The Rwandan rap scene is booming with exceptional talent, touched and untouched. Some artists have gained the exposure they truly deserve, whilst others, who are just as deserving; are still pushing hard to align their bars perfectly enough so their light shines
On Thursday May 26 2022, Beats by Dre (Beats) and Daily Paper launched their first collaboration of special-edition Beats Studio Buds featuring Ugandan-British rapper Unknown T.
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
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.
CDave Honcho burst into the Ugandan music scene when he released single after single during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown
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.
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.
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.
Supadrum and Chevy Kev have teamed up to give us Time, a gengetone, feel good anthem that will have audiences hooked to its relatable lyricity and odi-dance inducing beats.
Kenya is steadily gaining a reputation as being a drill hub on the African continent, with Nairobi serving as the focal point. We take you through it’s origins, key players and what makes Keyan drill unique.
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.
Characterized by bouncy, bass-heavy production, “Who Disagrees?” is an afro-ethereal single which marks the end of Nairobi-based rapper, producer and songwriter Anje Uno’s hiatus.
The 3 day event will shine a light on Kenya’s rising drill scene.
Tap into some great East African hip hop.
On her upcoming single, “Can’t Get Enough”, Kenyan alternative R&B artist Maya Amolo explores infatuation as a drug, detailing the the euphoric effect that falling in love has on your day-to-day life
Santuri works towards bridging the gap between artists and the industry by empowering artists to further their careers and build connections with other industry folks. They created the Santuri Electronic Music Academy (SEMA), with support from the Goethe-Institut, a program that teaches up-and-coming artists several skills to help further their career.
A conversation with b-boy Onkwani of the Halisi Breaking outfit, one of of the hottest b-boy crew leaders in Nairobi at the moment
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.
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.
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.
