Coco Em Makes A Powerful Statement With Her E.P., Kilumi

Coco Em's debut EP, Kilumi, is phenomenal. Based on a traditional dance by the Kamba people of Eastern Kenya, Kilumi is a genre-defying, career-defining, culture-shaping project. Packed with textures of sounds including a 60 year old sample from traditional Kamba performers, Kilumi is not just an EP, it’s self-discovery and hard work

Karibu Nairobi Pop Up: A Revolution In Fashion

Over the years, Nairobi city has become increasingly fashion forward.Some of the individuals who are at the forefront of this mission are Studio 18 KE, a fashion collective consisting of Akiba by Akiba Haiozi, Metamorphisized by Daudi. O and Nairobi Apparel District by Junior Orina, who aim to change the narrative on Kenyan street wear.

Get To Know Ninja C

Ninja C, otherwise known as Herninjaness, is Ugandan Rap royalty. Having began her career in 2012 and releasing her debut project, “Best Kept Secret”, in 2013, she is the definition of a boss lady.

April Rap Jumpstart

The April Rap Jumpstart is here, ladies and gentlemen. We take a look at some of the hottest tracks that dropped this month. Rwandan rap, particularly continues to impress as we discover new, unique voices with unconventional approaches to making hip-hop.

Introducing Niwe Akeine

Niwe Akeine’s music reveals layers of different interests and influences, from traditional african percussion to reggae and jazz. At the core is her timeless voice and writing which are both testament to the fact that she has been honing her skill since childhood.

The Magical Mysterious Mind of Mike Kayihura

Through his sounds, Mike Kayihura has opened up a realm of vulnerability from his early Soundcloud days with “Mama & the City” / “Nina with the Side Eye” / “Tina” and many other gems; to his more recent experimentation with sounds from the continent on his ‘Zuba' EP. And we cannot forget his live-recorded album ‘Barely Mixed’ which was the catalyst to everything. A piece of gold he was quietly polishing, waiting for the right moment to reveal.

February's Rap Jumpstart

February, the month of love brings a lot of great moments and music with it however. Rap is a genre that prides itself on addressing a wide range of topics, and romantic love is one of them. Below is a list of some of those songs that engaged fans this past month.

Conversation With Nyokabi Kariuki

By way of her occupation and inventive sonic vision, Nyokabi Kariũki’s impact on the Kenyan music scene warrants greater applause. Although the global music scene is witnessing a renaissance of African experimental sounds, the 23 year old Kenyan composer is one of the few women composers in the East African soundscape. Combining her 17-year classical training in piano, Nyokabi effortlessly defies the boundaries of genre by dabbling with classical contemporary to choral music, film, experimental pop, and East African musical tradition.


January Rap Jumpstart

The year has begun with lot's of new music. This list picks out unique songs that see artists step out of their comfort zones or the unexpected norms. Whatever the motivations, we are here to enjoy some great East African hip hop.