggie na Maggie (GetMziki Exclusive ****)
Musyoka will probably kill me for putting this song here but I am sure we will find a way or room for forgiveness somewhere down the road. Again as I always say its better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.
This track is on the Wagenge Album which I have had for a looooong time. Part of the reason I am debuting this song here today is because I think the album needs an extra push. P-Unit has worked so hard on this album. The entire album is a hit, an average of about 8 dope songs, 6 top number 1 singles its inevitably the greatest album of the year from Kenya as far as I am concerned. The challenge however is that the singles business may have messed up the album launch and sales process (but Kenyan music doesnt work that way).
Essentially the label/artists pushed out atleast 5 singles over the last 3 years while they were working on this album. I know what Musyoka will say, so I wont table it here but the reality is thats the same strategy used with Ogopa about 10 years ago. It works to increase awareness/brand affinity and performances – but does little for their actually music sales. I could be wrong coz according to Nonini his album has sold a couple thousand copies, so I dont know.
Anyway – Aggie na Maggie is my favorite track off that album. I couldn’t share it before because the album had just dropped but I think this is probably the track they should have pushed above everything else. There is something unique about P-unit’s ability to connect local dialect/street language with the reality of urban music. Having Musyoka along side any artists is just a gift, I dont even consider it a business strategy anymore. If you listen to the instruments on this track you will realise Musyoka left Kenyan production a long time ago (which is not necessarily a bad thing). However give this track a spin for realz..
To get a copy of the entire album or other tracks that are all a MUST have please visit the link below.
purchase the Wagenge Hao album on itunes here: WAGENGE HAO
listen to Aggie na Maggie here:
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Delicious – Usiniache (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
So initially when I got this track I was tripping off who the artists is and how he is so talented yet I have no info about who he is. Well not much has changed since then – I still dont have any real information about Delicious however the vocal capabilities can be backed by a killer track that I have always liked from his old album called Tamu sana. Its one of those tracks you either liked or you didn’t.
I liked to hate that track coz Blackstar DJs would play it all day everyday in all their mixes. Anyway usiniache is a banger, the video is a little cheezy but the track is tight – It dropped earlier this summer but I can see this being a big joint all through the year. Give it a listen.
listen to usiniache here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
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Sarkodie – Lay Away (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
We have been shy of posting any music from Sarkodie for a few reasons which we cant get into here but I think Lay Away is a song worth posting whether you like it or not. Sarkodie is the first artist to be signed to KonLive Africa or Konvict Music label Africa division. Sarkodie who was already Ghana’s biggest artists and probably the fastest rapper in the continent wasn’t entirely surprised am sure.
Honestly when you listen to Lay Away you realise that not too many local artists can do what Sarkodie does. Sarkodie is a Jay Z in the 80/90′s, a Twista in the 90′s/00′s and a SARKODIE in the present – meaning the does what those artists did but in Ghanaian lingua and it just sounds fresh. Id love to see Sarkodie collaborate with Kenya’s Muthoni the Drummer Queen – that would be a killer track. Babz can you put this together? I have Muthoni’s number anytime you guys are ready.
Thanks to Dona once again for highlighting probably the best Mixtape Friday edition I am yet to see.
listen to lay away here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
K-Force feat Nyaruach & Emmanuel Jal – EGOBE (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
I’ve been an avid K’Naan fan for years now ever since I heard him spit on BBC 1xtra (DNA with DJ Edu). If anyone knows me, you will know one of my biggest anthems of the century or decade is K’Naans ABC. I don’t know how many of you listen to lyrics but truth be told if you listen to the lyrics of ABC you will realize the little sucker is some what of a genius with his rhymes.
Anyway the reason I mention K’Naan is because he is some what of a conscious rapper as far as am concerned. Since his inception he has been firm in talking about the civil war in Somali, refugees, failed missions by the UN and a list of other socially inspired content. When I look at the budding career of Emmanuel Jal (and I know this is a K-Force song) but am more inspired by Emmanuel Jal in that he is from Sudan on a similar K’Naan Mission. Emmanuel was a child soldier in Sudan and Ethiopia and currently is dedicating his life to saving/helping the suffering people of Sudan. He has a documentary and an album currently out talking about his life as a War child.
K-FORCE on the other hand is a groups with slightly similar struggles but not the same. K-FORCE is a hip-hop movement based in Nairobi Kenya, born in the heart of the biggest slums in the region – KIBERA. The group which mainly comprises 3 individuals collaborated with Nyaruach and Emmanuel to put this banger together.
I honestly haven’t heard a song that I can say “this song is FIYAAAH” in a long time. It appears as though many of the big artists are on a chill pill leaving a gap that many aspiring artists are taking lately. The number of emerging artists is increasing incredibly and I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few months/years we don’t mention Namless, Nonini or JuaCali (am not saying it will happen but I wouldn’t be surprised lol).
Either way give this a spin – You can join the K-Force Group no Facebook here: K-FORCE ON FAEBOOK
listen to egobe here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
Shu – Bila Shaka (GetMziki Exclusive *)
I’ve covered enough of Shu on GetMziki and other blogs to a point where it doesnt even sound fresh anymore whenever I put down a new track. The problem here today is I cant figure out if I have ever posted this track or I havent. I’ve had it for a long time now and I cant even remember if he sent this to me or if I got it from the production team either way am posting it today because it has a sick Samba mapangala sample. I could be wrong but thats samba mapangala on the sample right?
I like it when a producer takes an element of something that we recognize and feel so attached to and then embeds that on a current urban track. I wish more producers would do just that – (I mean its not like y’all need clearances right lol). Anyway enjoy this track, I am not really fond of it and I dotn think by any means is it a reflection of what Shu’s current work is – but I think its buzz worthy… thats why i gave it one star.
listen to bila shaka here:
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download the track here:
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GetMziki Faceoff – Daddy Owen vs Kajairo (Katiba Soundtracks ****)
We have so much music to get put this month and I cant seem to find a good way to publish all these tracks, so forgive me if I stack up songs against each other. Forgive me if I post songs that are slightly old because they were sent to us a long time ago when they were relevant (like these two joints). Forgive me if I post 4 or more song collectively… I just need to find a way to process this back log and I cant think of a better way to do it at this point.
Here are two songs that came out during the Draft constitution voting sessions. The BEATS and the production is the same but the spitting is different on each track. One track is by Kajairo, the other is by Daddy Owen… Its obvious to me that Daddy OWEN was the intended recipient of this track and possibly the original writer/singer. However putting both songs on the same panel – which one seems more compelling?
Give them a listen.
listen to Katiba here
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listen to Tobina here:
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download Daddy Owen:
download Kajairo:
GetMziki Faceoff : Wyre vs Cool James vs Les Wanyika
I was going to drop all three MP3′s but I figured it makes more sense to just kinda let the videos in all these three variations do the talking. I recently heard this Wyre song (a remake of sina makosa by Les Wanyika) a few things came to mind as I listened to the song.
- I was glad someone is actually attempting to do remakes of the hot ish that we had in Kenya.
- I was excited that someone is following in Cool James footsteps
- I was confused at the attempt, as to whether it was at the same quality, better or worse?
From what I understand Ulopa put this version together and collaborated with Wyre, this just might be the first Ulopa song that I am not feeling as much. Please note I admire both these artists – and I have been an avid Ulopa fan for a while. Wyre is a close friend as well but when I dont feel the song I just dont feel it. Maybe am just talking tell me what you guys think?
(Nothing comes close to the original though – those trumpets.. yawaaaa!!!)
watch Les Wanyika here:
watch Cool James here:
watch Wyre here:
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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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: