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  • The End Of Freemium For Spotify?

    Originally posted on Music Industry Blog: ‘Leaked’ Spotify numbers emerged today indicating that the streaming service has just hit 37 million subscribers, which puts more clear water between it and and second placed Apple Music, despite the latter’s recent growth. It also means that Spotify is now nearly 10 times bigger than Tidal and probably Deezer…

  • Significant optimism in the Norwegian music industry

    Article adapted from Music Norway. A new report shows the Norwegian music industry expecting significant growth in the coming years. Growth 2020 – an outlook on Norwegian music industry, a study initiated and conducted by Music Norway, has asked 38 of the biggest and most prominent music companies in Norway to forecast their economy up to…

  • After her “wedding”, Akothee releases “Uko Moyoni” video

    Straight from her “wedding”, Kenyan singer Akothee has just released the music video for “Yuko Moyoni”. It’s all for the spirit of Love.

  • Video: “Besha Shigana” by King Kaka

    King Kaka releases new video, for his single “Besha Shigana”. Watch below:

  • Willy Paul promotes Bahati’s “In Love” video

    The two top Kenyan gospel musicians seem to have quashed their dramatic beef. Willy Paul twice urged his fans to listen to Bahati’s new song “In Love”. UPDATE: the Facebook post has since been deleted. Anyway, watch “the “In Love” video below.

  • Beyonce’s “Stop Killing Us”, open-letter message

    Read Beyonce’s message below: “We are sick and tired of the killings of young men and women in our communities. It is up to us to make a stand and demand that they “stop killing us”. We don’t need sympathy. We need everyone to respect our lives. We’re going to stand up as a community…

  • Watch “Africa” video by Yemi Alade feat. Sauti Sol

    Nigerian songstress Yemi Alade finally releases her music video for “Africa” feat. Kenyan boy band, Sauti Sol. Watch the video below.

  • Voice Of Justice: A Hip hop documentary by HustlaJay Featuring Willy Mutunga

    Hustlajay, a hip hop musician based at the Kenyan coast, made this documentary called Voice Of Justice. The film features the immediate former Chef Justice Willy Mutunga. HustlaJay is one of the very few rap musicians (others include Kaa La Moto) who keep their music to the roots, and try to address society’s important issues.…

  • How Apple Music And Tidal Transformed Streaming (And Why Apple May Be Buying Tidal)

    Originally posted on Music Industry Blog: ? It is 15 months since the launch of Tidal (which was 2 months after Jay-Z’s Project Panther Bidco bought Aspiro) and 12 months since the launch of Apple Music (which was a year after Apple bought Beats Music). The streaming world has changed a lot in that time…

  • “Tom Cruise” single by I am Klive (Produced by Sam Shime)

    I am Klive is working on an EP. The Diani-based rapper has released “Tom Cruise” single as the first track off of that yet-to-be-released A.S.T.R.O.N.O.M.Y: The Man On The Moon project. The musician has scheduled his EP for August. https://soundcloud.com/iamklive/tom-cruise-prod-by-sam-shime For Hip Hop heads, I think the song is worth checking out. Don’t forget to…

  • Retracing Kikuyu Popular Music: an album project by Ketebul Music

    What are the roots of Mugithi? Why did gospel become such a big part of Kikuyu popular music? Is it true that there is a Jim Reeves, Don Williams or Kenny Rodgers cassette in the home of every music-loving Kikuyu? And why do virtually all Kikuyu popular musicians wear American Stetson hats, Denim suits, a…

  • Listen: Gabriel Omolo – “Lunchtime”

    “Lunchtime” by Gabriel Omolo is one of the best selling singles in Kenyan recording history. Get it on Mdundo or via YouTube.

  • Classic Albums: Rujina Kalando album by Oguta Bobo

    The title track of Oguta Bobo‘s classic album Rujina Kalando is also a classic. One Tom Bwana penned this mini review of the LP. He says: “Many people say Oguta played nyatiti- the 8-string lyre. But they are wrong. Oguta Bobo played Onanda, the accordion. Apart from Odero Kongoro I think the song Rujina Kalando…

  • Does The Language An Artist Uses Really Matter?

    Originally posted on Ruby: Last Saturday I had Kaa La Moto, a Kenyan rapper based in the coastal region on Hip Hop Culture (airs Saturdays 7-9 p.m. on Homeboyz Radio with DJ Finalkut and myself BTW). Kaa La Moto mainly uses Swahili in his raps though he says that he could easily rap in English…

  • How to take your song to the Skiza platform

    Ring-back tone service is big in Kenya, Nigeria and other African countries. Considering Safaricom’s capture of a larger portion of the mobile market, their Skiza service is much popular and there are a number of musicians making good money from the platform. And, it’s not just musicians who are benefiting from the Skiza service. Businesses…

  • How technology saved ohangla music – Daily Nation

    It is a musical genre that is proving to be popular across the country, even among the modern young Kenyans. For all fast its growth of late, however, ohangla music has an unpalatable origin on the shores of Lake Victoria. The original ohangla music, a fast tempo beat performed at weddings, funerals and other traditional…

  • Who is the best Ohangla musician?

    The article has moved to this this page (below is a snippet). There you will find an updated list.

  • Listen: “Shaddy Obunga” by Prezda Bandasson

    Prezda Bandasson releases a new song called “Shaddy Obunga”. Listen.  

  • Photos: Neptune Teezeh shoots “Cheza Chini” video with Obinna

    Neptune Teezeh is a man with a mission. After giving a hint to his Cup Of Black album, the Grosspool Music artist has a new project coming up. It it is huge. A collaboration with comedian-cum-musician Obinna Igwe, the song is going to reign Nairobi’s airwaves for quite some time. See some of the Images…

  • Top 25 Kenyan Blogs (June 2016)

    We are a music-dedicated blog but out of interest I did a research on the top Kenyan blogs. The objective was to find out what makes a top in terms of article views in Kenya. Sadly enough, content is not King. Gossip blogs which have category for every news possible, be it obscene or sensationally…

  • RECORD DEAL OR CAREER KILL?

    Originally posted on afromuziq: Davido during his record label signing with Sony Music (Image courtesy of twenty2omedia.com) The past few years have seen growing interest in African Music, within and beyond the continent’s boarders, thanks to a gradual evolution that has redefined the industry.Unlike before, African artists who were largely independent are now being sought…

  • Review of Illegal Music 3 by M.I

    Originally posted on Ruby: I’ve had Illegal Music 3 for a while now. I’m not really sure what made me not review the tape sooner but as they say, everything happens for a reason.In this case I’m not sure what reason but let’s go with that , cool? Today’s weather has been quite unpleasant, I’m…

  • Kenyan Music Videos; The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

    Originally posted on Ruby: If there’s one thing we as Kenyans should be extremely thrilled about is the far we’ve come as far as music and music related matters are concerned. Sure, works needs to be done here and there but we’re not going to say that something good hasn’t been done and it can…

  • Hold Up! Let’s Talk Kenyan Fans.

    Originally posted on Ruby: Okay,  before you get all riled up about it, I’m pretty sure I’m going to make valid points. It’s what I do.  I make sense. Here I go… down this slippery slope. Kenyans are known for many things. Running, the wildlife and safaris but the music? Not yet. Not quite. Octopizzo…

  • Luodollar x Octopizzo – “Bank Otuch (Remix)” [Lyrics & TRANSLATION]

    INTRO——- A-town P-A-I-I double z aoooo eii wuo nyaboro x3 (Son of Nyaboro) wuo nyaboro x3 (Son of Nyaboro) wuo nyaboro x3 (Son Of Nyaboro) bade dongo Jaugenya japesa ma wange lando/ (the Ugenya man with big arms and light complexion) wuod onyango kohanga/ (son of Onyango Ohanga) aidha mandekome/ (The Squirrel on his seat)…

  • Wizkid; Revolutionizing Africa’s Music Industry

    Originally posted on afromuziq: ? Wizkid (Image courtesy of i.onthe.io) ? Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun better known by his stage name Wizkid is a Nigerian recording artist, songwriter and performer.  The singer who started his musical career at age 11 signed a record deal with Bank W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) in 2009 and then later…

  • The Business of Artist Management

    Originally posted on afromuziq: Wanjiku Kimani is an artist manager under RedRepulik managing some of Kenya’s top artists;  the Kansoul, Timmy Tdat, Majik Mike and Ndegz. Previously an events manager at Bernsoft Interactive Limited, she was approached by Madtraxx to manage his music career for a year, after which he was to review her performance…

  • VIDEO Premiere: “Back 2 Back” by DMW feat. Davido, Mayorkun, Dremo & Ichaba

    “Arriving with so much anticipation; Davido Music Worldwide debuts her first official single which is a collaborative effort from Davido, Mayorkun,Dremo & Ichaba (an affiliate to the recording company). ‘Back 2 Back‘ was produced by Fresh, and sees Davido lead his new boys to score another SMASH HIT. Davido kicked off his new imprint ‘Davido […]…

  • Jay-Z finally responds to the cheating rumors in Beyoncé’s Lemonade — Factflyers

    Looking glamorous on the way to a dinner date with husband Jay-Z, Beyoncé was all smiles and looked very happy holding hands with the father of her daughter. The pair went on a dinner date in New York shortly after Jay-Z’s latest track was released online. A track which adresses the cheating accusations in […] via…

  • Digital News Round-up by Essential Music Marketing

    Originally posted on red essential: There have been some key developments in the digital music sector recently with three main companies Soundcloud, Amazon and Spotify taking the next step forward to maximise content available for consumers and we’d like to give you a brief overview of the exciting new adventures occurring in the digital world of music…

  • Skepta’s ‘Konnichiwa’ reaches #2 in the UK Charts

    Originally posted on red essential: The charts this week have shown an incredible success for UK Grime legend Skepta on label Boy Better Know, with his highly anticipated album ‘Konnichiwa‘ coming in at number two in the UK charts overtaking usual chart toppers such as Beyoncé and Drake – a huge breakthrough for Grime music and culture, now starting to branch out…

  • YouTube Red and Music app launched in Australia + New Zealand!

    Earlier this morning, YouTube announced that they have officially launched new services YouTube Red and YouTube Music app in Australia and New Zealand. These are the first two countries to obtain t… Source: YouTube Red and Music app launched in Australia + New Zealand!

  • Kayvo KForce to release Namba Nane 808 EP

    Kayvo Kforce is that talented artist who I can only refer to as resilient. He is been doing this Hip Hop thing for sometime now, and in the process has given us hit after another. He is readying his EP dubbed Namba Nane 808, and I guess he is coming for that top spot in…

  • Octopizzo x Maro x BobiWine x Knackeboul x Megaloh – “Sema” [Video]

    Watch Octopizzo, Maro, BobiWine, Knackeboul and Megaloh in “Sema” video. The artists are from Kenya, Uganda, Switzerland and Germany. Watch the video below via Youtube.

  • Why Rap Females May Not Be As Celebrated As The Males.

    Originally posted on Ruby: This idea of this post came up from an innocent tweet that I posted on my account. “Who are your top 5 AFRICAN rappers based on LYRICISM and FLOW alone?” Bunch of names were floated. Most actually fit the description. Some? Not so much. But out of the many answers I…

  • Hey Rap Artists. This Is Why Your Song Isn’t Getting Airplay.

    Originally posted on Ruby: Let’s face it. KE Hip Hop isn’t too popular. It’s picking up, yes, and as a fan and I’d say to an extent a “promoter” of the art I’m genuinely pleased about that but at the same time, I can’t say that I don’t come across people who say that “KE…

  • PR and Branding For (Rap) Artists.

    Originally posted on Ruby: For anyone who doesn’t know what PR is, that’s Public Relations (also, I’m disappointed you don’t know what that is). Branding is, in lay man’s language, the world’s perception of you. It’s a strategy  that involves creating a unique name and image in order to establish a presence in your fans’…

  • Qstar Purple releases “Feh Feh” video

    Watch the music video for Tanzanian artist Qstar Purple‘s new song, “Feh Feh”. The video was shot in Nigeria. Watch below!

  • New Audio: “Penzi Lako” by Jay Dot feat. Watanashati

    Kenyan rapper Jay Dot has released new music featuring Watanashati. The track “Penzi Lako” offers a great listen. Listen to it via this link.

  • Introducing Kyki, the fierce female Rapper

    Kyki. She’s got lots of energy but that’s not all. Coupled with her creative lyrics, she is that femcee who is both fierce and witty on the mic. Kyki has been able to balance quality and quantity, and you will find in her releases a number of well-crafted freestyles. The artist definitely stands for the…

  • Mr Miles releases debut single, “One More Time”

    Mr Miles has finally released his debut single, One More Time”. It is a dancehall song. Download and listen to the song.

  • Top 20 Greatest Kenyan Musicians and Bands of All Time

    It is always a tough job compiling music lists, considering the vested interests, but someone has to do it, you know! So Aipate decided to rank the top 20 greatest Kenyan musicians and bands. 1. Daudi Kabaka A Benga musician born in Kenya, Daudi Kabaka is best known for the songs Harambe Harambee, Western Shillo and African Twist. His song Helule…

  • New Song: “Morucci” by Lost in The 90s duo

    Here is a new joint called “Morucci” by a Nairobi duo called Lost in the 90s. I’ve listened to the song and find the chorus to be awesome. Get the song on Mdundo.

  • Swizzy finally releases his sophomore Flymboyant:The Exit Plan EP

    After his debut EP, Shengspeare, (early last year), Flymboyant: The Exit Plan is Swizzy’s second compilation project. This time he collaborates with producer O.G. of Pakawa Music.   Shengspeare mixtape is a creative gem, and personally I couldn’t wait for the second offering. Swizzy is the kind of artist who gets into the studio and…

  • iTunes Kenyan Chart: Top 10 Albums

  • “Take it Slow” video by Willy Paul feat. Sauti Sol

    Willy Paul finally releases his “Take It Slow” music video featuring Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol.

  • Video: “Bank Otuch Remix” by Vicmass Luodollar feat. Octopizzo

    The music video for the remix to Vicmass Luodollar’s “Bank Otuch“, featuring Octopizzo, is here. Watch.

  • How to Land more Gig Bookings as an upcoming musician

    This article is based on a research by Tom Hess and details what not to do in an attempt to get more gigs. Four Mistakes You Must Avoid What happens after you do your part correctly? After building a fan-base over time, you will be able to build an influence in the entertainment spheres in…

  • Bennie Castle releases Conglomerate Box 2

    Bennie Castle has released a new tape, Conglomerate Box 2. Bennie is a 23-year-old New York City artist who’s been creating and developing his own style since the age of 16, from singing, producing, rapping, composing, and sound engineering. Under his last couple of aliases, (Black/Crimson), Castle has slowly but surely built a decent fan…

  • SautiSol and Mi Casa to release new single “tulale fofofo” on 11th April

    Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol have collaborated with the group Mi Casa from Southern Africa in a new single, “Tulale Fofofo”. The song will be released on 11th April. https://www.facebook.com/micasamusic/videos/1048946471843785