Tag: Nairobi
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“Nairobi” by BURUKLYN BOYZ
In the BURUKLYN BOYZ’s single “Nairobi” the artists address the adverse impacts of the construction of the Nairobi Expressway and skyscrapers on their community. This song is being used to start a discussion on how the government is leveling communities down for this construction and not thinking about the effects on the people. Throughout theRead…
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“Nairobi” – BURUKLYN BOYZ
Representation is central to the art of hip-hop and rap. In BURUKLYN BOYZ’s 2021 single “Nairobi” they do just that. BURUKLYN BOYZ are a powerful hip hop duo made up of rappers Mr. Right and Ajay. Both rappers have also had success in the music industry, making them a powerful mix. They grew up inRead…
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BoiBlacc – the wire
BoiBlacc is a rapper based in Nairobi, Kenya. He’s constantly working on new music and has unique music videos. ‘The wire’ was released in 2021. BoiBlacc explained that ‘The Wire’ ”is a song with thematic influences drawn from the city of Nairobi, more specifically the profiling of young men by both the police and societyRead…
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Chris Kaiga – I WANT (ft. Mutoriah)
Chris Kaiga is a Kenyan-based artist (rapper) born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. His love and passion for music started in 2009 with the ambition of being a music producer but soon changed after recording his first single in 2011. He’s had hits with songs like ‘Zimenice’, ‘Niko on’ and ‘Bundaz’. He takes a distinctRead…
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HHAP EP. 69: Industry Vet Buddha Blaze on the nature of the music industry in Kenya and Beyond
Buddha Blaze is a Kenyan blogger, podcaster, and music industry insider with over 20 years of experience. He has worked throughout the continent and the diaspora with artists and producers from around the world. He was a major part of the British Council’s WaPi (Words & Pictures) initiative, which showcased hip hop, poetry, fashion breakdance,…
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LINEAR NOTE
The Kenyan hip-hop industry continues to evolve with the many social trends that arise. The appreciation of Black Excellence has recently taken the Black community around the world through a journey of self-reflection and self-appreciation. This trend is particularly seen through the celebration of traditionally Black hairstyles, darker skinned women, and African culture. This isRead…
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HHAP EP. 65: Sugar Emcee on the History and Dynamics of Kenya’s Hip Hop Industry
Sugar joins the conversations with students in the Hip Hop in Africa class from her home in Nairobi. She was born in Nairobi and grew up in Kiambu, just outside of Nairobi. After signing a deal with Phoenix Records in 2007, she would release three albums. While not new to the hip hop scene in…
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Khaligraph Jones – Passion over FAME
Khaligraph Jones, also known as Brian Ouko was born in Nairobi Kenya on June 12th, 1990. He grew up in Kayole, which is a rougher area within Nairobi. His struggles within this impoverished community influences much of his work, and this relatable narrative gained him massive popularity within Kenya and on the international scale. AccordingRead…
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Monski: Kenya’s Need to Know Rapper
It’s no secret that the “femcees” of Kenyan hip hop have been dominating the industry and redefining gender roles with performances over the past decade that deliver both hard bars and poetic lyricism. But, there’s one artist on the scene that has been steadily climbing the charts and mastering her craft at unprecedented rates: Monski.Read…