Camp Mulla has been credited with shaping the Kenyan hip hop scene, since their rise to recognition in the late 2000s. Their self-proclaimed roots are in hip hop, but they have harnessed an audience from using “house,” “electronic,” and R&B genres of music. They call their style of music “254Low” or “2-5-Flow,” an homage to Kenya’s calling code of +254. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Camp Mulla is composed of 5 members, varying from producer to song writer to performer to manager. In 2009, “Mykie Tooni,” “Shappa Man,” and “Taio Tripper” co-founded the group.
Michael Mutooni, also known as “Mykie Toni” or “Tuchi,” is the brains behind Camp Mulla. He is recognized as the group’s CEO, manager, and official “hype man.” Responsible for the social media and business side of the operation, Mutooni is not necessarily seen on stage, but it an important part of the group. “Shappa Man,” who’s real name is Benoit Kanema, was the group’s first rapper. Shappa Man distinguishes himself in hip hop because of his unique, raspy voice. He also is famous for his catchy punch lines and confidence on stage. Known by “Taio Tripper,” Matthew Wakhungu is another co-founder and rapper of Camp Mulla. “Taio,” for short, is known as the group’s main songwriter and rapper. Later, Marcus Kibuksoya, more commonly known as his stage name “K’ Cous,” joined the group as a song writer and the head producer. Lastly, the only female of the group and youngest member, Karun Mungai, or “Miss Karun” rounds out the group, as she is the lead vocalist and also a song writer for Camp Mulla. All five artists of Camp Mulla bring something different, yet fundamental to the group’s success in the music realm.
In 2010, Camp Mulla released their first single as a collective group called “Party Don’t Stop” from their album Funky Town, also notably their only album as a group. This record quickly amassed much success and was nominated for a variety of awards. While much of the attention was positive, with that success came critique as well. Because of their distinctive sound, which used a lot of “electronic” genre techniques, many regarded “Party Don’t Stop” as a very American hit. The record also was only in English, something not many Kenyan artists had done before. However, others are quick to respond that because their sound was foreign, Camp Mulla was revolutionary in shaping the hip hop scene in Kenya.
Despite their success, Camp Mula announced their split in mid 2013, citing various differences. Today, many of the artists, have solo careers, however in 2017, the group reunited for a concert in Nairobi.
Some speculate that the group is working on a second album, but it has not been released.
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