Friday, January 6, 2012

Bracing for 2012 takeover



As the New Year fill beautiful days with glowing joyous spirit in many a music fans heart, it is business unusual in showbiz. Top local stars are falling over themselves performing while the new acts get set to break out in studios. STEVENS MUENDO unveils musicians to look out for this year
Away from the pomp and wild celebrations, that ushered the New Year, fast-rising hip-hop act Octopizzo remained caged in his little studio. The rapper was fine tuning and brushing up his yet-to-be released new singles, Octo-Montana and Bila Sonko — two controversial rap songs.
"I couldn’t just wait for 2012. This is my year. Let us see who springs out with the first hit and get this game on," said the Kibera-bred hit maker. He exuded confidence that indeed he is the star to watch this year.
Octopizzo is breathing new lease of life in the showbiz arena, showcasing rare lyrical genius and clever word-play. The underground star can no longer be wished away.
"I am here to spearhead a lyrical revolution in the underground and commercial showbiz game. My music addresses issues in the political and social scene. I call it Edu-tainment," Octopizzo explains.
And Octopizzo is not alone in claiming a breakthrough this year.
On New Year’s Eve, Angela Ndambuki aka Rabbo of Tattuu, also spent half the day in studio. She was penning her new Ogopa Deejays single expected to hit the airwaves in a few months.
Her debut solo effort Nipe Nafasi (featuring Frasha), released five months ago, is gaining ground in local showbiz charts.
"This is my big solo artiste breakthrough year. For the first time, I am without my fellow Tattuu pals. I want to affirm my presence in showbiz charts and shows. This is something I had wanted to do for years," says Angie.
Indeed, the showbiz revolution sweeping across Africa with fresh acts dislodging old guards has finally reached Kenya.
New artistes sprouted towards the end of last year with irresistible charm that even the old stars could not assume their arrival. The likes of Size 8, Avril, Kendi, Octopizzo, Rabbit, Camp Mulla and BMF claimed their stake while some big names fell on the wayside. And unlike the usual time frame of five years when new acts sprout out new acts, they are here to takeover the industry.
Size 8
If going freelance has ever worked for any artiste in Kenya, then that would be sassy singer Size 8. She left Calif Records mid-last year due to differences between her and the stable. Ironically, Size 8’s star shone brighter when she was expected to go down. The release of her new single Fire ignited her energetic presence in the showbiz industry and as the year came to a close, she was rated the most popular newcomer in the showbiz industry. She has four new tracks set for release and yes, it’s game on to her rivals.
Rabbit
This is yet another hip-hop rapper to watch this year. The Sneed Music signed-up rapper burst into the limelight last year with hits like Tales of Kaka Sungura, Dodoma (featuring Harry Kimani), Prodigal Son and Jam Nakam. His genius lyrical flare gives him an edge against many newcomers and more so his great new work, which has a team of professionals advising and working for him. His 17-track album, complete with documentary inserts, is set for launch in April.
"My music is mature and on point. This is the year of the Rabbit," he adds.
Kendi
She is the new hot thing from Calif who has everyone talking. She has now won the tag name, The Calif Diva. Having made her debut two years ago as Mejja’s back-up singer in the hit single Mwanisema, Kendi went ahead to release Wasiwasi and Kuwa na Wewe (featuring Ala-C). The two ballads gave Kendi a face and after releasing Nipe Boy (featuring Jimw@t) in October last year, the chocolate girl is now enjoying her breakthrough. Many argue that Kendi is headed to showbiz stardom.
"The last quarter of of last year was great for me. Since August, I was booked for concerts every weekend. This means fans are now embracing my music. This year looks promising as it is the year I plan to launch my debut album," Kendi remarks.
"I have yet to release singles featuring Sana (Sanaipei Tande), Jua Cali and Mejja. I am now in studio working on more music, some of which will feature Kenrazy and Habida. It will be a matter of good timing as I launch each in the coming months. It is my year of musical triumph," she asserts.
Vanika
Vanika was the latest showbiz name to emerge last year after Pulse discovered her recording her debut single at Homeboyz studios. The well-endowed songstress with a powerful vocal prowess is set for breakthrough. Besides having great singing talent, Vanika has a full managerial and marketing team. When she sings Wife Material in her yet to be released single, you will be sure that our judgment is right. The Wife Material video will be out in March ahead of her debut album launch set for August.
Ala-C
After staying under the shadows in Calif Studios working under popular stars, Ala-C has finally come out of his shell. After releasing, Kuwa na Wewe (featuring Kendi) last year, the versatile singer released Wapi Nimuone on Christmas Day, a club song whose video is set to be launched this month. Ala-C and C-So are the new faces to watch from the reputable Calif Entertainment stable.
"I don’t want to pre-empt anything now. I have worked on several collabos with a number of stars and 2012 is looking good. Watch this space," he observes.
Kevoh Yout
He is the new face of gospel reggae and dancehall music. And yes, he is prodigiously talented. Kevoh Yout launched his debut album, Determination in November and is now set to reap from his many years of labour.
"My messages are simply inspirational and encouraging, and in many ways prophetic. I view my songs as sermons with beats. Think of songs like Ghetto Prophecy and Determination, that address the harsh conditions in the ghetto, the Mtaa Mentality they end up with and encouraging them that they can make it, or urging guys to be focused in their walk with God, it’s all about trying to uplift people," Kevoh Yout explains.
Avril
Besides Angela Ndambuki, Avril and Marya are the other two divas Ogopa Deejays is expected tocash on this year. So there goes Avril once again, not only coming to Chokoza your 2012 but also destined to assert her presence as one of the successful secular singers in the country.
Avril is talented and versatile. She is working with one of the top recording stables in the country. She is easily lovable and enjoys a massive fanbase. With over three new hit songs waiting to hit the airwaves, we can only wish the best for Avril this year.
Victor Mbuvi and Kris E Baba
Given a chance to put my money on any gospel male artiste this year I would bank on two people; Kriss E Baba and Victor Mbuvi. In an overcrowded industry dominated by a few men (Daddy Owen, Juliani, Jimmy Gait and Ringtone), Victor Mbuvi and Kriss E Baba waded their way through the murky waters last year and left a lasting impression with their hit singles Kwata Kawaya and E Baba respectively.
Their styles stand out. Mbuvi is versatile and cuts through two worlds as he blends his native Kamba lyrics with sizzling modern beats. His two new singles, Mutui Museo and Meko ma Ngwatanio are set to be released soon.
Camp Mulla and BMF
They represen the face of new urban music in Kenya. Camp Mulla boasts of great skills rarely matched by any other rap group in the local music scene. Their debut album launch late last year with hit singles Party Don’t Stop announced their arrival as the group to watch this year. Their swagger and lyrical prowess can only be compared to that one of gospel hot kids BMF, the group expected to lead the revolution in the gospel music scene this year.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)