DJ DULO – GASM VOL 7 (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
Every once a year a DJ does something that completely impresses me. Truthfully this year there have been very few mixes that have impressed me (of course there is a mad mix I posted elsewhere that DJ Nyandat put together for all the old skool r&b lovers). It just didnt sit nice when I posted it here so i left it where it is (9mixtapes.com). However DJ DULO sends me his mixes every now and then, so the fact that I am posting this today shouldn’t necessarily be a shocker. However my rare rave review is a shocker so here goes:
I love African Music, I love love Urban African music meaning the Genge, Kapuka, Kwaito, Kuduro and all that new African sound with Western Infusions… I love it all. However there is something unique and untimely about some good ol’classic sounding Zouk or smooth Soukous music/Afropean Soul :-0/ When you listen to this mix, it’s one of those mixtapes you can give your dad or mom and be comfortable with the content and the feel good value. I wish I had a tracklist because there are some bangers on that mix that some DJs could use some schooling on. The set starts so relaxing with some more popular Zouk bangers and picks up pace by such a slight bpm that by the time he gets to the Bongo Flava and Naija music you almost don’t realize that the music tempo had changed.
DULO this mix is on fire and deserves every spin possible. Good stuff. To me its just the first time in a few years I’ve listened to a mix that wasn’t as predictable. Let me share the goodness here..
listen and download the mix here:
Lágbájá – Sobolation (GetMziki Throwback ***)
I want to share some Nigerian throwbacks that I listen to from time to time, this might be a little far fetched for what we call urban African music but to me this is still kinda fresh. So excuse me today while I make this personal post to make myself happy and possibly inspire some producers and artists who read the blog.
There are few artists with as many dimensions to them as Lagbaja – the flamboyant, masked character who emerged on the Nigerian scene in 1993. To start with, the name Lagbaja means ‘somebody’, ‘nobody’, ‘anybody’ in Yoruba. The mask and the name together represent the ‘facelessness’ of the ordinary people Lagbaja sings for and about.
They also reference the ancient tradition of Egungun, a Yoruba ancestral worship ritual in which the dancers or, masqueraders as they are called, wear elaborate masks and costumes. I have shared the video to this track called Sobooooo (Sobolation) which can help bring the essence of this man to life once you watch it and listen to it.
To me also a huge part of his music draws inspiration from FELA – essentially the trumpets and instrumentation is classic FELA completing my days each time I play this tune. PAP!
listen and download the song here:
Lagbaja – Sobolation by getmziki
watch the video here:
Davis Ntare – Sheka Sheka (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
Brand new music from Uganda’s own Davis Ntare just dropped a few weeks ago, and this particular track was blessed by my man R-Kay. I love R-Kays tunes he works hard to incorporate a lot of African sound and raw instruments (guitars, drums and ho hums). So for Davis to get his debut blessed by R-Kay I think its just a good look.
Now if y’all don’t know Davis he is the recently crowned Tusker Project fame winner. TPF4 (Tusker Project Fame 4), this is the second time a Ugandan has won Tusker Project Fame since the competitions inception. I think TPF2 was won by Esther Nabaasa and TPF3 was won by Alpha who is from Rwanda who as I gather is also PAM awards best artists. So for Davis to win this thing its big news for the Ugandans. Personally am not surprised, I’ve always said Ugandan men can blow (can sing)… so by virtue of their DNA (lol) Anyway Am loving everything about this track, I see a long career ahead for Davis if this is his preferred direction.
Above is Davis’s proud moment – am sure he will live to remember that night. Coincidentally am done ranting and raving about Tusker/EABL sponsoring Tusker Project Fame. Its obvious am the only one who cares or seems to think its a poor move on their part. You’ll never see Heineken or Budweiser sponsoring such shows because it just promotes teenage drinking if you ask me. Tusker is openly going after the young’ns. Reminding them that they soon will want to start boozing… I think as a community we can be more responsible and we need to start putting checks and balances early instead of pretending to put some big fat ass billboard on Waiyaki way and pretending to care. Anyway who cares at this point 4 seasons later its obvious TPF is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Enjoy the banger …
listen to Sheka Sheka here:
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Kidum feat Sanaa – Mulika Mwizi (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
I feel like at his peek TID from Tanzania should have been something more prominent like KIDUM. Unfortunately I feel as though TID wasted a large part of his career to growing up and trying to define himself as a R7B artists when he had the opportunity to be so much more than what he was struggling to be. Each time I listen to KIDUM something special happens inside my body (sijui ni nini)… Maybe these Rwandese folks have some juju or something. Truthfully when you put KIDUM and SANAA (formerly of SEMA) the music is just magical.
Am going to try and limit the amount of influence I am imposing on this track but truthfully if you like Urban Soul/ Kenyan Soul or for lack of a better way to classify these sounds “Afropean Soul” then you definitely will love this track. Sing on KIDUM sing on. Good production on this track by the way, its just smooth and mellow.
listen to Mulika Mwizi here:
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download the track here:
watch the video:
Lameck Ditto -Wapo (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
Lameck Ditto (Born Lameck Kalengezi, in 1987) is Tanzanian Bongo Flava artist and singer. He is the founder and member of LAFamilia group. Lameck Ditto is probably one of the more well known Bongo Flava artist currently in the region. From what we understand he is actually a great music composer/writer as well as a talented vocalist. From the sound of this hit track its easy to see why the cat has taken off over the last two years like a storm. Funny enough after doing some digging of our own, we realised that he has actually been in the game for a while. He has been featuring on many tracks but we just hadn’t recieved anything from his individual efforts.
Lameck featured on tracks with Chidi Benz (Dar Stand up) and some big collabo with Afande Sele called Darubini Kali. But his biggest break through was when they switched collaborations with Afande Sele and made a track him titled “Dunia ina Mambo” (check it out on his myspace account). To our understanding Dunia ina mambo came out in 2005 and was an instant hit in the Tanzania market. This track we are posting was performed at the THT (Tanzania House of Talents) event and has been featured greatly on some of their work (http://www.tht.co.tz/). Right now Lameck is working on his debut album and from the sounds of it, he just might be the next artists to watch from Tanzania. Ali Kiba and Matonya step aside for a minute…
listen to Wapo here:
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download the track here:
ps. Some GetMziki member took it upon himself to pen the lyrics lol
Lyrics:
Verse 1 Siwezi Kuishi Bila Upendo wako Ulivyoniteka
Naomba Nihifadhi Kwa Mikono Yako Nisije anguka
Nimezunguka Kutwa Nzima Kama wewe sijamuona
Napigwa Vita Chungu Nzima Lakini Bado Napigana
Choras Wapo walotaka Nikuache Nakusema Sitofika Popote
Ndipo Wakanifanya Niongeze Juhudi Nyingi mpaka siku Niwe wako
Sijali Umenitesa Mara ngapi Ama Nimelia Mara Ngapi
Nia Yangu Ni Moja Siku Moja Tuwe wote Pamoja x2
Verse 2 Sijasahau Usiku Wa Manane ule Ulivyo Nikana
Mbele Ya Nduguzo Na Bwanaako Yule Ukanitukana
Kwa Mapenzi Nilisimama Kama Chizi Nilionekana
Leo Wakusema Hakuna Najua Waamini Nakupenda
Choras Wapo walotaka Nikuache Nakusema Sitofika Popote
Ndipo Wakanifanya Niongeze Juhudi Nyingi mpaka siku Niwe wako
Sijali Umenitesa Mara ngapi Ama Nimelia Mara Ngapi
Nia Yangu Ni Moja Siku Moja Tuwe wote Pamoja x2
Alikiba – Mapenzi (GetMziki Exclusive ***/ONE 8 Project Exclusive)
This is one of the few posts i will make with no particular explanation, mostly because this track is HOT OFF THE PRESS. Literary this track is so hot the plate that I capped this track on was burning. Its as if the guys at Rockstarr heard my rants and eventually just put this together to shut me up. I was so pissed off and disappointed with the initial execution of the ONE8 project. To listen to this crazy track I am like okay okay okay ONE8 lets start this whole project again – lets reset our watches.
In total Ali Kiba says about four English words (FEEL FREE TO LOVE). Thats great – lets leave it at that, coz the rest of the track is just FIYAAAH. When we leave our artists to do what they do best in their own elements this is the type of sound and music we will get. CLASSICS. Again this is hot off the press so I need to listen to it a few more times and get a little more info on the track composition and credits so I ill stop here but from what I understand this is part of the ONE8 project tracks – and to me this is OFFICIAL. Thank you thank you… Kiba twende Kazi!
Alvin – WELCOME BACK Mzee wangu!!!
listen to Mapenzi here:
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download the track here:
R.I.P Remy Ongala – GetMziki Dedication
A Few months ago I posted a novelty piece by Remy Ongala, I admit it was a nostalgic week that month when I made that post (Remy Ongala – Asili ya Mziki). The track was appropriately titled and I felt like I just wanted to pay homage to one of the greatest Tanzanian singers of all time.
It’s unfortunate that today as I logged on to my facebook account I got a crazy amount of messages from friends talking about Remy. The news hit me like whoa! the man I once learned to listen to, love and develop accustomed ears to love his music, had just died. Remy Ongala passed away on Sunday night (Dec 11 2011) from Kidney failure. I also learned that he had been struggling with the disease for such a long time which in its regenerate state saw him turn into singing Gospel music as well as becoming a preacher in Dar es Salaam.
I’d like to say a lot about Remy, his music, his legacy but I realize this website is probably not the platform to vent out on such a great legend. A lot of the guys who can relate to this music myself excluded are probably in their 40′s or 50′s/60′s. All I can say is I grew up listening to Remy by default because of my dads massive music collection – that obsessiveness I guess found its way to me and I am not completely entrenched in music and always trying to figure out how to play a part in building this music industry.
Remy will trully be missed – amazingly I digitized a lot of his music a while back so … enjoy
listen to Kifo here:
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listen to Kilio here:
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UPDATE: we realized the links weren’t working, this has been updated. Thanks!
A Touch Of Africa – Kabugi the DJ (GetMziki African Mixes ***)
I grew up in the same Hood/Mtaa as Kabugi, actually we went to the same church in Buru phase v/phase iv. It was called Catho – or Catholic Church of Buru Buru. We probably fkuzad the same chics and shared the same rounda festivities and ball sessions. Although if I think long and hard Kabugi lived in phase iv which was okay but it just wasnt phase v. He he he phase iv had all the nice chiles, actually phase iv and phase iii or phase ii had all the chiles in Buru. Phase v had all the hot jamas (evidently).
Anyway I digress! My point here is that I’ve known this cat for a long time. Kabugi was one of my first Mlevi.com users and contributors when we were on version 1.3. Its amazing how time flies since 2001 to date thats almost 9 years ago when we were building our first Kenyan social network homie. But real talk am proud to know that the Internet has really lived up to its promise – ensuring people always stay in touch and in communication. Kabugi and I don’t talk much but when we do he will always drop a mix here and there – Personally I am never really fascinated by new school mixes… its the old stuff that he did that always has me locked in.
Hopefully when we finish 9mixtapes I will get the opportunity to share a lot of stuff he has done but today i am compelled to share this Touch of Africa mix that I have been playing in my car over and over and over again. Funny enough he did this in 2006 which is just amazing in itself. Thats why I feel like a lot of these African songs and sounds are so timeless. You cant listen to a 2006 Genge mix today and tell me it sounds as fresh today!
This mix has it all, it has your daily dose of Lingala, Magic System, Coupe De cale back in the day… Anyway real talk Kabugi this mix is official. Thanks for sharing/ Keep doing what you do!
listen to Touch of Africa here:
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download the mix here:
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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:
STREET LETHAL VIRUS – AFROBEAT : DJ Kaydee (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
In my continuation of the Mixtapes/Mixes series this is the second Mix I wanted to highlight thats a MUST HAVE. I threw a challenge at Kaydee a while back. I told Kaydee folks need something different from DJ’s today. The whole Genge/Kapuka and pop mixes has been done – there is an over saturation of so many Similar mixes floating around the internet in one form or the other. So whats going to be your differentiator? I have told the same thing to a couple of out DJs I like out there, I keep telling them its too cloudy out there you need to clear things out by being one of the few DJs who can stand out.
And for months Kaydee never really responded with what he would do. He still hasnt responded, but when he sent this I emailed him back and told him welcome/ now you are talking my language. Kay dee has been working on a frequent Web series of the STREET LETHAL Mixes (btw he is very consistent on delivering these mixes). Each week or two he sends a mix of different genre – to me everything else he sent was just okay and good until he put this together. Unfortunately I dont have the tracklist nor the artwork to this particular session but I think its a must have. It may be annoying the same music I grew up listening to and hating is the same music I am drawn to and enjoy because I get to dance to it. It may also be that the popular Urban tracks are stealing small bits and pieces of that Benga and Congolese sound here and there that its beginning to closely resemble each other. Needless to say this is a MUST HAVE – Kaydee mix.
On the flip side – Side note: There are two different, VERY Different Kay Dees. Many folks in the US know of DJ Kay Dee from Denver (old school cat – very very very humble cool dude, I love this dude sana one of my good friends). And then there is DJ Kay Dee from Kenya (KayDeethal) .. I’ve also know Kay Dee – Kenya for a long time. Kay Dee is the king of JAM SESSION at F2. He has been the long standing DJ at F2 for years and probably responsible for so many talented guys who are discovered at F2. He currently is part of TOD (Take Over DJs) and has been to the US several times before.
Either way this is fire.
listen to AFROBEAT here:
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download the mix here:
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Kidum feat Lady Jay Dee – Nitafanya (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
For the longest time I thought Kidum was from Kenya, probably because he had that banger of a track with Nameless titled – Karibia. Karibia was such a huge big track, I think it was big enough that the two artists decided to collaborate on another track called Greedy.
This is another such huge collaboration featuring Tanzanians R&B sensation Lady Jay Dee. It seems as though Kidum is not necessarily strong on his own because frankly each song I have heard from his album has some other local East African big act. Needless to say he probably has the strongest voice in the region right now. Kidum is originally from Burundi but sources always tend to trace his roots to Uganda or Rwanda, as we understand he is the biggest act in Burundi but because of his close ties to Tanzania he has a better understanding of the Bongo swagger and language. To demonstrate his connections he collaborated with Hermy B of B’Hits Music Group in Tanzania and ofcourse had the duet collabo of Lady JD.
Give this track a few spins family! – enjoy! This is a BIG ZOUK-like track! this is LARGE!
listen to Nitafanya here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
DJ – Lenoir : International African Mix Vol 1 (GetMziki Exclusive **)
Creative courtesy of GetMziki
If you’ve lived in the Bay Area (Northern California normally just San Francisco/Oakland area) for a while, then you’ve probably heard or seen DJ Lenoir. I really cant say much about Lenoir as a DJ because I moved to Oakland just when he was kind of winding down his DJ career to focus on other businesses he had. However I can talk about being in the Bay about 5 years ago and going to all these Dancehall parties that he sorta had pioneered around the community with another DJ called TOKS. The first time I met Lenoir I told him, dude you need to make these African Mixtapes, no one was taking advantage of the fact that all these Junguz were loving these Congolese, Angolan, Cote Dvoire songs. Lenoir slept on this for over 4 years to come up with this Street attack that I find not only unique but a massive statement to the potential of African music in the local US communities.
One thing most people don’t know is Oakland/San Francisco is probably one of the most diverse cities to live in. Honestly on any Friday or Saturday night you can go to a club called BAOBAB in San Francisco and the club will be packed with Junguz jumping and puffing to Lingala and Coupe de Cale. Anyway not to bore you with how cool my city is, the reality really is that I strongly believe African Urban and alternative music will take the US scene by storm in the not so near future. Its just a matter of time. African artists and African entertainment industry insiders are slowly but surely getting their shit together – and soon you will be going to a DELA concert in NYC, a SAUTI SOL, a KAYSHA concert… It happens in San Francisco and NYC right now more frequently than not.
So When Lenoir came knocking (a native of Congo DRC) I had to open up the door and open it up wide. Mostly because I respect the work he has put into the community in the past with my boy Louis, and also mostly coz I think he understands African sound slightly better than many other DJs I hang out with. This mix is not about the skill and or versatility. A lot of Kenyan DJs compile mixtapes to showcase their DJ-capabilities. I think there comes a point in time where the Mix should be about the music and about the sound or flow. Lenoir could definitely have done with a little less of the the sound effects (too much dancehall DJying can throw you off Len) but overall I think maybe its just a new style – and possibly a new way to get people here to appreciate all these new eclectic sounds.
And for that I designed his CD cover for fun 
I started with the version on top and ended up with this one here:
Enjoy the mix below:
ps. If you have sent us a mix in the last few months please send a track list our new policy insists that you furnish a tracklist to make it easy on our users to find tracks through the site. We eventually will link tracks with your tracklist for people who want to download the singles.
Track List:
1.FERRE’S INTRO
2.DROIT CHEMIN – FALLY IPUPA
3.SHAYO BIGIANO – OLU MAINTAIN
4.SUDDENLY – D.BANJ
5.YAHOO.ZE – OLU MAINTAIN
6.G’BONO FELI FELI – D’BANJ & MASTER
7.DO ME – P.SQUARE
8.FALL IN LOVE – D’BANJ
9.NO ONE LIKE YOU-P.SQUARE
10.ZUENA – RADIO & WEASLE
11.BREAD & BUTTER-RADIO
12.YORI YORI-BRACKET
13.NO EASY-P.SQUARE & J MARTIN
14.PUSH IT-BRICK & LACE
15.POLE-SWAHILI NATION
16.UP INNA DANCEHALL-ROCK CITY
17.ZOUK ZOUK-MAGIC SYSTEM & JOCELYN
18.FIONA-KAYSHA
19.JE SAIS QUI ELLE EST- KAYSHA
20.ASSOCIE’-FALLY-IPUPA
listen to International Mix Vol 1 here:
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download the mix here:
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Alindi feat Pro – Natafuta Chali (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
This track fell on our laps sometime last month but we’ve been waiting for Clemo to furnish us with more information about Alindi and unfortunately we think he’s been too busy. This track is too to let it fry up on our servers especially because we think there is something special about Alindi that Kenya needs right now in the Genge/R&B scene.
What I am particularly excited about is this whole new production style that Clemo has been capturing lately. Putting the samples aside for a while, I think Clemo has opened a new book called African instruments. There is so much culture and sound in his new beats to me I think its just phenomenal. Take this track for example, it almost feels like a chakacha/taarab inspired track. I can almost hear the Kayamba playing a
Clemo churns out another interesting track here. It has the unmistakeable sound of chakacha/taarab infused into it to accompany the genge/kapuka beat.
Hopefully Calif Records will send us most of their new artists profiles soon but for now enjoy the goodness from Clemo’s camp.
listen to Natafuta chali here:
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watch the video here:
Just A Band – Usinibore
I am posting this track because its been on high demand, one of our enthusiast has been asking for the track for almost 3 months now. I apologize I couldn’t immediately post it for reasons beyond my control however today I think its okay to blast this track. There isnt much to add to JAB as far as am concerned everything I could have said has been said already. Just A Band continue doing your thing and making good music. I like this video – its not your average Kenyan music video at all.
Enjoy!
listen to Usinibore here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
Nameless – Salari
I really don’t have much to post about Nameless or the song, only that – I thought we had posted this song a long time ago, but it may appear that it doesn’t exist in our database. Today DJ Stevo was trying to find it and he couldn’t locate it – So I figured I might as well upload it just in case we never got around to posting this song.
listen to salari here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
Daddy V – Mahooks (GetMziki Exclusive **)
So can I be brutally honest here? Please can I? …. This is a sick catchy song, it really doesn’t matter what you think in the final analysis about Daddy V as a person. I think on this particular track he just delivered needfully. I think Daddy V is just showing guys that bottom line he can bring it if need be. LOL. I personally wasnt a fan of Nare – but then again Nare was recorded about 4 years ago so its only right that any material Daddy V releases today encompasses this type of growth.
There is a certain amount of relevancy that is lost over time from being out of Kenya/Nairobi for so long but I don’t think it matters after a while or does it? If the flow and the beat are on par then the Genge is definitely going to be on point. Although if I had written this song I would have lost that whole “Niko na ma hooks kuliko za Kanye West” Juu uwongo mbaya – hauwezi kuwa na ma hooks kuliko za Kanye west.. Labda kama ni kuimba Genge!! But all in all Mahooks kuliko wasee wa kahawa west ndio, mahooks kuliko wasee wa nairobi west – most definitely…
Anyway thats what music is all about, its about putting out your resume and saying you are the best. Its about putting your lyrical capacity to test and I think Daddy V has shown a lot of growth over the years – this track is tight, I like the beat (with a few samples beats from Magic systems – premier, which I really love that part). The whistles and the guitar work are totally on point – by the time the baseline hits the speakers its almost easy to forget the flute in the background.
ps. I got the vocals and instrumentals for anyone interested… enjoy the track
listen to mahooks here:
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DJ Kill Bill – Utake Blueprint
image courtesy of GetMziki
Disclaimer: Every now and then I get bored when I get home from work and in order to unwind I sit in front of my PC and play with Photoshop. As I was listening to this mix, I was inspired to design something different the way I interpreted the music on the mix. This are the fruits of that quick session, Bill I hope you like the work
Last weekend I had the opportunity of spending time with some old friends, one of whom is Tom Mwicigi the master mind behind Uhuru Clothing. I have been Tom’s friend for a while now and I also sit on his virtual advisory business board, so it’s always nice to meet in person and just talk casually. I admire young enterprising guys who are trying to take the baton from OG’s who have retired the game. So Kudos to Tom and the awesome work he is doing pushing his brand and clothing line to great heights. Anyway as I was chilling with Tom at my crib – he was busy playing mixes from DJ Kill Bill and various other websites. This one mix however caught my attention considering the little sucker downloaded the mix on my computer I eventually had to pay close attention (this Bill Mix I am posting)
Funny thing is that Billy used to send me mixes, but its been a while since my inbox has been blessed with anything from him , maybe he is busy these days lol ama amekuwa star Either way I think Billy is an okay DJ (a good DJ), I like his work because its unpredictable. Most of his work seems to have a mix of the old vs the new so you never can tell whats coming or how it will come. I was compelled to share this mix so here goes – I hope you enjoy it, and I hope he doesn’t mind me posting his work here…
Cheers.
image courtesy of DJ KillBill
listen to UTAKE Blueprint:
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download the mix here:
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Mzungu Kichaa feat Professor Jay and Mwasiti – Jitolee (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
image courtesy of Mzungu Kichaa myspace page
Born in Denmark and breed in Tanzania Espen Sorensen is probably one of the few foreign artists to come out of East Africa that I think has established a solid brand for his performance acts. His artist name already raises so many questions to locals who adore and love him because they cant believe this white man can sing and flow in their local dialect. I guess thats why they labelled him Crazy White Man – Mzungu Kichaa.
His debut album which is under his record label Caravan Records seems to be an instant hit both in Tanzania (East Africa) and in his native country also Denmark. Looking at his performances on youtube I see he loves the guitar and the whole acoustics soul thing with swahili that I totally dig – I can say Mzungu Kichaa is a true entertainer. The guy is already over accomplished, having performed alongside virtually every big artists and band in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar – I don’t know what else to expect from him.
A few weeks ago we debuted this video on our homepage – but very few people go to our homepage (index). (Does anyone really care that GetMziki has been on Beta testing for like 1 year now ha ha ha, we really should move things around here to proper directories and destinations lol) Either way – now that the song is out and is getting airplay in South Africa, Kenya and parts of Nigeria – we thought why not share it with the world… Professor Jay is always a blessing on any track so I wont talk about him, but I gotta say that soul stress Mwasiti can really blow/sing I totally love those vocals… more please?
listen to jitolee here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
Rabbit feat Harry Kimani – Dodoma (GetMziki Exclusive *)
Some more random music I would like to post today. This is also another track I’ve been sitting on but am posting because I just stumbled on the video. I really don’t have any information on RABBIT (I really wouldn’t use that name if I was him, but lets move on). Harry Kimani is still the same, we have featured him over and over on the site – I still think he is on top of his game vocally and performance wise, however with the newbies SAUTI SOL and the likes of Stan, Harry might just become old news.
Now here are some interesting facts about this song – Now I personally happen to know where Dodoma is, Betty is not necessarily a common Gogo name (Wagogo come from Dodoma). But the highlight of the song is the chile in the video being insinuated as BETTY is non other than Toxic (unless my eyes were playing tricks on me). I know Toxic (Juliet) personally, well I knew her when I was in Kenya – the CHILE had an ASS I cant lie, but for the longest time people always had a misconception about who she was because she’d get up on stage and dance provocatively… The chic just loved dancing and am excited that she’s made a living out of shaking her ass – and is getting paid for it. (Actually as I understand she signed a deal with a US company so they have a 50/50 revenue split am not sure but thats the low down). But real talk unless this chile has changed since 2006, she was really a sweet humble chile (probably still a virgin then – she wasn’t even 20yrs old I think) And I know this has nothing to do with the song – but look at what 3 seconds of a Video Cameo can get for you
listen to Dodoma here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
Daddy V – Julieta (GetMziki Exclusive **)
image courtesy of Daddy V Myspace
We have never covered Daddy V on GetMziki, I believe the few instances we have mentioned his name here have had to do with his “apparent” conflict with DJ Pinye and other promoters. Unfortunately during this period of bad press (although to me there isn’t anything like bad press – I call it FREE publicity) we never really got to hear his side of the story (Nor Pinye’s for that matter). So to me this whole conflict was hear say. However one key fact remains constant – Daddy V is passionate about his music and has been doing this for a long time. I met him once in Dallas at a show we had together with Jua Cali. The promoters of the show had some slight difficulty with their equipment and set up – so the delivery was awefull. Daddy V was performing before Jua Cali and a local DJ was trying to rally up the crowd as the equipment was being fixed at the same time.
After the DJ set, Daddy V didnt hesitate, he jumped on stage grabbed the flawed mic and just started blazing – personally id never seen that before in my life. The last time I was at a concert with faulty equipment the artist left for his hotel, so to me this was crazy. V ripped it with his reggae sensationalized lyrics and tones leaving his fans in awe and screaming even if half the performance was already flawed. I stood next to JuaCali as he watched this and he too realized that he will have to give it his all regardless of the poor set up the promoters had set up for these artists. To date I think if V hadn’t gotten on that stage, probably JuaCali wouldnt have either… But thats not whats important here, whats important is that Daddy V has blessed us with some new material and we will release one at a time based on demand.
Here is his hit new single Julieta (Thanks to Kilimanjaro Records and Daddy V).
I’ll reserve my personal opinion about the track for now, I am yet to critic the track so ill wait for about 5 or more comments and then give my feedback.
listen to Julieta here:
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download the track here:
Swahili Nation – Hakuna Matata (GetMziki Throwback ****)
image courtesy of Swahili Nation Myspace page
I was listening to some random music and figured I should share some of the old flare I have locked up in my ipod. Honestly sometimes I think if I was ever to lose my ipod I would cry – the amount of local heat on that thing is impressive. Either way this song was pretty huge a few years ago, I remember when these cats showed up at Safari Sevens it was like seeing 50cent. Essentially I think Swahili Nation at one point were like what P-Square is to Africa today.
The initial group which was founded by two Kenyans (Andrew and Ken Muturi) and one Tanzanian (a friend who passed away called Cool James – Mtoto wa Dandu). Cool James however went solo in 1992 at which point the group added two other Ugandans (Ken and Charlie). Ken and Charlie however carried this brand pretty well getting the group signed to Dr. Albans record label – Dr. Records rallied up to the current success they enjoy today.
Either way for many Kenyans who were around in the 90′s when Hakuna Matata broke the market – this song is like super nostalgia. Its amazing that I listen to it today and it still sounds fresh, the guys vocals are still up to par with the current standards… Enjoy..
listen to Hakuna matata here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
Tatuu feat Ulopa – Come back to me (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
image courtesy of Museke
I love Museke because it has a lot of random unnecessary or necessary information about many African artists. If anyone hasnt been there its time you check it out honestly. Where online can you find random historical information about Tatuu such as what school they went to, how they met and what their full names are?
Sidenote: One of the biggest challenges for many content publishers out there on the web is lack of information, its unfortunate that an artists can enter the studio to record but will have no plan to get his music out there, most of the work we do at GetMziki is scouted hustled through over phonecalls, text messages and emails to find out any information about artists. If anyone can complete this circle for people like us and make it available – African artists will only continue to shine even more…
Now back to our regular scheduled programming
Enough said about Ulopa, am not going to continue over flowering his expertise and talents, what I will say however is here is a producer who is going to turn into an artist faster than anyone else I’ve ever seen in the region. Actually now that I think about it, majority of singers in East Africa turn into producers but very few start as producers then end up being artists. Bruce Odhiambo was a singer turned producer, Wyre still sings and produces, Musyoka was a singer turned producer, Ted Josiah was a singer turned producer…. anyway you catch my drift – Big ups to Ulopa keep doing your thing.
listen to Come back to me here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here: (thanks kimgitz for the url)
Brand New: Dereva Wawili – Adio feat Nyambane (GetMziki Ke Exclusive ***)
img courtesy of Nation Media Group
Truth be told Nyambane is probably one of Kenyas most talented media personalities. I respect the mans sense of humor and his ability to quickly change and morph into Walter vs Nyamane. Although I think his humor lingers/borderline comedy and clown – because the genius is always in character, dressed as Nyambane half the time so its difficult to distinguish the two. Either way being Nyambane has paid off very handsomely.
The challenge I have with Walter is his passion for music and vision to over develop this unforseen talent. He has been busy with bands, groups, record labels and himself. So much that I understand this track actually features one of Kenyans Benga heavy weights, Prince Adio. If you dont know prince Adio he is the one who sang “nikiwa ndani”… I loved that track, coz it was such a typical scenario of these Kenyan chiles If am inside you cause, if I am outside you cause – when you are loved you cant be loved ha ha ha anyway guys from Mombasa are very swift with the tongue.
Either way enjoy this interesting track – I dont know what to make of it, ill voice my comments in a few weeks. Speaking of which Walter is on tour in the US for a few weeks with akina Mama Kayai and Ojwang… (ps. Walter paid for the entire trip himself after a bank in Kenya pulled out from sponsorship).
listen to Dereva wawili here:
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download the track here:
Brand New: Marya feat Colonel Mustafa – Hey Baby (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
image courtesy of Pulse Magazine
Lets get these pleasantries out of the way real quick – Mustafa your CHILE IS HOTTTTTTT!! with a capital T (As Mzee Tama would say in brackets capital T T). Wai wai wai – Truthfully the first 15 minutes of my day today was spent watching this video back to back, I really didn’t hear the song kabisaaa!! The thing is I actually watched or had seen her previous video Mahaba, but I think after this jam came out and I started feeling the jam – I fell in love with her.. excuse me.. I mean sorry.. I feel inlove with the song the song I meant the song.
I know with the way am talking am making her into a Halle Berry of sorts, but thats not the case really. All am saying is that its been a while since we have seen some eye candy on our youtube/screens that was singing well and also has the appearance to support the looks. No disrespect to any other artist in Kenya am just saying this chile right now for me takes the trophy for the whole of East Africa in terms of cakes… And thats just real talk. I mean look at the representatives on each coast – Ray C (TZ), Juliana (UG), Nakaya (TZ), Wahu (KE), …. Well actually K-Lynn from TZ is a cake hauuu uuu!! and then there is Kaz… hmmm okay let me sit this one out for a while while I look at my diary for clues.
What sucks about Marya is that she will always be known as Mustafas Boo, thats kinda whack coz she needs to be able to ride her own wave of success. I also think her brand name is a little off – MARY-A (her real name is Mary Maina), am not sure what the A stands for but I thought her name was Myra initially until I realized is MaryA -I dont know maybe thats just me. Lastly its Ogopa – Ogopa can make anyone a superstar with their beats, so I am yet to make a decent decision on whether I think she can sing or not. This particular track is off the chains – Gangsta loving right there, but I cant feel her vocal capabilities, to me it sounds like she is just talking and conversating with her peers.
The Mahaba song she release prior to this one was just okay I would give it a star – this one I give 3 stars for quality of beat, composition, collaboration, video quality and style) but more importantly to get her number he he he he… Mustafa hang on to this one coz she is bound to get hit on by 999 guys on an average week. GetMuzicians its time to harvest this track – what do you all think?
ps. Also Mustafa making love Collabos is dangerous ground homie, mkija kukosana hizi ngoma zitakuwa zina leta machozi na majonzi tupu mshkaji wangu
listen to hey baby here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here: