"TONIGHT" SONG BY BAND BECA OOZES THE VALENTINE MOOD

Becky & Carol of Band BeCa

About four months ago there arose a duo in the Kenyan Music Industry by the name Band BeCa that surfaced with a hit song "Toka" that became an anthem. Not many had heard of this duo before. They had been training at Sauti Academy and also back up vocalists for renown Artists like Gravitti, Wyre, Radio & Weasel and many other outfits.

The Band BeCa have never dissapointed since that debut song. Some doubting Thomases thought it would be another one hit wonder story for BeCa but they have been proved wrong and have been given much more than their expectations. Band BeCa went ahead to produce "Brathe" that was done in three different versions that all sounded good leaving fans spoiled for choice. The version that emerged the most favorite also became an instant hit and has been the beat of the week and month on several FM and TV stations. The song is still riding high and has landed on international TV platforms like Trace and MTV.

Band BeCa in one of their TV interviews

While we are still perplexed with the magical rise of these girls, they unleashed another killer called "Tonight". A very soothing song that many people find themselves putting it on repeat mode because they can't just have enough of it. The intro-rap done by Petra exposes the kind of talent that is hidden whereas we are made to believe Kenya is short of talent. Most fans are likening her to Nicki Minaj because of her prowess. The vocals by BeCa are tops and have made fans acknowledge that Kenya is headed somewhere internationally. The song came after the "Toka" and "Brathe" tracks were seen to be aimed at dissing men. However, in the song "Tonight" the duo changed tune and are showing the other side of their love for men who remain true to their ladies and make them happy. Fans lacked words to describe this love song and some call it "the soothing mood of this Valentine".

As I walk into my editor's room I am getting information that the Band BeCa have been nominated by Mdundo Music Awards for having The Most Downloaded Group Single "Toka" that will be held at Sarit Centre on 15th of February 2017.

BeCa have had many inquiries and bookings coming stemming from their good music and their ability to give tantalizing live performances. All we can do is to watch them and see what they will achieve in a period of one year. Let us support them so that our local talents can be exposed to the world like we have seen with the likes of Sauti Soul.
Below is the video of the song Tonight  and Brathe respectively;
 

AMISAWA DEM THE DANCE HALL ARTIST

It is no doubt that many youths in Kenya love dance hall music. This has led to most of our DJs  play much of the genre in clubs. Likewise there is a crop of Kenyan artists who are doing some nice dance hall music. One of the upcoming artists that has been consistent in this genre is Amisawa Dem.

Amisawa Dem - Artist

He started doing music while in school whereby he used to sing in choir as a lead singer. That is where he horned his skills and even started aping great artists from Jamaica who had inspired him with their tantalizing hits. After school he raised some funds and did his debut recording of a song called Party time at Twins studios where he was produced by Mishka records a talented producer from Goma, Congo. He went further and did more songs including Queen, Me Praise, Life aint easy and lately, Queen of my life. His videos can be found on his youtube channel. The latest video for the song Party time was shot a few days ago and will be out soon.

Amisawa Dem is a hardworking artist who says he aims at succeeding in this turbulent industry where the playing ground is not fair to the upcoming artists. Though he has received some good airplay from some of the leading FM stations, he says not all stations are friendly and supportive to local upcoming artists. He sites the same about the event organizers who dwell more on the already established artists and forgetting the upcoming ones who need exposure. He hopes that the trend changes so that we can create healthy competition in the industry hence improve the local music standards.

He hopes that local content shall be given more airplay than it has been the practice. He says he's heard about the government bringing in laws that would protect local artists so that they may benefit from a better quota of airplay.

 You may follow this link and view his video Queen of my life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJsX7-Yy77w

 

Amisawa with part of the crew during a video shoot of the song Party Time

 

SHADDYOKO MSANII

I wish to introduce Shaddy Yoko Msanii's videos. He is a Kenyan artist that I feel deserves airplay by the media.

 Please watch the song Lugendo on youtube and give your verdict. Get to know more of his videos.

 

  

Niguzeguze by Shaddy Yoko

 

Matapeli by Shaddy Yoko

BAND BECA SENDING RIPPLES WITH THEIR DEBUT SINGLE ''TOKA''

A new outfit known as The Band BeCa has released a hot track and video called TOKA. In the song, the talented singers Becky Sangolo and Carol Kamweru who are alumni of Sauti Academy are telling the guys with the habit of cheating on their girlfriends or spouses and even taking advantage of their resources to get out of their way. They mess up knowing they will come and kneel down to you and apologize but repeat the wrongs.

 The song is already sending ripples in the industry with the fan base increasing rapidly. Those who have listened to the song do say that it has a combination of nice vocal blending, nice beat, apt mastering and also quality video.

The girls have already been in some of the media houses where they have been interviewed amidst overwhelming response and love from their already swelling fan base. If this trend continues the Kenyan Music industry is going to have another versatile group that will raise the music standards and compete effectively in the regional music industry.

Right now they say they are still in the studio doing additional songs that will prove skeptics that the song TOKA is not a fluke but one of the big songs they intend to do. They have a slogan "Gal power" by which they urge ladies to work hard on their own and not to expect favors. "People are taking us ladies for granted when we go begging for favors all times. Some of us believe that we can't thrive on our on without a "sponsor'", says Becky. Carol quips, " We have to work hard and challenge the men for opportunities so that we can also help them instead of depending on them". 

The band will be performing on Saturday 15th October, 2016 at The Alchemist and therefore fans are invited to come and sample BeCa's acts. "Come in large numbers and get a taste of our shows that we have lined up. I know that those who have attended our shows before have an idea of what we do on stage. I urge more of our fans to turn up and enjoy our music" says Carol Kamweru. The band BeCa can be found on;
website www.thebandbeca.co.ke, www.facebook.com/The Band BeCa, www.skype.com/BeCa, www.twitter.com/The BandBeca, www,youtube.com/The Band BeCa

 

 

BRAND NEW SONG ALERT - PRYSHON & NEM - THINKING

Pryshon - artist

 The Kenyan Art industry is breeding new upcoming artists as we head towards the end year festive season. Nice mellow attractive tracks are popping up from time to time. Adding flavor to our music industry are Pryshon & Nem who launched their debut track on 20th September 2016 (Tuesday) at the  Mseto East Africa platform at Tribeka. These are some of the young dudes that are starting to shake the airwaves with hot tunes.They now boast of a new single called "Thinking" that   is danceable, good sounding and ready for the market.

Part of the video clip of the song Thinking

Pryshon on their launch advert post

They have a good blend of singing by Pryshon and rapping by Nem. With good support they look so promising. We hope the media will embrace them and make them household names because the future of the industry lies with the youthful artists.

Nem

Let's chill and see how these youthful bubbling artists will fare on in this stormy industry.

Pryshon on her part says that they would like their fans to support them by viewing and subscribing to their YouTube channel.

View this link to get their video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNxSXpScyEg

Congratulations! Keep the fire burning

The Band BeCa's Brand new video TOKA coming out in a week's time.

The Band BeCa duo Becky (left) Carol (Right)

They are new in the music industry with a new single "TOKA". The band is called The Band BeCa. Their song is about a guy who is a player out to take advantage of ladies and doesn't care how they feel. A guy who has a habit of cheating on ladies after which he asks for forgiveness whenever he's caught. The Band BeCa is dismissing this kind of guys telling them "Toka". It is a true reflection of the lifestyle in our today's society and ladies are tired of being sweet talked after deliberate cheating by guys who pretend to love but hurt instead.

The Band BeCa on stage

The band consists of two vocally blessed song-tresses known as Becky Sangolo and Carol Kamweru who used their first two letters of their names to coin the name BeCa. They met in a music school a few years ago and decided to blend their voices that sound wonderful. They have performed in big concerts before that include the Morgan Heritage show in Nairobi among others.

BeCa performing

Let's watch out for this fresh blossoming talent that is headed to take the industry by storm. 

LET'S NOT FIGHT AGAINST CHANGE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Local artists have suffered for quite long due to weak laws governing the industry. There are no proper structures by which the industry can thrive well. Efforts to come up with a bill that could turn things around has always been rebuffed by various forces including PRSPs and even some in the leadership of CMOs.

These forces have failed in their mandate but claim to have solutions to problems that have bedeviled artists for all this time. They take advantage of the poverty among artists to lure their support and use them fight the change that could have emancipated and benefited them.

Early this year Artists like Elani and Rufftone raised issues about the distribution of royalties and other issues afflicting the artists. This raised eyebrows not only among the artists but also the government and the public. Recently artists started a movement and came together under the Kenya Gospel & Secular Artists Federation (KEGSAF) banner to bring change but this was repulsed by these forces that settled on propaganda to mud-sling the well intending artists. When KEGSAF raised issues against the then CEO, the Directors tried to fight back for the status-quo to remain. They vehemently defended the CEO even when it was evident that there were serious issues of misconduct. They stood with him even in court while the cases against the CEO went on. However, after some while they realized they were under siege hence suspended and replaced the him. They have now been fighting unity of artists through many ways including using the artists themselves.

The music industry requires a separate organization to fight for the rights of artists as well as unify them for the purpose of self development. Like football and athletics our artists should have their own federation that can look in to their matters. The CMOs have their own mandate and should not concentrate on fighting unity of artists. KEGSAF was not formed to fight the CMOs but to unify artists and spearhead positive changes in the music industry. Being a director in the CMOs does not mean that you control the whole music industry. Who will take care of artists that are not registered with the CMOs? We should endeavor to work together towards improving the lives of the poor artists who work hard believing that things shall be better tomorrow.

 It is paramount that artists open their eyes and know who means well for them than going for handouts while they loose the real stake. Let's know that different opinions amongst artists should not mean becoming enemies. There is no good in victimizing members who have different opinions on CMO issues. All the CMOs were created to serve artists hence the directorship should embrace unity amongst the artists other than divide and rule policy. KEGSAF has categorically said it doesn't  intend to fight the CMOs but to work towards artists' unity, development and welfare.

Change is inevitable. See part of the issues that sparked row in the music industry in the links below;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj2rauGeOIM

RUFFTONE SPEAKS VIDEO ▶ 17:02 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoAnkA9okjs

KENYAN ARTISTS' UNITY IS EVIDENT AT LONG LAST

Our Kenyan artists have finally agreed to go the full length and ensure that they achieve lasting unity that will enable them speak with one voice. This is after realizing that there are a few beneficiaries that have always instilled division in the industry so as to continue fleecing the hardworking artists. 

Unlike in other countries, Kenyan artists make big names without money to back up their stardom. Recently on The Trend, Larry Madowo of NTV hosted artists, Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), and Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA) led by Hon. Johnson Sakaja for a debate on issues afflicting the music industry. Artists spewed out their frustrations by the CMOs, PRSPs and also the unfavorable laws that have not helped the situation. Amongst issues raised by Artists were the Skiza money and general distributions. After the debate it came out clear that there are real problems in the music industry that require urgent attention if the industry has to blossom and enable the artist live descent lives.

It was noted that some of the great artists who made this country proud have either died poor or are still suffering in abject poverty yet we hear that the music industry is a multi-billion venture. The question is, who pockets the billions? This is an industry that could create employment to so many people if the government became serious to help it grow. If well managed Composers, performers, instrumentalists, producers, publishers, music distributors, lawyers among others will immensely benefit from this industry.  Most Artist awards in this country don't come with money. However, the organizers only use them to mint money and leave the key stakeholders begging. Recently there is an award called MAMTAG that was launched by MCSK. To enroll in any of the categories an artist was to pay Kshs. 1,000 via Mpesa services hence attracting other levies. An idea that artists thought should have benefited from ended up being a way of squeezing money out of the already suffering artists. After artists revolting against the fee charged the organizers brought it down to Kshs.100 which is 90% decrease. How had the organizers come to the earlier figure if the award can still go on at the new registration fee?

Artists should never be swayed from their resolve to unite by the same clique of cartels that kept them disunited for many years. It is alleged that a few artists who are used to  handouts from the cartels keep on supporting them while they fleece the hapless artists. However, it is now common knowledge that there is a problem and most of the artists are now rising up against any further oppression. They have decided to stay united in order for them to push for changes they need in the industry. Most of the Artist Unions, Societies and Associations leaders have declared that they won't let their fellow artists  continue suffering. Today's artists are very knowledgeable and can no longer be taken for granted. As one big team they believe they are equal to the task and if they don't do something this time round God will charge them harshly. 

Below are some of the videos that became the eye openers to the public and government that some filth was boiling underneath;

Elani speaks video;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj2rauGeOIM

RUFFTONE SPEAKS VIDEO ▶ 17:02 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoAnkA9okjs 

 

 

STEP BY STEP BY RAWBAR KLEPTO & BECKY

Step by step is the sure way to success hence the new club banger Step-by Step by RAWBAR (Roba of Klepto fame) and a new talent on the block Becky Sangolo of The Band BeCa. This song was released recently both on audio and video. You will agree with me that it is a great song with the message on point. The track has a powerful rap flow by RAWBAR and a wonderfully done chorus by Becky that gives it an international stature. Many fans are excited and even wondering where this versatile rapper has been since being one of the Klepto trio that brought us Tuendelee au tusiendelee and Swing swing. He is back with a bang! Becky who graduated recently from Sauti Academy has done the choruses justice. She has proved that she will be a big force to recon with in the Kenyan music industry.

Becky & RawBar - the video shoot

RawBar

Becky Sangolo

Already the track has been distributed to most media houses and clubs even outside the country. We recently had a chance to communicate with a DJ in Boston who said the song was receiving good response in a club where he spins and it is very likely to spread to other clubs there. When The Kenyan Artist blog called on RAWBAR to find out when they are officially launching this tantalizing hit he said they were in the final stages of their plans to do so but Step by Step. He said they have put in place a strong and well versed marketing team working towards the success of the project.

Becky (left) & Carol of The Band BeCa

 at Godowns

Besides, Becky is still recording more songs with her friend Carol under the banner of The band BeCa. She says she has recorded songs of various genres that include reggae groove, rock, R&B and afro fusion. Together they have been doing great shows in various places among them Choices, the Park, Godowns, the Elephant Octoberfest, etc. The duo also sing with the renowned Gravitti band, Frank Koine and Bensoul among others. They are urging their fans to come over for their tantalizing shows and enjoy what other Nairobians are getting from them. Below view and e the Step by Step video in this link:

https://youtube/N6ccbh27CoE

Let's keep our eyes on this song as things unfold Step by Step. Like it on Youtube and leave your comment.

Are Kenyan DJs and presenters followers of foreign Djs?

Most of our Kenyan musicians are complaining about our own Djs who seem to be following what is trending in other countries instead of showing their counterparts what Kenya has for the world. They should be promote music and be proud of it so that they may be followed too.

Titi Solomon: Artist and crusader for Kenyan music

Kenya has great music that is not known at home because our Djs have not been keen to promote it on Radio, TV and clubs. Some radio presenters have even been competing with artists on celebrity status hence they sometimes avoid playing their music for fear that it will make them celebrities. Some presenters dedicate most of their airplay to a few production houses that are ready to part with some incentives from time to time. In such case they do rubbish any rival production houses' productions and term them as being of low quality. One thing that our presenters and Djs do not know is that the foreign artists they keep promoting here in Kenya are known internationally because they were discovered and promoted by media houses and entertainment resorts in their countries. What we forget is that there is both good and poor quality music in South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania and other foreign countries but it is just that we receive the best that has been promoted by their resourceful DJs who take their time to listen and choose the best to play. In Kenya it is the opposite. Our radio Djs don't have time to listen and research for good music but just want to know what is trending on the international entertainment circles. Some songs like DNA's Banjuka came to be hits after as a result of pushing by the Club Djs before it was embraced as a fresh hit. This is long after it had been in existence without air play.

What Kenyan artists are agitating for is a fair play and patriotism of our own Radio and TV Djs. There is a lot of good music in Kenya and all we need is promotion locally before we conquer the world.

MCSK SEEMS TO BE TAKING A NEW PATH BY DECLARING A FIGHT FOR THE ARTISTS' RIGHTS

The day is Monday on 7th of September 2015 and Nairobi Region MCSK members are gathered in an event at Nyayo stadium. The purpose of the event being to vet the members so as to route out ghost members who earn free money from the society denying the genuine members their hard earned sweat.

MCSK, PRISK and Kamp Directors at the Nyayo gymnasium hall

Inside the basket ball gymnasium are applauds from members who seem to enjoy the presentations by directors are giving on the progress and achievements that the society has made to date. This is the opposite of what has been always been witnessed during such meetings in the past. In attendance, there were other CMOs namely PRISK and Kamp who have resolved to work together with MCSK for the full benefit of the artists. From the look there are signs that artists are developing some trust in the current directors because they have promised to  fight the ills that been fleecing the poor artists to enrich a few who do not know the challenges artists face in order to make music.It is said that in the past former directors were corruptly colluding with other service providers, radio and TV stations to fleece the artists. If the current Directors walk their talk then we expect our artists to start living decent lives that match their celebrity status.

 At the moment there are measures that have been put in place to streamline and improve monitoring of airplay, collections and also accountability. A new monitoring system called VERICAST that was adopted by MCSK will ensure that the artist is in a position to monitor whenever and wherever his/her music is being played. The income derived out of the airplay will be seen trickling hence accountability.

Further to this there are artists who have come together under a union called KENUM that is now championing the rights of artists.The purpose of KENUM is to put ensure that the Government, MCSK and other stakeholders bring favourable changes in the industry so that artists can reap from their sweat.The union has urged more artists to enroll with it so as for them to speak together as one strong voice.

Below see more photos taken during the event;

Titi Solomon

MCSK Chairman Mr Mukaisi with CEO Mr. Maurice Okoth

Chairman Kamp

Mr. Mabele, GM  Kamp

CEO  Okoth introducing a service provider Mr Ben

Members following the proceedings

From left Bwire, Bandasson & Abedi

Abedi & Titi solomon

One of the artists entertaining the members

ROBA KLEPTO IS BACK IN THE STUDIO WITH A SONGTRESS, BECKY

Roba Klepto is one of the three founder members of the Kleptomaniax a pop group from Nairobi, Kenya that rocked Kenya a few years ago. Formed in 1999 the group that consisted of Roba (Robert Manyasa),

Roba Klepto

Collo (Collins Majale) and Nyashinski (Nyamari Ongegu) all in Nairobi School then.
 The group looked for a producer Ogopa Dj's who did their first single there style being hip hop and kapuka. Some of their songs are Maniax Anthem, Freak it, Tuendelee, Swing Swing and Pyscho among others. 
In the year 2005 the group received a MTV Europe Music Awards nomination for the Best African Act. In 2007 Kleptomaniax toured the USA and later had a break for members to try solo projects.
Roba who has been doing solo projects is now back to the studio at Music Plant where he is now teaming up with an upcoming star known as Becky. They have a hot one coming and Roba says he will leave it to the fans and sceptics to judge. ''It is time to be back on the music scene and I am unveiling Becky as the new voice in the kenyan Music industry. I believe she is one of the latest talents that may rock the industry. She is skillful, professional and swift in doing her stuff thanks to the good training she got from Sauti Acadmy" says Roba.

Becky

On her part Becky says she has been doing music but has not been keen on promotion of the same. She says she was concentrating on her training at the Sauti Academy and her University studies. "I graduated recently from a music academy and now want to entertain my fans starting now" Becky quips. Becky has been working with Carol her bosom friend and former college-mate from Sauti Academy. They have done several gigs under their banner The Band Beca and the response from fans has been so encouraging.

SWEET NEWS FOR LOCAL ARTISTS

M.i.e.n - Producer and artist. also decrying the airplay status

It is wonderful to hear news on the new law on airplay. For sure it is a very welcome idea to have Kenyan music get 60% airplay. Some of our Kenyan artists have had a rough time with our local radio and TV presenters who overlook our own music and prefer to play foreign music. They only play a few from those that part with some tokens and purport that our music is not quality. These people keep on lamenting about the quality of our local artists whereas artists from neighbouring countries come to do their recording here. Artists like Chameleon and Bebe Cool to name but a few, started from Kenyan production houses and they have been rocking Africa. Daddy Owen,Nameless and Wahu have won continental awards before with hit songs from the local studios. Let nobody lie about quality of music. In Kenya it is not about quality of music because there are many nice songs that have never come to light because the poor artists can't part with some token.

Shaddyyokko - Has two albums but airplay has been a tall order

I have said it here before that Kenyan presenters are unlike those in other countries who go searching for new vibes and bringing them to the fore. A new artist will part with money to have his/her music played on air. This will only play once or twice and then disappear as the presenter waits for the next dose of money. In this case the presenter does not upload the music in the circulation such that if fans request for the songs they can not be accessed by other presenters/Djs.

Music by artists like Abbi Nyinza, Achieng Abura, Makadem etc are respected abroad but how many times do we hear about them on local radio/TV? Some of us in Kenya don't even know about them yet they rock outside Kenya. Haven't our presenters heard about them too? Why are they not playing their music and preferring to play West African music many times a day?


 

I say Hurray......for the Kenyan creative artists who have always been sidelined by our own.

BECKY DOING BEYONCE'S COVER VERSION - DRUNK IN LOVE

Today we have Becky Sangolo doing a cover version of Beyonce's song Drunk in Love. She is gifted in this genre among others.
 
https://www.facebook.com/esther.mwanyange/videos/440698079451088/

BECKY AND CAROL GRADUATE FROM SAUTI ACADEMY WITH POMP

The two divas that formed The Band BeCa are hitting the road running after recently graduating from Sauti Academy -Penya Africa. There tantalizing performance during the graduation ceremony dubbed Sound Splash at the Alliance Francaise Auditorium at on 11th July 2015 spoke for itself. They left the audience amazed by their matured vocals courtesy of the good training at the Sauti Academy institute. Judge Ian was one of the guests who seemed to enjoy every moment of the well attended show. They did both cover songs and their own compositions that moved the excited fans. Other artists that graduated included Swiga, Raaay, Zeshari, Lexxy and the amazing Phy who was backed by Rabbit in one of her performances.

Becky and Carol have already started having shows and have various events lined up. "We are witnessing good demand from promising promoters who are keen to work with us due to our nice mastery in both our own compositions and cover songs. Most people enjoy live band music and that is what we are good at", says Becky Sangolo. "People should attend our shows and see the impact of Sauti Academy in our music, she adds.

We at the Kenyan Artist blog are eager to see what is next on their schedule and how fans will receive the new outfit. We wish them all the best in their endeavors because we believe they can fly.

Below see some of the pictures taken during the show;

Becky Sangolo on stage

Becky & Carol  of The band Beca

Carol on stage

Becky on stage

Thrilled fans

Judge Ian

Phy on stage with Rabbit

Part of the fans

Happy fans during the event

The graduands

Swiga on stage

What is your take our reader?