Music artists are known to draw inspiration from various objects and practices before stepping into the recording studio or even on stage for live performances. Recently the trend is beginning to be noticed with our very own Godfather of Genge, Nonini and His P-unit Crew.

What seems to be a wooden zebra with a crack across the neck region is prominently present at every Nonini and P-unit show. The zebra is usually placed on stage, first in front of him and later behind him as he performs. The sculpture has even been noticed sharing drinks with his P-Unit entourage on bar counters before and after performances.

Is that Zebra just part of his image and branding ama what?” A fan was overheard asking during Nonini’s onstage performance at Nairobi’s Carnivore Restaurant.

Mtaatv is still investigating this matter to uncover more!

Top Ugandan reggae musician Bebe Cool a.k.a Moses Sali is in Nsambya Hospital after being shot at a city hangout last night. The bullets shattered both his legs, the hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Martin Nsubuga says.

The accounts of the shooting at Effendys, a popular city hangout in Centenary Park, are still contradicting. Three other people, two of them Bebe Cool’s guards and the other a Special Police Constable, were also injured.

Mtaatv has gotten wind of the rumours that a couple were intending on having sex in a parkinglot when police bursted them. The guy and the lady are friends to Bebe who came shouting insults at the police when they wanted to arrest the man. One of Bebez bouncers tried dis-arming one of the Police men then the other one opened fire shooting Bebe twice on the legs.

Pizza .. Now Mancini’s Gone Gago For McDonald’s!

His initial plans to go for Flamini and Gago of Real Madrid and AC Milan respectively have drawn a blank and it now seems that he’ll be ordering a McDonald instead.

According to the Daily Mail’s well respected ‘Sports Mail Reporter’. The next on the list is Parma midfielder McDonald Mariga a Kenyan international (yes Kenyan).

A host of clubs including Inter Milan have also been tracking Mariga, with the Italian club recently putting heir interest on hold after the loan arrival of the exciting Chilean Manuel Fernandes from Valencia (yes him from Football Manager).

Ol’ Arry Redknapp also tried to sign the six foot two inch Mariga for old club Portsmouth when he was playing for Swedish side Helsingborg three years ago, but failed to secure a work permit.

Apparently City are ready to offer cash and Valeri Bojinov for Mariga, according to reports in Italy in a deal that could be worth around six million pounds.

Mtaa tv has lerant the home office in London denied Mariga a work permit but Inter milan has digned the Kenyan Born footballer.

Four-time defending Serie A champions Inter Milan signed highly-rated Kenyan international midfielder McDonald Mariga from rivals Parma on Monday on a four year contract.

Inter stepped in for the 22-year-old – capped 24 times – hours after a move to English Premier League heavyweights Manchester City had fallen through when he was refused a work permit.

A statement from Inter read: “Mariga has signed a contract until June 30 2014 and will wear the number 17 jersey.”

As part of the transfer deal Inter let Chilean midfielder Luis Jimenez – who had just returned from a loan spell with another Premier League outfit West Ham – move to Parma.

Mariga who had successfully undergone a medical at City and agreed personal terms was denied a the necessary documentation due to Kenya\’s dismal FIFA world ranking.

The British Home Office only grants work permits to players whose countries are in the top 70 bracket. Kenya currently occupies 98th position.

Mariga\’s move to the San Siro could see the former Tusker and Ulinzi player bask in glory with Inter who are eight points clear at the top of Serie A and in the quarter final of the UEFA Champions League where they will take on Jose Mourinho\’s former side Chelsea.

Mariga\’s failure to join the richest club in the world elicited outrage back home with some Kenyans accusing the British government for discrimination while others pointed the finger at Kenya\’s football administrators whose incessant wrangles caused Harambee Stars dip in the rankings.

There is a new celebrity couple in town, the gorgeous Habida and International DJ and corporate honcho DJ Yush. The two will be joining the mummy and daddy club come June.
The four-month pregnant Habida explained why she made the decision to go public on her pregnancy was to reduce the pressure and speculation.
“There is a lot of pressure of telling everyone more so because I’m in the limelight. Like everyone else, I have always had a dream of being a mum and starting a family,” she said.
Asked if her adoring fans – who are predominantly male – would change the way they view her, not as a hot babe on stage but someone’s mum and fiancé. Habida who is popular for her hit song Sunshine that features Nameless said, “Nothing has changed but I hope my fans still look at me first as a human being.
“I’m still on track with my career in the music industry. The pregnancy will not change the timing of my debut album which was due out in, though I admit I can’t do as many shows as I would have liked.”
So when is the wedding, we shamelessly asked. “That will ”
Habida who is promoting her latest single Kesho joins two other soon to be celebrity mums KTN’s Lillian Muli and singer Valerie Kimani.

Haitian born Wyclef Jean held a press conference to dispel rumors that his Yele Haiti foundation had misused funds and failed to properly file its taxes. “If you’re a man with a clear conscience, speak with a clear conscience and the world will know,” Wyclef said to an audience of reporters. “The books are open. We have a clean bill of health from an auditor.”
This came after The Smoking Gun published a report accusing Jean of using Yele Haiti funds for his own personal use and failing to file tax returns in a timely manner.
Wyclef lashed out at the rumours. “Have I made mistakes? Yes,” Jean said at the news conference. “Did I ever use Yele money for personal benefits? Absolutely not.”
With tears rolling down his cheeks, the star host at last year’s MTV Africa Music Award ceremony in Kenya insisted the money will be put to good use. “I was the one carrying the little girls to the morgue. In reality, my people are dying. I have to go back for relief. I do not cry for myself. I cry for them,” the star said.

This is a list of some of the world’s music genre and their definitions.

African Folk – Music held to be typical of a nation or ethnic group, known to all segments of its society, and preserved usually by oral tradition.

Afro jazz – Refers to jazz music which has been heavily influenced by African music. The music took elements of marabi, swing and American jazz and synthesized this into a unique fusion. The first band to really achieve this synthesis was the South African band Jazz Maniacs.

Afro-beat – Is a combination of Yoruba music, jazz, Highlife, and funk rhythms, fused with African percussion and vocal styles, popularized in Africa in the 1970s.

Afro-Pop – Afropop or Afro Pop is a term sometimes used to refer to contemporary African pop music. The term does not refer to a specific style or sound, but is used as a general term to describe African popular music.

Apala – Originally derived from the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It is a percussion-based style that developed in the late 1930s, when it was used to wake worshippers after fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Assiko – is a popular dance from the South of Cameroon. The band is usually based on a singer accompanied with a guitar, and a percussionnist playing the pulsating rhythm of Assiko with metal knives and forks on an empty bottle.

Batuque - is a music and dance genre from Cape Verde.

Bend Skin – is a kind of urban Cameroonian popular music. Kouchoum Mbada is the most well-known group associated with the genre.

Benga – Is a musical genre of Kenyan popular music. It evolved between the late 1940s and late 1960s, in Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi.

Biguine – is a style of music that originated in Martinique in the 19th century. By combining the traditional bele music with the polka, the black musicians of Martinique created the biguine, which comprises three distinct styles, the biguine de salon, the biguine de bal and the biguines de rue.

Bikutsi – is a musical genre from Cameroon. It developed from the traditional styles of the Beti, or Ewondo, people, who live around the city of Yaounde.

Bongo Flava – it has a mix of rap, hip hop, and R&B for starters but these labels don’t do it justice. It’s rap, hip hop and R&B Tanzanian style: a big melting pot of tastes, history, culture and identity.

Cadence - is a particular series of intervals or chords that ends a phrase, section, or piece of music.

Calypso – is a style of Afro-Caribbean music which originated in Trinidad at about the start of the 20th century. The roots of the genre lay in the arrival of African slaves, who, not being allowed to speak with each other, communicated through song.

Chaabi – is a popular music of Morocco, very similar to the Algerian Rai.

Chimurenga – is a Zimbabwean popular music genre coined by and popularised by Thomas Mapfumo. Chimurenga is a Shona language word for struggle.

Chouval Bwa - features percussion, bamboo flute, accordion, and wax-paper/comb-type kazoo. The music originated among rural Martinicans.

Christian Rap - is a form of rap which uses Christian themes to express the songwriter’s faith.

Coladeira – is a form of music in Cape Verde. Its element ascends to funacola which is a mixture of funanáa and coladera. Famous coladera musicians includes Antoninho Travadinha.

Contemporary Christian - is a genre of popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith.

Country – is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. It has roots in traditional folk music, Celtic music, blues, gospel music, hokum, and old-time music and evolved rapidly in the 1920s.

Dance Hall - is a type of Jamaican popular music which developed in the late 1970s, with exponents such as Yellowman and Shabba Ranks. It is also known as bashment. The style is characterized by a deejay singing and toasting (or rapping) over raw and danceable music riddims.

Disco – is a genre of dance-oriented pop music that was popularized in dance clubs in the mid-1970s.

Folk – in the most basic sense of the term, is music by and for the common people.

Freestyle – is a form of electronic music that is heavily influenced by Latin American culture.

Fuji – is a popular Nigerian musical genre. It arose from the improvisation Ajisari/were music tradition, which is a kind of Muslim music performed to wake believers before dawn during the Ramadan fasting season.

Funana – is a mixed Portuguese and African music and dance from Santiago, Cape Verde. It is said that the lower part of the body movement is African, and the upper part Portuguese.

Funk – is an American musical style that originated in the mid- to late-1960s when African American musicians blended soul music, soul jazz and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable new form of music.

Gangsta rap - is a subgenre of hip-hop music which developed during the late 1980s. ‘Gangsta’ is a variation on the spelling of ‘gangster’. After the popularity of Dr. Dre’s The Chronic in 1992, gangsta rap became the most commercially lucrative subgenre of hip-hop.

Genge – is a genre of hip hop music that had its beginnings in Nairobi, Kenya. The name was coined and popularized by Kenyan rapper Nonini who started off at Calif Records. It is a style that incorporates hip hop, dancehall and traditional African music styles. It is commonly sung in Sheng(slung),Swahili or local dialects.

Gnawa – is a mixture of African, Berber, and Arabic religious songs and rhythms. It combines music and acrobatic dancing. The music is both a prayer and a celebration of life.

Gospel – is a musical genre characterized by dominant vocals (often with strong use of harmony) referencing lyrics of a religious nature, particularly Christian.

Highlife – is a musical genre that originated in Ghana and spread to Sierra Leone and Nigeria in the 1920s and other West African countries.

Hip-Hop – is a style of popular music, typically consisting of a rhythmic, rhyming vocal style called rapping (also known as emceeing) over backing beats and scratching performed on a turntable by a DJ.

House – is a style of electronic dance music that was developed by dance club DJs in Chicago in the early to mid-1980s. House music is strongly influenced by elements of the late 1970s soul- and funk-infused dance music style of disco.

Indie – is a term used to describe genres, scenes, subcultures, styles and other cultural attributes in music, characterized by their independence from major commercial record labels and their autonomous, do-it-yourself approach to recording and publishing.

Indie – is a term used to describe genres, scenes, subcultures, styles and other cultural attributes in music, characterized by their independence from major commercial record labels and their autonomous, do-it-yourself approach to recording and publishing.

Instrumental – An instrumental is, in contrast to a song, a musical composition or recording without lyrics or any other sort of vocal music; all of the music is produced by musical instruments.

Isicathamiya – is an a cappella singing style that originated from the South African Zulus.

Jazz – is an original American musical art form which originated around the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States out of a confluence of African and European music traditions.

Jit - is a style of popular Zimbabwean dance music. It features a swift rhythm played on drums and accompanied by a guitar.

Juju – is a style of Nigerian popular music, derived from traditional Yoruba percussion. It evolved in the 1920s in urban clubs across the countries. The first jùjú recordings were by Tunde King and Ojoge Daniel from the 1920s.

Kizomba – is one of the most popular genres of dance and music from Angola. Sung generally in Portuguese, it is a genre of music with a romantic flow mixed with African rhythm.

Kwaito – is a music genre that emerged in Johannesburg, South Africa in the early 1990s. It is based on house music beats, but typically at a slower tempo and containing melodic and percussive African samples which are looped, deep basslines and often vocals, generally male, shouted or chanted rather than sung or rapped.

Kwela – is a happy, often pennywhistle based, street music from southern Africa with jazzy underpinnings. It evolved from the marabi sound and brought South African music to international prominence in the 1950s.

Lingala – Soukous (also known as Soukous or Congo, and previously as African rumba) is a musical genre that originated in the two neighbouring countries of Belgian Congo and French Congo during the 1930s and early 1940s

Makossa – is a type of music which is most popular in urban areas in Cameroon. It is similar to soukous, except it includes strong bass rhythm and a prominent horn section. It originated from a type of Duala dance called kossa, with significant influences from jazz, ambasse bey, Latin music, highlife and rumba.

Malouf - a kind of music imported to Tunisia from Andalusia after the Spanish conquest in the 15th century.

Mapouka – also known under the name of Macouka, is a traditional dance from the south-east of the Ivory Coast in the area of Dabou, sometimes carried out during religious ceremonies.

Maringa – is a West African musical genre. It evolved among the Kru people of Sierra Leone and Liberia, who used Portuguese guitars brought by sailors, combining local melodies and rhythms with Trinidadian calypso.

Marrabenta - is a form of Mozambican dance music. It was developed in Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, formerly Laurenco Marques.

Mazurka – is a Polish folk dance in triple meter with a lively tempo, containing a heavy accent on the third or second beat. It is always found to have either a triplet, trill, dotted eighth note pair, or ordinary eighth note pair before two quarter notes.

Mbalax – is the national popular dance music of Senegal. It is a fusion of popular dance musics from the West such as jazz, soul, Latin, and rock blended with sabar, the traditional drumming and dance music of Senegal.

Mbaqanga – is a style of South African music with rural Zulu roots that continues to influence musicians worldwide today. The style was originated in the early 1960s.

Mbube – is a form of South African vocal music, made famous by the South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The word mbube means “lion” in Zulu

Merengue – is a type of lively, joyful music and dance that comes from the Dominican Republic

Morna – is a genre of Cape Verdean music, related to Portuguese fado, Brazilian modinha, Argentinian tango, and Angolan lament.

Museve – is a popular Zimbabwe music genre. Artists include Simon Chimbetu and Alick Macheso

Oldies – term commonly used to describe a radio format that usually concentrates on Top 40 music from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Oldies are typically from R&B, pop and rock music genres.

Pop – is an ample and imprecise category of modern music not defined by artistic considerations but by its potential audience or prospective market.

Quadrille – is a historic dance performed by four couples in a square formation, a precursor to traditional square dancing. It is also a style of music.

R&B - is a popular music genre combining jazz, gospel, and blues influences, first performed by African American artists.

Rai - is a form of folk music, originated in Oran, Algeria from Bedouin shepherds, mixed with Spanish, French, African and Arabic musical forms, which dates back to the 1930s and has been primarily evolved by women in the culture.

Ragga – is a sub-genre of dancehall music or reggae, in which the instrumentation primarily consists of electronic music; sampling often serves a prominent role in raggamuffin music as well.

Rap – is the rhythmic singing delivery of rhymes and wordplay, one of the elements of hip hop music and culture.

Rara – is a form of festival music used for street processions, typically during Easter Week.

Reggae – is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. A particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady. Reggae is based on a rhythm style characterized by regular chops on the off-beat, known as the skank.

Reggaeton – is a form of urban music which became popular with Latin American youth during the early 1990s. Originating in Panama, Reggaeton blends Jamaican music influences of reggae and dancehall with those of Latin America, such as bomba, plena, merengue, and bachata as well as that of hip hop and Electronica.

Rock – is a form of popular music with a prominent vocal melody accompanied by guitar, drums, and bass. Many styles of rock music also use keyboard instruments such as organ, piano, synthesizers.

Rumba – is a family of music rhythms and dance styles that originated in Africa and were introduced to Cuba and the New World by African slaves.

Salegy – is a popular type of Afropop styles exported from Madagascar. This Sub-Saharan African folk music dance originated with the Malagasy language of Madagascar, Southern Africa.

Salsa – is a diverse and predominantly Spanish Caribbean genre that is popular across Latin America and among Latinos abroad.

Samba – is one of the most popular forms of music in Brazil. It is widely viewed as Brazil’s national musical style.

Sega – is an evolved combination of traditional Music of Seychelles,Mauritian and Réunionnais music with European dance music like polka and quadrilles.

Seggae – is a music genre invented in the mid 1980s by the Mauritian Rasta singer, Joseph Reginald Topize who was sometimes known as Kaya, after a song title by Bob Marley. Seggae is a fusion of sega from the island country, Mauritius, and reggae.

Semba – is a traditional type of music from the Southern-African country of Angola. Semba is the predecessor to a variety of music styles originated from Africa, of which three of the most famous are Samba (from Brazil), Kizomba (Angolan style of music derived directly from Zouk music) and Kuduro (or Kuduru, energetic, fast-paced Angolan Techno music, so to speak).

Shona Music – is the music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. There are several different types of traditional Shona music including mbira, singing, hosho and drumming. Very often, this music will be accompanied by dancing, and participation by the audience.

Ska – is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s and was a precursor to rocksteady and reggae. Ska combined elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues.

Slow Jam – is typically a song with an R&B-influenced melody. Slow jams are commonly R&B ballads or just downtempo songs. The term is most commonly reserved for soft-sounding songs with heavily emotional or romantic lyrical content.

Soca – is a form of dance music that originated in Trinidad from calypso. It combines the melodic lilting sound of calypso with insistent (usually electronic in recent music) percussion.

Soukous – is a musical genre that originated in the two neighbouring countries of Belgian Congo and French Congo during the 1930s and early 1940s, and which has gained popularity throughout Africa.

Soul – is a music genre that combines rhythm and blues and gospel music, originating in the United States.

Taarab – is a music genre popular in Tanzania. It is influenced by music from the cultures with a historical presence in East Africa, including music from East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Taarab rose to prominence in 1928 with the rise of the genre’s first star, Siti binti Saad.

Tango – is a style of music that originated among European immigrant populations of Argentina and Uruguay. It is traditionally played by a sextet, known as the orquesta típica, which includes two violins, piano, doublebass, and two bandoneons.

Waka – is a popular Islamic-oriented Yoruba musical genre. It was pioneered and made popular by Alhaja Batile Alake from Ijebu, who took the genre into the mainstream Nigerian music by playing it at concerts and parties; also, she was the first waka singer to record an album.

Wassoulou – is a genre of West African popular music, named after the region of Wassoulou. It is performed mostly by women, using lyrics that address women’s issues regarding childbearing, fertility and polygamy.

Ziglibithy – is a style of Ivorian popular music that developed in the 1970s. It was the first major genre of music from the Ivory Coast. The first major pioneer of the style was Ernesto Djedje.

The fairy-tale year for songstress-cum-actress Valerie Kimani ended on Thursday with great news of a baby on the way. The singer who stars on MTV’s Shuga series as the abstinence championing Cindi and Mo Faya as Syombua told Pulse she is due in July.

“You know the thing I love about life is the fact that the industry is so unpredictable! You just have to learn to swim even in the roughest tide and relax to go with the flow sometimes. Well, I’m expecting a baby and I’m accepting baby bootees and cheques. No roses, I hate them, please bring daisies,” said Valerie who refused to reveal the name of the baby’s father.

The singer also confirmed that she has made peace with his parents.

Hot off the rumour mill!It is alleged that music maestro Eric Wainaina is the father of Valerie Kimani’s (Winner of Tusker Project Fame One) unborn child. According to hotsecretz.blogspot.com,Eric’s marriage is now on the rocks because of the affair.

Eric and his wife Sheba Hirst, who have for the long time presented the face of a happily married couple are reported to have gone their separate ways. And now their families are attempting to resolve the differences between the couple in the hopes that they will re-unite. Sheba is said to have moved out of their matrimonial home near State House to live with her parents on Thika Road.

Simon Wainaina, Eric’s only sibling, best man and manager said, “There has been serious family interventions on both sides to try and salvage this union and also safeguard the interest of the children already born.”
Eric and Sheba have two daughters — a four year old and the last one who was born just two months ago.

It seems that the successful rehearsals of the musical as well as its very successful run as an off-Broadway production in New York gave rise to reports that the show’s leading actors Eric and Valerie Kimani became romantically linked. Sheba was the executive producer of Mo Faya, a venture that was sponsored by Safaricom to the tune of Sh11.6 million.

This week, Valerie confirmed she is two months pregnant and said she was “looking forward to being a happy mum. I’m not hiding that I’m pregnant. I’m in my first trimester.”

As for her baby’s daddy, Valerie said “I’m not interested in discussing my bedroom issues in public.”
She has no plans to slow down yet as her baby bump is yet to show. “The pregnancy fits in perfectly with my plan to hit the studio to record my second album to be released by Gallo Records.”

The singer who has yet to gain acceptance in the popular music scene since she won the Tusker Project Fame prize three years ago had the parting shot: “I don’t mind that people will be looking at me funny. They have been ever since l won the TPF.”

Mwanza — HUNDREDS of students from various higher learning institutions here showed up at Bahigi Beach Resort on the shores of Lake Victoria over the weekend for the annual Str8Muzik Festival Inter-college Special.

A number of high-riding performers from Tanzania and Kenya were in attendance to colour the night.

Kenyans Nonini and Redsun with their hit songs , ‘Kadhaa’, ‘Furahiday’, ‘Keroro’, ‘Nani Mwenza’ and ‘Wanipa Raha’, ‘Yule Pale’, ‘Leo ni Leo’ and ‘Nakutaka’ stole the show.

Redsan, who is popular among Tanzanians fans, proved he is a class of his own after sending the audience wild for most of the time he performed.

His mastery of stage made him the ’star’ of the night, so did Nonini whose 40-minute performance especially his ground shaker ‘Furahiday’ gave him a credit as one of the finest hip hop musicians of the modern times.

The local artistes, C-Pwaaa, Quick Racker, Dully Skyes alias ‘Mr Misifa’ , Joh Makini and Albert Mangwea also stole the show.

The concert aims to offer students from higher learning institutions a chance to share views and enjoy music from different performers.

It is organized by Tanzania Cigarette Company (TCC) through its Sweet Menthol(SM) brand.

John Simon, aka Joh Makini hails from Arusha, a city with a highly credible “hard core” emergent Swahili hiphop scene. He has been involved in music since 1997 but it wasn’t until 2004 that his name started to be spoken in almost reverential terms.

This coincided with the release of ‘Hawapendi’, quickly followed by ‘Hao’. In 2006 the single ‘Chochote Popote’ sealed his reputation and was a massive hit all over Tanzania.

In 2007 Joh Makini released his first album, ‘Zamu Yangu’, followed by another string of hit singles including Ufalme, Muda, Niaje and Vip. Much of his musical success is due to never forgetting his roots, and working with Tanzania’s leading hiphop and bongo flava producers, including Profesa Ludigo, MJ Records, Pasu kwa Pasu, Mandugu Digital (Nairobi), Lamar of Bongo Records.

Joh Makini’s live shows are incendiary and he has already shared the stage with Jay Z, Ja Rule, 50 Cent as well as many of East Africa’s finest.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 11 – Kenyan musicians on Saturday night bagged three awards at the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani indoor arena.

The high profile event that premiered in Abuja, Nigeria, last November saw Amani, whose real name is Cecilia Wairimu, bag the best female award while David Mathenge aka Nameless won in the best male artiste category. Nameless also won in the Listeners Choice category.

Amani was nominated for her song ‘Tonight’ while Nameless was nominated for his song “Sunshine.’ Artiste of the year went to D’Banj of Nigeria at the event hosted by international hip hop legend Wyclef Jean. Jean’s ‘legendary showmanship, outrageous sense of humour and infinite enthusiasm’ managed to create a vibrate atmosphere at the event that was attended by thousands of music lovers.

The MAMA was created last year to celebrate the best African contemporary music.

MTV Africa Music Awards (2009) Winners;

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR – D’banj

BEST ALTERNATIVE AWARD – Zebra & Giraffe

BEST FEMALE AWARD – Amani

BEST GROUP AWARD – P Square

BEST HIP HOP AWARD – MI

BEST MALE AWARD – Nameless

BEST NEW ACT – MI

BEST PERFORMER AWARD – Samini

BEST R&B AWARD – 2 Face

BEST VIDEO AWARD – HHP

LISTENERS CHOICE AWARD – Nameless

MAMA LEGEND AWARD – Lucky Dube

MY VIDEO AWARD – Congo Winner

Here are some of the Exclusive pics including a Kanye that Akon and Wyclef pulled on stage!

Nairobi, 5 August 2009: MTV and Zain have set the tone for the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain, revealing news of the first performers signed to appear at the glittering Awards ceremony.

Guaranteed to set the stage alight at the Kasarani Indoor Stadium, Nairobi on 10 October and representing the best urban music on the continent will be 2008 Best Female winner, Wahu, South Africa’s Afro-soul queen, Lira, Nigerian rapper M.I. and Ghanaian dancehall superstar, Samini.

Many more artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ugandan artiste Chameleone has launched his charity foundation that has attracted modest support from corporations.

Representatives from Pepsi and Nile Breweries turned up at the launch of the foundation in Grand Imperial Hotel where the ‘Mama Mia’ famed artiste performed at the concert dubbed ‘Chameleone gives back’.

The Chameleone Foundation is aimed at supporting the less-fortunate and under-privileged.

Kenyan born Norway based rapper Stella Mwangi a.k.a STL is back in Norway after a month’s tour of the USA and is all geared for a big concert in Oslo.

The concert which will be headlined by American R&B star Tramar Dillard a.k.a Flo Rida. STL will curtain raise.

STL’s Manager Charles Mwangi told Mtaatv that the rapper will use the opportunity to perform her latest single “Biacara Anthem” for the first time.

“STL will be performing alongside Flo Rida  in Oslo Rockefeller (a music and entertainment complex in downtown Oslo with a capacity of 1350).

She is the only African act and female artiste to perform at the same concert,” he said.

STL’s recording deal with U.S -based hip-hop record label Def Jam Recording is still in the pipeline and her manager was optimistic that she will land the record deal.

Mtaatv presents to u….Hip Hop Pantsula repping South Africa, better known as HHP, is arguably one of the most innovative hip-hop artists in African music today. His latest album, Acceptance Speech, highlights his versatility and great ability to utilize different genres of music (a style he calls Motswako which means ‘mixture’ in Setswana) to bring out a unique hip hop flavor.

Even more interesting is his use of a 12 piece band (6 ladies [Bass player, Alto Sax, Trombone, Keyboard, 2 backing singers] and 6 guys[Guitarist, Keyboards, Drums, 2 backing singers and myself, the rapper]) to round out his style. He has performed with Will Downing, Angelina Kidjo, Jamie Cullum, Saul Williams, Snoop Dogg, Kwani Experience, Ringo, Bongo Maffin, Mapumba and many more.

Darfur has a hypnotic baseline to it with a hint of arabic influence (my hips don’t lie!) and subtly slips in the socially conscious message. Music N Lights harkens back to the feel-good 70’s with a nice head-bobbing beat.

Mpitse has a nice feel that has a hint of the trumpets that were so common with older African musicians (Habo of mtaatv reccomends that u should see the video playing on MTV pure Creativity wah noma). Chic Music is a feel-good disco dancing tune that may have you hankering for bell bottoms, a large afro, and a disco ball. The album is definitely not your hard hitting, clubhouse kind of rapping, but a great one for anyone looking for good music, great rapping, and innovative music. Acceptance Speech has been nominated for an Album of the Year award a the South African Music Awards. Who knows, he may just get to five his acceptance speech after all!

To learn more about him, visit his myspace page.

Last week Mtaatv caught up with Tobias doing interviews here and there in various Nairobi Radio stations. Then later Friday evening he hang around with some Kenyan celebrities and here is his story.

Tobias originally born in Germany in 1979 by Romanian Parents migrated to the United States when he was only 9 years old. In 1990 they moved to South Florida where his father found better financial stability. At age of 16, Tobias got caught up in some trouble and dropped out of high school as he faced a close call for a 3 year prison sentence in Broward County, Florida. To get away from the streets he joined the United Stated States Military.

In 2000 after an honorable discharge, he and his then wife, plus new born son Elijah settled in Houston Texas.

Tobias began to learn about music of the dirty south movement, and quickly became a fan of Slim Thug, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Bub-B and Chamillionaire while drawing inspiration from them as well. In 2003 after a sad divorce from the lovely Bianca Barbir he had a 2nd son Jordon by Deanne Shelby Mosley.

Tobias went into a studio for the first time in 2004 and was encouraged by friends to continue. Not having any financial backing to support his dream, he decided to risk his life taking a contracting job in Baghdad Iraq and Kuwait. Summer 2006 he transferred to Doha, Qatar where he found a studio, and continued his passion.

Out of the blue in summer of 2008 Tobias quit his great job, sold his car, packed his belongings and took a huge risk moving to Dubai. With only his luggage, some money, and a DREAM he rolled up his sleeves and started networking.

After a few months of networking, he was noticed by Flickershow Records and a 3 year, 2 album Record Deal was signed.

His hardwork is starting to pay off, he established a name in the Middle East region with his debut single Tiggle Wiggle, hisdebut album (Diversity) in the works, and is the first US Artist to spring off the Dubai platform ready for an international audience

For show bookings or info please contact:

Flickershow Records at management@tobiashiphop.com

LISTEN to TIGGLE WIGGLE right here! http://www.myspace.com/tobiaswebsite

Mtaatv had the opportunity to attend the Launch of a film about Albinism in Kenya and Celebration of human difference (IN MY GENES) thursday may 28th.Hon. MP Al-Shaymaa Kwegyir from Tanzania graced the occasion,Anyang Nyongo and Mama Idda (Prime Ministers wife).

Our Mtaa tv representative Habo was at the Launch and happened to talk to Lupita who is the director of the film and this is what she said……

“I embarked on this documentary as a way to educate myself and others like me on the condition of albinism and to shed light on the stigma, discrimination and persecution that they face because of their difference. It is alarming that this special condition that exists in every race and civilization of human beings – and indeed in most animal species – should be so hyper-visible and yet so socially invisible (In my research I could not find any traditional stories with people with albinism as characters, for example).
My goal in making this film was therefore to tell the story behind the silence. I chose to focus on the personal and intimate experiences of people with albinism who had overcome the great social odds, in order to add to the plethora of positive cultural stories that they have been excluded from for so long. The 8 people I chose represent people with albinism from different socio-cultural and economic backgrounds, who, though they all have very distinct experiences and opinions, are all united in their embracing of themselves. I wanted to capture the spirit of individuals who have persevered in the face of great hostility and harm. Agnes is the natural main character of the documentary, the epitome of endurance and enthusiasm despite all the drawbacks and persecution in her life. I knew the moment I met her that her story would carry more than the message of albinism awareness: Agnes’ story stands for the embracing of one’s self and therefore human diversity.”

For more info visit  www.inmygenes.co.ke

Mangwea or Ngwair as peeps like calling him goes by  his real names  Albert Mangwair and he comes from Dodoma – Tanzania, although he lives in Dar es salaam where he records his music from. Ngwair has been making hits since 2003 when he hooked up with P-Funk.

Exclusive : Ngwair feat Chidi Benz – Speed 120 ( Click to listen )

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His entire musical career started when he hooked up with P-Funk & he was blessed with tracks such as “Mikasi” (which was a massive hit in East Africa), “Ghetto Langu” and “She Got it Gwan”

He is part of a crew in Bongo called Wana Chamber Squad & he is back with a new song Called Speed 120……The song is currently a street anthem in TZ and slowly bubbling to the charts.  On “Speed 120″, he enlists the help of Chidi Benz for a perfect blend and collabo…..check it out!!!

Exclusive : Ngwair feat Chidi Benz – Speed 120 ( Click to listen )

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A protege of Calif records, Jimwat made a major shake with his hit single “Kumbe ni under 18”. With only four years in the industry, his apparent maturity in the game is clear as he now sharesthe spotlight with other bigwigs in the industry.

Exclusive :  Jimwat – Fall in Love (Click to listen )
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The young professional Genge rapper who celebrates his birthday in May was born James Wathigo and Jimwat is brought out from the two names. Jimwat was brought up in Kabete after clearing high school he joined Calif records where he recorded his debut single Sema nami sweety but he got his first break into the game with the single Under 18.

Jimw@t aka a.k.a Jimwizzy is back and fresher than ever for 2009 with a brand new single called Fallin in Love, which speaks volumes on his constant grind and ability to craft hits. On this track, which is featured on the streets are mine part 3 with Dan Mixa! Jimwat talks about “Fallin in love” in a humorous and crafty way. He is a lyricist who always incorporates humor and crazy punchlines in his music, making his songs street anthems.

Check out the record!

Exclusive :  Jimwat – Fall in Love (Click to listen )
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WYRE aka The Love Child, started his music career with Necessary Noise before going solo and released his debut solo album in 2006 titled the definition of a love child.

Exclusive : Wyre – Uprising ( Click To Listen )
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Most of his songs are a hit here in Kenya and  he has made a name for himself across the continent. He has recently joined with Nazizi and Bebe Cool to form the East AfricanBashment Crew who are enjoying success in East Africa.

He is back with a new song called  Uprising and we must say Wyre kills it in this track, the rhythm, the momentum the composure or the lyrics, the harmonies and the strings coupled with his powerful voice just make this a track a monster jam, you’d want to see massive dub plates on.

Check out the new single exclusively on mtaatv we bring u the Love Childs …..Uprising!

Exclusive : Listen to Juliani – Piece of your ear

Arguably the hottest Gospel rapper in Kenya right now, Juliani (Julius Owino) is not ready to cool down any time soon. He just released his Debut Album “Mtaa Mentality”.

….Born and raised in Dandora, he was at one time a member of the group Ukoo Flani before making a turn-around. “Deskmate (in school) was part of them na chuo yangu ( and my school) was just next to them so the more nilikaa nao the more nilijiingiza, eventually wakani accept after kucheki performance yangu Florida 2000,” he says (the more I stayed with them, the more I drifted to them and eventually they accepted me after they saw my performance at Florida 2000 nightclub). On his transition to gospel, he adds that he was raised in a Christian home and one of his friends called Brayo (of the secular group Warogi Wawili) was born again and would encourage him. He eventually found himself in church “na nikajipata mbele ya pulpit nikiinua mikono na machozi kwacheeks” (and found myself at the pulpit with my hands raised and tears down my cheeks). So how did he hook up with Kijiji Records and Hip Hope?

Juliani says that he was at a K-Krew mission at Moi Forces Academy in Nairobi where he performed and Astar (2007 Kisima & 2007 CHAT Award winner) was impressed with his skills. It was then that Blackman(Producer David Muthami) told Astar to look for Juliani so that he could do a remix to Astar’s single Close Yor Eyes. “The same night tulifanya (we recorded) Pendo Kweli (Juliani’s second single) and when Kanjii heard it the next day alikuwa (was) like lazima nibaki (you’re remaining here)”, he says. And the rest, as they say, is history. Prior to that, after he got born again, he chilled for a year or so and in the process recorded his first single Jesusnosis.

Juliani is the 3rd born with 6 siblings (only one girl) and live in K-South with his mom Alice and dad Killion. “Hustler! Nataka ku-improve niwe baller! Ni drive Ki-Mercedes lakini ma fans hawataki ku-buy ma-CDs“.

Word on the streets is that Nonini,P-unit,Mahatma and Chidi benz have done a remix to the smashing Hit single Kadhaa!! With the positive response the song has been receiving the artists thought of bringing the song back to the hood!

Kadhaa is Nonini”s 2nd single from his 3rd album about to be released the Godfather.

Mtaatv hollad at Nonini and he let us in on the possible remix….

“Well as u know Chidi Benz has been visiting Kenya the past two weeks na pia Mahatma came from Mombasa and we all decided to work on the song. Actually both Mahatma and Chidi benz loved the original song na wakani approach asking if we could do a remix? Mahatma came up with a brilliant concept of taking the song back to the streets and word!!! the boys didnt dissapoint! The remix will be out soon jus keep it locked on to Mtaatv baby”.

Mahatma actually is the cat with a yellow tee on the pics if u remember him from the Calif records days when Nonini and them cats were starting Mahatma was also one of the veterans in the studio.

He collaborated with Nons and Juacali on a song called Mtu saba then released his single which sparked lots of controversy coz it was only one verse called Pande zote Mbili.

Mahatma is both a genge rapper/singer and he proved his singing skills in the song Bidii Yangu by Juacali…..he did the chorus!

Mahatma and Chidi benz on the right picture!

Mtaatv is all about breaking boundaries and we are proud to bring this cat Chidi Benz whose real names are Rashid from Bongo Tanzania.

Listen to some exclusive tracks ( powered by www.mtaafm.com )  :

1. Sio Nguvu Ya Mganga – Click to listen

2. Chaguo Langu – Click to listen

The Kilimanjaro Music Awards took place a couple of months ago and the winner of the “Best Hip Hop Song” went to Chidi Benz, with his street anthem “Ngoma Itambae (Dar Stand Up)”.Chidi Benz received his award from American rap artist Chingy.

The song is not new but has been an anthem in Tanzania for a while now. The first time I heard the song, I knew it had something unique to it and the way he delivers his rhymes plus messages is so easy doesnt sound forced at all.

Chidi Benz represents that “street edgy” music and his musical catalog can attest to it, with various artists enlisting him to drop 16’s on thier songs for that street feel.

He has street anthems like “King Kong”,  “Chidi Benz”, and radio songs like “Bado Umenuna” Featuring Marlaw , “Naitwa Nani” with K-Lynn and many more. He’s also one of the few artists who really blend their punchlines well while switching back and forth from Swahili to English while still maintaining the song flow.

He is currently in Kenya working on different projects with Nonini and P-unit. He was kind enough to hook us up with two of his latest hits SIO NGUVU YA MGANGA and CHAGUO LANGU which is a dedication to all his fans. Chidi Benz ako Juu Tuu Sana!

Mtaatv always has its ears to the streets and now we here that K-Nel and Bamboo have another collabo! Last year they collaborated on a few gems with the only African Bantu…Bamboo. The Obama Swagger freestyle smashed the streets and it received positive feedback from the fans who were hungry for another K-Nel/Bamboo Collabo.

Hold up…hold up..we got the exclusive download and streaming link for Mtaa Tv fans…..

Click to listen | Click to download
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K-Nel forwarded this beat to Bamboo, they dropped there verses, the outcome is here.

Karibuni Nairobi will be featured on my upcoming Mixtape NAIROBI INVASION FT DJ WESLEY (HOMEBOYZ RADIO) which will be launched at Carnivore Club on the 22.08.09 during Knels Kenyan tour.

This is an Anthem for the Capital City, NAIROBI! Weka mikono kwa hewa and sing along; lalalalalalalala,lalalalalala.

At the press conference held on Tuesday, Zain’s corporate communications director Mike Okwiri, MTV Networks sales manager Lisa Amenya urged the music industry players to hand in their videos to beat the June 30 deadline for the MTVbase Africa Music Awards.

Mtaatv spoke to  Lisa Amenya, Sales Manager – East Africa, MTV Networks Africa and this is what she had to say:………
There are just 5 months to go until the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) with Zain – what promises to be the most exciting music event Kenya has ever seen.  2009 MAMA with Zain is deliver as a joyous celebration of African contemporary music talent.

It might seem a long way off but I promise you, before the 2009 MAMA with Zain comes to Kenya for the first time, there is a lot to do:  booking artists, finding a host, deciding the nominees, voting for the winners, and more.  The 2009 MAMA with Zain may be a great party, but is definitely no picnic to put together.

But how do artists from Kenya get involved in this show which, after all, takes place on their doorstep? This is the info that i want to get out to Kenyan artists.

There are several different ways that Kenyan artists can get involved in the 2009 MAMA with Zain:

• they can be nominated for an award, like East Africa Bashment Crew was nominated in 2008
• they can perform at the 2009 MAMA with Zain show or suround events, like Jua Cali in 2008
• they can be a guest presenter and walk the red carpet in front of thousands of fans and media
• and, they can ultimately win a 2009 MAMA trophy – as we know from Wahu’s brilliant victory in the Best Female category last year

But how do we select the artists that are nominated to the MAMA with Zain awards? And, how do we get more Kenyan artists winning in 2009?

It is pretty simple: for consideration in the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain, artists need to have had their music video played on MTV base in the qualifying period – 16 Aug 2008 to 30 June 2009.

Submitting the video alone is not enough – it needs to be actually accepted by MTV base and played on the channel by the deadline.  The video needs to be in a certain format and adhere to certain guidelines set by MTV base.  (Note, artists are able to contact any MTV representative in Kenya for that info. – I have info on my Facebook page)  If artists adhere to those guidelines, they have a significantly better chance of getting their videos onto MTV base – so its definitely worth reading and absorbing.

Once an artist’s video has been submitted and accepted by MTV base, the good news is that they are automatically included in the 2009 MAMA with Zain nominee shortlist in the relevant category, such as Best Video, Best Female etc. A list of the qualifying artists is then sent to the 2009 MAMA with Zain Academy – a panel of 150 music industry insiders across the continent who vote for their favourite artists.  The results of this vote form the basis of the official 2009 MAMA with Zain nominee list.

On the 18 Aug 2009, MTV and Zain will be announcing the nominees in all key categories.  We will then throw the nominations out to music fans who will ultimately decide the winners, voting via SMS and on-line, to choose their favourites.

Last year 13 Kenyan artists made it to the MAMA with Zain shortlist.  They were:  Abbas, Buddhahat, DNG, IDA, Jua Cali, Kaya, Maleek, Nameless, Nikki, Pam featuring Abbass, The Bugz, Wahu and Wakamba Wawili.  Two of those artists went on to be nominated and one to win.

There is only a short time remaining but we would love there to be more Kenyan artists reflected on the Academy list and the nominee shortlist this year – particularly new and emerging artists.  I urge all artists with current material to get to work – as we know from our work on the MTV Making the Video Challenge – it doesn’t have to take a long time or a lot of money to make a great video.  This could be the stepping stone in your music career you’ve been waiting for – can you afford to miss it?

R’N'B Singer and radio personality Nikki - Sheila Mwanyigha, is all set to relesase her 2nd Album tittle (TBA).

The album is slated for release  some time this year but the first single is almost ready.

The album is a deviation from her usual r”n”b dominated style and this time she takes on a diffrent approach – not too drastic but very captivating.

The production is coordinated by Decimal Records (Musyoka) and features other producers such as Tshazi and RKay. Look out for this very intresting album.

I have to say, Nikki has up-ed her game a notch higher.

Check out these photos taken during the Video shoot of her latest single ‘Fool For You.’

We have thrown in few publicity shots too – you know like, Kwanza hii picha amevaa bikini? Noma………..

Bad things (mambo mbaiya)!!!

The long awaited collabo is in the making people, Mtaatv caught up with the celebrity couple and here is there story!

Kenya’s first celebrity couple Mr and Mrs Nameless or if you like Wahu and Nameless are working on a collabo.

The two are working on an official duet that will be featured on Wahu’s forthcoming album.

“It’s true that we are working on something. We will record two or three songs and release the best out of them.

We are currently working with producer R Kay but we will try and see other producers. I hope to release it in a few months but we will play it by the ear.

I can’t tell you what it is about, you will just have to wait and see. But there is a lot of pressure and expectations,” Wahu coyly confessed.

Mama – Click to listen

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Judith Nyambura Mwangi a.k.a Avril is an Urban Kenyan Musician currently signed to the Ogopa deejays production House.

Mtaa tv caught up with the 23 year old singer,song writer,poet,designer,painter and she let us in on her musical journey/background.

She took an early interest in performing arts by becoming the school MC while still in primary.While in high school In Uganda, she took an active role in acting, singing and directing school plays. Avril is currently pursuing a degree in design at the University of Nairobi.

My image can simply be described as “street fashion” Street fashion is not about keeping up to date with celebrity fashion and trends…. its about originality and the ability to apply style and design to what u wear…so she says!

Avril features in the song Tayari by Jaguar and has a single called Mama we are anxiously waiting to here more from the youthful not forgetting beautiful singer.

Sample her Song Mama!

Nazizi Hirji is a hip hop/ reggae artist and is currently the most awarded Kenyan artist.

She released her first single “Ni sawa tu” when she was 16 years old making her the FIRST SUCCESSFUL FEMALE ARTIST IN EAST AFRICA. The song was an instant hit and soon enough Nazizi became a household name.

It’s been ten years since and Nazizi still remains one of the most popular and influential artists in the East African region.

Nazizi has won 17 AWARDS WINNIG FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 7 TIMES IN A ROW and the most recent awards being best directed video and video of the year at the CHANNEL O VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS in South Africa in 2007 for the song “kube”.

She is also part of the award winning groups NECESSARY NOIZE and EAST AFRICAN BASHMENT CREW.

Nazizi has curtain raised for international artists SEAN PAUL and WAYNE WONDER in Kenya, AKON in Tanzania AND Uganda, MARLON ASHER in Uganda and most recently JULIAN MARLEY and ANDREW TOSH in Ethiopia. She has toured 6 American states and 5 European countries in the last two years.

Hit singles include Kenyan gal Kenyan boy, Bless my room, let’s get down, Fire anthem, Kube, Forever, Tension, jump n shout amongst others.

Nazizi has also hosted the H2O TV music show with dj john on KTN and NATURAL MYSTIC a reggae show on NATION FM now EASY FM

In 2005 she represented Kenya in the AFRICA UNITE tour in Ethiopia with the Marley’s and is featured on the on the DVD which was released Feb. 2008. She is also featured on the DVD HIP HOP COLONY which focuses on the birth of hip hop in Kenya.

Nazizi has also inspired a short film RASTAR that is based on a true story about her and which has been bought and aired by MNET.

Nazizi is among the 5 pioneers of music in Kenya and is also known by her fans as the first lady in 2001 she became part of the group NECESSARY NOIZE with WYRE and BAMZI and in 2003 the group released their self titled album NECESSARY NOIZE , in 2005 they released their 2^nd album KENYAN GAL KENYAN BOY and E.A.B.C has currently released their first album FIRE .

Nazizi, has also been nominated in her respective groups for channel o awards, kora awards and mtv awards.

Nazizi has currently released her first solo album AFRICAN YOUTH IN 2009 and has released two singles and videos for the songs JUMP N SHOUT and JESHI.

In 2008 she formed her own live band THE RUDEBOYZ and have played at various local concerts including the UNICEF live tv telethon for the child alive campaign.

ilete – Click to listen

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Big Pin born in 1984 is arguably one of the veterans who influenced Kenyan Music from back in the 2000 Ogopa days.

He goes by the names Crispin Mwangale (the late Mwangale’s son for those who didn’t know) is a good friend and probably one of the most humble dudes you’ll ever come across.

He worked very closely with the Late Esir and he is still one of those cats doing him proud by flying the South C Flag high! The Late Esir (R.I.P) im sure is very proud.

Mtaatv got news that he is working on the Big Pin project the long awaited Jatelo album and if this single Ilete is anything to go by then the album will be a force to reckon with.

Have a listen to the new single Ilete (produced by Freddie of the Homeboyz).…..i love the intro by the way . Nothing in life really matters but thats no exscuse to do it poorly!!! Big Up

Track Name : Kazi ni Mziki   -  Click to listen
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Born Sam Gichia Gathogo in 17th April 1983,Bishop was one of the first artists to join Calif records and was highly involved in making and pushing Genge music to become a household name it is today.Bishop started music at an early age and claims he wrote his first lyrics(8 lines) aged only nine(9).As a young boy,he was greatly influenced by LL Cool J and Ice Cube to start rapping and by the time he was eleven(11),he was already listening to artists such as The Sugar hill gang,Ice cube and the De Lench Mob,Bahamadia,Kool G Rap,Rakim,The World Class Recking Crew,Run DMC,Technotronics,CMC Music Factory and later on the likes of Tupac,Snoop and The Dog Pound,B.I.G,Bone Thuggz,The Lost Boyz,Wu-Tang Clan and many others.
During his high school years,Bishop would often go to freestyle in popular clubs in Nairobi and this would accelerate his obsession with music.This dint go well with his parents who insisted He finish His education first before involving himself in music.After High school,he joined calif records.

The name Bishop was given to him by his friends after seeing how he was addicted to the 1992’s Tupac film ‘Juice’.He could talk the whole film through and he in a way behaved like Tupac’s character ‘Bishop’.
By ghost writing lyrics for big names in calif and other studios,Bishop has seen the music industry in Kenya grow from the simple outfit it was to the flooded market it is today.His debut song was released in the year 2003 where he collaborated with the late Lady S in the song Lovely Ladies.Written and arranged by Bishop,the song was a big hit and it catapulted the career of the two artists.Although after the release of the video things started to take a different turn in Calif Records in terms of artist management and music release,Bishop went ahead  ghost writting more songs for other artist and compiling his singles for his planned album.Solo Singles produced in calif included ‘Manzi wa aina gani’,'huyu jamaa’and Mlima where as collabos incuded ‘Dame amejibeba(remix) with flexx,’Wasi wasi with Nikki,Pupa with Pilipili and many others.Most of these songs were never released and Bishop felt frustrated career wise.In the year 2007,he featured in DNA’s’Banjuka(the remix)’ along side Kaya,Jimwat,DnG,Prezzo and Big pin.After the death of his long time friend and label mate Lady S in september of 2007,Bishop decided to quit Calif Records.
In 2008,He recorded his come back single ‘Kazi ni Mziki’ with Jomino and it featured Wiwy on the hook.He is currently working on the long awaited album ‘Mziki Lazima’ which was stalled in Calif records.Production in the album include work from Bishop and big names such as Maich Blaq and the Herbalist,Jomino Ent,Calif records,Phase two productions and other guest producers.He is also planning on releasing various collabos with new and re knowned artists.

Apart from being a rapper and a music producer,Bishop is a trained television producer and has been involved in production of various documentaries and music videos.He is also in the process of writing a movie script in which He plays a role and directs.He has also tried his hands-on as a Dj under the pseudo name DJ Kabisa but says being a Dj is not his ultimate ambition.

This profile was derived from his unfinished autobiography My Music My Life(Mziki yangu Maisha Yangu)

Listen to the track Mawaitha – Lady Bee

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Born in Nairobi, Kenya Bernice Nduku a.k.a LADY BEE started her music career in the early 90s as a back up vocalist for Kenyan reggae artist jah’key malle. She also sung alongside James of the weavers band doing Live concerts. She has worked with Sam Tellah a one man guitar artist.

In the year 2000 she joined lesasa jocker crew and they traveled to Dubai for Live performances where she lives up to today but often comes to Nairobi to do her music production.

In 2006 while in Dubai she recorded her 12 track debut album called Zamu Yangu which had a mix of swahili and english songs.

Lady Bee

In 2008/2009 Lady bee has re-invented herself into the popular Kenyan urban sound and is working on her second album together with Pro habo will coming out soon!

She has currently released 2 singles thats are doing well in the airwaves namely  :

Chali wa Mtaa
Sema Nami

After working on the massive collabo of godfathers hit single Kumbuka,Lady bee is back with a brand new single called Mawaitha about to be released………

Mtaa tv caught up with her and she told us she is currently doing the video to Mawaitha and promised its gonna be a banger!!!

Listen to the track Sikutaki – Maleek feat Kasa

Shout out to Maleek for the exclusive jewel / Powered by mtaafm.com

Karanite Forever - The Album

On 26th February 2006 Steve Dennis Karani Kijirah passed away. A  few months prior to that his younger brother Maleek who dabbled in music as a hobby with his friend Tshazi had just completed the song 2050 which became a massive club banger in Kenya. On hearing this song Karani encouraged his brother who by then had a few songs that had done well on the Kenyan charts such as ‘Cheki’ and ‘Najua Wanitaka’ to make an album rather than just take the music thing as a hobby. It is through that wish of Karani that the album Karanite Forever has come to fruition. It is in his memory that Maleek and Tshazi an MC and producer team got together for two years and came out with this album that is a Nairobi City Classic!!

The Album featuring production from Backstage Entertainment producers Tshazi and Silas ‘The Virus’ Kwaka from Kenya and Mr Zux of Big One Production, Sydney, Australia and is the epitome of what Kenyan hip hop music should be. It features collaborations with a who’s who of African talent be they mainstream or underground such as Jua Cali, Nonini,Tallia, Chiwawa , Bamzigi,Abbass, Kasa, Faya, Cchippo Heartman from Zambia, Cristal, Edu Gee among others all who gave their unique talents to the making of this album.

Unlike other albums that are just meant for the quick consumption and just feature one or two good songs, this album has been painstakingly put together by Maleek and Tshazi to ensure that it plays from beginning to end with nothing but credible hit songs. This is not your average Kenyan album where the beats, lyrics and songs all sound similar or are of a particular genre such as some of those getting radio play. This album was not made only for local Kenyan consumption. This album was made to appeal internationally despite the language impediment, as music has no boundaries This album was meant to be played in the year 2050 and still sound great. This is Karanite Forever!!!

Check out Maleek at his website

The emcee who has been crowned “The African King of Mixtapes” hit the scene again with the refix of the hit track by P-Unit “Juu tuu sana” straight outta Cologne, Germany K-Nel does not dissapoint with the track….we jacked his shout out message to all the cats involved in the project and this is what he had to say….

Message from K-Nel :

Shout out to Metaphysics who directed this video and delivered a solid product. Shout out to Daktari Eric Musyoka for delivering a hot beat. Big shout out to P-Unit, Nonini, Dj Dona and my boy Sim. Shout out Patson, Buky,Rabina,Buky Marie and Angela. To anybody who supported the project in any way, I wanna thank y’all personally. 2009 is gonna be the Anglohili Year. KENYAWOOD 2 MIXTAPE FT DJ DONA DROPPIN’ ON THE 28.04.09. MAKE SURE YOU GET A COPY!!!!!!-

Genge Group - P-UNIT is in studio doing final touches to their debut album WAGENGE HAO!!!.

The group P-unit (Pro Habo Unit) consists of Frasha,Boneye and Gabbu!

After being succesful with the runaway hits like “Si Lazima, “Kushoto Kulia”and “Una”

P-Unit has 2 songs from there debut album already released & enjoying good airplay ” Juu Tuu Sana” & “Rush Hour” whose video is coming soon

The album has been produced by Musyoka of Decimal Records.

He started out with the album…………… Hanyaring Game!

From the continent that created the legend of Obama, rises a new generation of Africa’s award winning contemporary musical artists and groups, spreading messages of hope, independence, togetherness, love and self-reliance through African contemporary music styles and beats that have enchanted millions of music fans around the world and rapidly attracting the appreciation they deserve in the West.

Ujahmaa Block Party Tour ’09 will for the first time offer Australians a first insight into the new hip hop, reggae, dancehall and pop music movement in Africa by showcasing live music performances of related genres such as genge, kwaito, bongo flava, boomba, East African bashment, reggae and dancehall music artists.

This pioneering block party tour of Australia will feature 5 live concerts to be staged across Australian major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide between September 24th and October 5th, 2009, supported by an impressive lineup of named local support (artists).

Tickets onsale nationally 1st of May, 2009

More info out soon (Ticketing, Venues, Local Support acts, Program, etc)

Line-up of International Acts ;

SKWATTA KAMPA (SOUTH AFRICA)
Skwatta Kamp (pronounced Skwa-tah Camp) the group’s name is derived from the word Squatter Camp which are shantytowns littered around South Africa’s open landscapes. The people who live in these settlements are seen as outcasts and a nuisance. This was the situation in the music industry that Skwatta Kamp found themselves in a few years back, where their form of music was not seen as an art form but a passing fad not worth mentioning in high regard.

They have performed on the same stage as Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Jeru, Black Thought, Ludacris, Basement Jaxx, Will Smith on the Black August Hiphop Tour and MTV Concerts in recent times and many others. They have come a long way but remain consistent and still as hungry as ever.

JUA CALI (KENYA)
Jua Cali is one of the best musicians Kenya has produced and reputed to be among the list of most influential 100 Kenyans at the moment, to most fans of Genge style of Kenyan music or hip hop, he is the King. A down to earth artist who hasn’t let fame get to his head, and known to carry himself in private and public with a lot of respect for himself and his fans…an artist who always looks back to where he has come from and never forgets, keeping him grounded at all times. His music and chart topping hits have earned him many award nominations.

ALI KIBA (TANZANIA)

Tanzania’s premier musical act and East African phenom of the ‘Cinderella’ song fame, the sensation that rocked the music world with ‘Mac Muga’ and ‘Kaka Yako,’ and the bold new voice of “Bongo Flava” is Tanzania’s answer to Hip Hop. With Bongo Flava still firmly emblazoned in his music, spiced with Reggaeton and Zouk, topped with a heady froth of dancehall drums, orchestral stabs and acrobatic vocals, Ali Kiba has proved in his music and performances that he is a unique megastar artist in the making with a huge following, not only in East Africa, but internationally.

NONINI (KENYA)

Kenyan hip hop sensation and one of the leading voices of Genge music in Africa. With super hits such as his debut single “Nonini ni Nani?”, “Manzi wa Nairobi”, “Weh Kamu”, “Keroro” and more including his collaboration track with Tanzanian musician Juma Nature “Nani Mwenza”, has cemented Nonini’s reputation as one of Africa’s most marketable live Genge show artist. Together with his crew P-Unit, the group was nominated for the inaugural (2008) MTV Africa Music Award.

REDSAN (KENYA)

Redsan is East Africa’s answer to reggae, dancehall, reggaeton and ol’ skool ragga. His first album, Seasons of the San was released in 2002, and ever since he has successful released more albums and hits locally and in the international market. Best known tracks from his first album “Julie” and “Wanipa Raha”, second album Red “Chicken” and “Apakatwe”, third album Pioneer with hits such as “Kenyan” and “Touch” is strictly a dancehall affair, modeled to appeal to worldwide Dancehall lovers, received good reviews from fellow Dancehall artists such as Sean Paul and Shaggy.

GAL LEVEL (NAMIBIA)

Hailing from Namibia, Gal Level is an Afrodelicfunk girl group (fusion of R&B, Afro-pop, and Dancehall) with a huge following and popularity, far and beyond their southern Africa country. With a look and live show performances compared to Destiny Child, they have managed to attract many awards and nominations including Channel O Music Awards and Kora Awards.

THE KALAHARIANS (NAMIBIA)

The Kalaharians from Namibia represent a fusion of different styles creating a unique flavour of African rhythm and dancehall, earning them a major profile in the southern africa music industry. Nominated for Channel O Africa Music Video awards in 2007 have experienced a steady rise and huge following across borders since the release of their first album. Wicked live show performers!

NECESSARY NOIZE (KENYA)

Necessary Noize are a Kenyan hip hop group originally composed of female MC/singer Nazizi, singer Wyre and rapper Bamzigi, though Bamzigi later left due to label disputes. The group was formed in October 2000 and released their self-titled debut album in 2000 and ever since their popularity has continued to grow…later on releasing their sophomore album “Necessary Noize II: Kenyan Gal, Kenyan Boy” in 2004 which included popular regional hits such as “Kenyan Gal, Kenyan Boy”, “Bless My Room” and “Nataka Toa” featuring Coast singer Nyota

Ndogo. Although mainly hip hop based, the group also does some reggae and R&B tracks. They are appreciated for their socially conscious lyrics that deal with issues affecting youth such as AIDS, drugs, politics etc. They are seen as an antidote to the over-commercialization of urban music in Kenya.

JAH SEED (ZIMBABWE & SOUTH AFRICA)

Jah seed (Oscar Appleseed), born and raised in Zimbabwe, is a founding member of South Africa’s super group Bongo Maffin alongside Stoan & Thandi. After building a solid fan base in South Africa, the group reached out to an international audience, in 2000, with a World Wide Groove tour of France.

In 2001 Central Park Summer Stage Festival series wanted to premiere kwaito music in New York city, they chose Bongo Maffin. In 2002, following the US release of “Bongolution”, the group completed a month-long coast-to-coast tour of the US, and performed at major venues and festivals such as the Hollywood Bowl, Reggae on the River, and Africa Festival in Detroit.

MC INITY (ZIMBABWE)

Hailing from Zimbabwe and since parting ways with the Transit Crew, Mic Inity – real name Mike Madamombe – has hit the ground running. The inimitable chanter, whose style can be likened to that of Luciano — has teamed up with Zim’s own backing vocalist Junior Banton, creating sound waves far beyond their own border and sold out gigs that will envy most artists. Fans of Lovaz Rock and roots reggae who have graced their sold out shows, are a clear testament of their popularity.

Line-up of Local Support Acts ;

UJAHMAA SOUNDSYSTEM

Showcasing a tapestry of poetic ghetto gospel spiced with contemporary urban rhythms from indigenous cultures of the developing world, Ujahmaa Soundsystem are fronted by a collective of deejays and emcees without borders, toasting big tunes from afrobeats, hip hop, reggae, kwaito, r&b, dancehall, psychedelic funk, soul, salsa, reggaeton, roots music with an urban ghetto feel.

UBER LINGUA

Concert Dates & Cities :

Perth – Friday 25th September, 2009

Melbourne – Saturday 26th September, 2009

Sydney – Sunday 4th October, 2009

7pm Start +

All Ages & Licensed (Unless specified)

more info : info@bigtunesmusic.com.au

TICKETING INFO – OUT SOON!!! EACH CITY, ONE SHOW ONLY!!! LIMITED TICKETS.

Peace African Star, we hit the ground running and caught up with Eric Musyoka the man behind some mega hits from the East African region…let me just say this when you are chopping it up with your peoples and rocking to that “Kadhaa” or “Dandora love” or “pressure” we can keep going with the tracks…then you are listening to your boy Eric Musyoka doing his magic.

We caught up with homie at his studio, “Decimal Records” a real down to earth brother with madd talent and watching him work you know why he drops them hits like with every artist he works with from the likes of Nonini, Nameless , Kleptomaniacs, P-Unit, Wyre, Mau Mau Camp , Prof Jay, AY and the list will go on and on….

So check out the exclusive one on one we had with your bpi Eric Musyoka….Click here

Voice of the Underground (V.O.T.U) is a show that will be showcasing the hip hop lifestlye of a number of artists from Africa, with exclusive behind the scenes interviews.

Your host will be MC Shenzy a hip hop artist from nairobi, Kenya. We are slotted to debut the show on Mtaa TV sometime in the nex week or so , if you are a local hip hop artist who would like to be featured hit us up at +254 0736 423020 or contact us

Hey African Music lovers!!!! as you know our network keeps on expanding and i hope you guys are really thrilled with the soft launch of Mtaa Tv now making some other ripples in the news is our sister site..our truly beloved brother to be politically correct…:) Mtaa Fm has now gone mobile….

Yep!! We are officially mobile and you can access all the music uploaded on mtaafm.com by a number of African artists through your cell phone by typing in www.mtaafm.com.mobile or simply  m.mtaafm.com

Thanks for the support and will keep on building and showcasing Africas Talent….

I had to sample the new mobile site on my iPhone and its not bad…what you think ?

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FIRST OFF MTAA FM IS AVAILABLE ON ITUNES NOW WE ARE ON YOUR CELL/MOBILE……WE ARE THE TRENDSETTERS AND WE ARE ALWAYS DUPLICATED BUT NEVER IMITATED!!!!

The Homepage for the Mobile Site…..Too Sweet what u think ??? you can stream the top artists on the site from the comfort of your cell / mobile space……..

Mtaafm.com Mobile Live on the iPhone

Play Track Screenshot….Am Speechless are you ??!!!

Mtaafm.com Mobile Live on the iPhone - Play Track Screen

Will add some more screenshots for you guys later on…for now take tour cell and type m.mtaafm.com and rock on some of that African heat…Technorati Profile

Welcome to Mtaa Tv…Africas digital media platform with Original African Programming.

We will be showcasing a wide array of exclusive African Visuals from Docu-dramas, documentaries, Short Movies, Music Videos etc…..

So please keep it locked on www.mtaatv.com and dont forget we are Africas digital Media platform destination for everything Visually African.

Peace