MUSIC, KAKA DAVE TARGETS FANS ACROSS EAST AFRICA

Kaka Dave is a veteran musician based in Mbagathi, Nairobi. Having roots from Mombasa, the only son in his family explained to luizquincy where his stage name Kaka Dave emanated from and how it came to be a refrain name among his fan base.

"Well I am the only son in my family so my sisters used to call me Kaka which is a brother in English. And my official ID card name is Davies John. The name Davies gave birth to Dave and so I had to combine Kaka and Dave as one name Kaka Dave," explained Kaka Dave, all smiles.

Kaka Dave suggests that a lot of underground artists including P the Gangster, Pizzo Mapessa among others have influenced his music journey. He has also been influenced globally by individuals that have been in the limelight and Ric Hassani is the name that made the cut for him and he still follows in his footsteps.

"My musical journey has been inspired by a lot of musicians to start with locally my home village had a lot of upcoming singers, the likes of P the Gangster, Pizzo Mapessa, Kizzo Malavidavi; this people ignited the fire in becoming who I am right now. Internationally, Ric Hassani is definitely the guy ave been watching and admiring for a very long time. Honestly I see him among the best musicians the world has ever produced. Kenyan musicians like Otile Brown Masauti are also part of my musical foundatio. They contributed a lot," said Kaka Dave.

The soaring musician explains that Mombasa music industry is weaker in terms of marketing when compared to Nairobi. This he explains is as a result of many media hubs located within Nairobi. In Mombasa, the few media stations and outlets only leave marketing of music for whatsaap which in his own opinion does not propel music to higher heights.

"The marketing strategy in Mombasa is weak this is all because of the less media houses in Mombasa. Upcoming artist are focusing on pushing music only on WhatsApp. Mind you if WhatsApp application is to be removed from the play store today, many upcoming artist will loose their music focus. In Nairobi the social media platforms are seen as one of the way to push music among the many way of marketing music. Artists in Mombasa get to be satisfied with the few you tube views unlike here where it's never enough untill people get to notice me. The five times four times airplays from local radios seem to be everything to Mombasa musicians. 'Mtu akifanya audio ywaona ashafika'. See, my Point is push your music until Grammy recognise you," said a concerned Kaka Dave.

When speaking about his own music, he thinks that all tracks have done well but points out that Love Land has been outstanding. He mainly does RnB music with a combination of English and Swahili language and this makes audiences closer from home relate enough with his music.

"I think all my songs have done well. But Love Land has outdone all the songs. STAY also is still doing good the views grow everyday. People should go and check them out am sure 'watazipenda'," said Kaka Dave as he chuckles.

Love Land speaks of a relationship and tries to envisage an imagination of a place where two lovers can enjoy and express their love for one another without fear or without having to get worried about words on the streets.

"Love land is a love song that talks about finding the right person and creating an imaginary place where the two of you are gonna be yourselves and happy together," said Kaka Dave.

Kaka now sees lesser more challenging bits in his music. He is at a place where he produces music for himself and his own friends assist him in video shoots which makes him save a lot on pre production and post production costs.

"I can say challenges are now less and not like they used to be. I produce songs for my self and it's my friends who are shooting my videos. I think challenges come in marketing and pushing songs and videos. Personally I see it tricky in convincing people to love your sound 'na wakukubali kama msanii unique wa kivyako'," said Kaka Dave.

Being among the few artists around Majaoni who owns a home studio, Kaka Dave sees himself as a boss. He named the studio PMJ from the Swahili word 'pamoja' meaning together and a word which symbolises unity. He aims at pushing Shanzu music forward until talents from within are recognised starting with his own.

"Having my own studio that makes me a boss. I have a home studio which I named PMJ STUDIOS from the word 'pamoja' the motto being 'pamoja tutashinda' I believe unity will make our songs go far and people will recognise Shanzu as the home of talent. This of course doesn't mean if their is a label with better offers 'nitakataa kuwa' signed, no. Am open to any deals that will be of benefit to me and my team," said a coherent Kaka Dave.

Kaka Dave who manages his own music says that his family supports him a lot. His mother and sisters who pump a lot of effort to his music would be interested and so happy should they see their boy perform in even bigger stages.

"I'm the only son of Mama Umi born Davies John Kahindi. A family of 5 people. My love life is not that interesting so that's for another interview. My mom and sisters have been supporting my music from day one so I am grateful to have them and it's my prayer they get to see me performing in some of the biggest stages in the world," said a confident Kaka Dave in between smiles.

He explained that five years were many to offer. He sees himself propelling his career to another level in the remaining quarter of the year.

" I believe si mimi Peke yangu but hata wewe Quincy, this blog site and my music 'sote tutakuwa mbali'. I believe I am a talented and one of the best artist this country will ever provide. In like five years I want East Africa to be knowing who this new kid is and am sure by God's grace and Blessings plus the support of my fans it will be achieved. No human is limited," said an open minded Kaka Dave.

Kaka is planning on dropping an album early next year. In the album, he plans for 8 tracks plus two bonus tracks which he is sure will meet well the ears and eyes of his fans on matters the audios and videos.

"An album yes probably early next year am planning on dropping an album of 8 songs plus two bonus tracks. Songs are ready and other projects ongoing. I've named this first album as 'THE VOS - The Voice Of Shanzu. I want the world to know all about my home place. Different genre and different artists all over Kenya will be featured therein. Of course 'siku ya launching ikifika lazima nikushtue presenter Quincy," he said to me as he pushed back on his chair inside his studio. "It's gona be a mad Album," he finished off.

SULLEYSH TEAMS UP WITH AUGUST KERIZ COMEDY, TALKS OF ROLE IN MAISHA MAGIC EAST

He is better known by his stage name Sulleysh. Sauleiman Tsui is a budding actor doing works locally in Kenya and around East African platforms. Acting on sets with August Keriz Comedy, the veteran actor was influenced by Wachira Wanjau into acting.

"There is this guy known as Wachira Wanjau a very famous person, He has done many projects kwa mfano pale Maisha Magic East nafanya kazi na kipindi cha Selina chenye kiko very famous hapa Kenya and Africa at large. So yeye ndo alinimentor into acting," said Sulleysh.

Saulleysh started acting when he was in high school. In the exclusive interview with Luizquincy, he suggested that most youths get to nurture their talents from high school and his own story was not any different.

"I started acting nikiwa High School pale. High school ndo time mtu hukaa chini na kujaribu talent yake yaani inaitwa kunurture talent," he spoke confidently.

Sulleysh says that August Keriz Comedy being a production company, aims at teaching vital issues within the Majaoni community where it is based. It helps youths minimize stress since the productions are comic while teaching on key issues that affect key populations within Mombasa county.

"As far as I know, August Keriz Comedy is not just a group but it's family na kizazi chetu ni hapa Majaoni. So our means of educating people in Majaoni is through acting.. Unajua acting ina express so many things that huezi fundisha mtu shule. Besides from kuelekeza watu August Keriz pia tuna ucheshi tunahakikisha kua una cheka na kupunguza stress, kama wanavyosema 'Cheka uongeze miaka ya kuishi'," added Sulleysh.

Sulleysh explained that the first challenge that gives August Keriz Comedy a run for its money is appreciation of the work they do from local audiences. Audiences tend to like more productions engineered from other countries whilst forgetting to support local comedy acts.

"Challenge moja amayo mimi naiona ni Support from our own. Watu ni kuinuana,, Unapata Kenyans wana appreciate sana comedy industry from other countries but from our own watu wanatupuuzia so it becomes hard kuwa recorgnized kwenye industry," lamented Sulleysh.

He explained that though he cannot conclude being single, he is yet to think about having kids for now.

This is because kids need one to be stable and preparations for a family are vital so that our kids as youths do not pass through the hard life we have gone through.

"Okay, so for me siezi sema niko single, But hapo kwa watoto bado nafeel sijafanya vya kutosha ili niweze kulea mtoto. Unajua watoto inafaa kuwa umejenga a good foundation ndo wasipitie the same life ya struggle kama sisi tunavyofight huku nje," continued Sulleysh.

Adjusting his position on an armchair, the Mombasa based actor stated that he aims at building a big name for himself as an actor that people can get to recognise Sulleysh anytime they hear the name spoken either on set or outside the filming world.

"Well, ni mipango ya Allah. Akitupa pumzi na afya nitakua mbali, mimi all I want ni kujenga jina such that mtu akitajiwa jina la Sulleysh ashaclick kuwa ni mimi, na singependa kujulikana kwa mabaya all I want is to make progress in my life, so tumuombe Mungu atupe subra," spoke a glamorous Sulleysh.

Sulleysh has taken part in a lot of stageplays. He thanks August Keeiz for giving him a chance to act and showcase his talent. Among the films he has taken part in under August Keeiz Comedy include 'Boys In Love' wgich is doing so great on Youtube.

"Okay films meaning zile zenye ziko kwa Market. So far ni moja inaitwa Boys in love and nashkuru sana August Keriz kwa kunipa chance.. Kama nilivyosema nimeanza kuact nikiwa high school, so nyingi zangu nilizofanya ni stage plays, nimeact kwa stage na nilifika mpaka National levels pale drama shule," said Sulleysh.

The Swahili actor stipulates that everything revolves around sacrifice. Passion he also considers as a great ingredient to achieving personal success and self actualization. He finds time to balance his own work and the sets he takes part in at August Keriz Comedy and on Selina - Maisha Magic East.

"Kila kitu ni kujitolea, na kuwa na passion, ukifocus na kujitolea unapata time ya kufanya kitu kilicho kwa moyo," added Sulleysh.

Albeit filming and acting not changing his life as such, he swims in the exposure that acting has given him. He has got to connect with otger actors and this networking has informed him of many opportunities in acting.

Fans could find him on social media facebook as Sulleysh Ke, instagram as Sulleysh_k254 and Twitter as Sulleysh_ke. Apart from acting, Sulleysh owns his own enterprise that deals with broiler chicken and empowers youths to self employ themselves rather that waiting for employment.

AUGUST KERIZ INFLUENCES IBRAAH TZ IN DROPPING INSTAGRAM POST

August Keriz on Thursday 23rd September gained attention from Tanzania and in Kenya. The brand is a Kenyan name that deals with Comic production.

After giving Ibraah Tz advice on a particular post on Instagram, fans commented and thereafter the manager to the Konde Gang signed mucisian wanted to know more about August Keriz. This later led to Ibraah Tz dropping the post on Instagram as August Keriz had advised.

This goes well to show how local productions are having an influence on the mainstream music industry. That a producer of film would go ahead to influence a big name as Ibraah is evident that Kenyan music industry is pushing and influencing Bongo music due to the higher levels of Kenyan Media industry as compared to Tanzanian media.

August Keriz uses his brand 'August Keriz Comedy' to offer advice to fellow youths on issues that affect them in one way or another. He also uses his label to promote and influence Bongo film industry and at the same time Bongo music since music videos are part of films.

"The advice I gave to Ibraah tz has increased my fanbase after his manager wanted to know more about me. I have gained 30 followers on Instagram and I think this suggests that August Keriz Comedy is growing," suggested August in a phone call with luizquincy.blogspot.com

August Keriz from Bamburi, Kenya has a crew of 16 individuals which include actors, film director, videographers, photographers, script writers and a video manager.

They are working around the clock to ensure popular topics are spoken and awareness is risen on fundamental issues affecting mainly the youths. According to sources from luizquincy, Ibraah has been impressed by August's work and his recent advice made him turn his head this deleting the aforementioned post.

DEE WARNING SPEAKS ABOUT HIS BUDDING MUSIC CAREER

He uses music as an instrument to teach Bamburi society about issues of relationships and life in general.

Dee Warning which is his stage name is a name that has risen to become a major force in Mombasa's underground mainstream music. In an exclusive interview with Luizquincy, the rapper and singer revealed that music for him started upon his fathers sudden death.

"When my late father passed away, that is when music made the call for me. I humbly started from scratch singing and recording my own music after my fathers demise," spoke Dee Warning as he leaned forward on a wooden dining chair.

As per Thomas Mann, a man lives not only his personal life as an individual but also consciously or unconsciously, the life of his epoch and his contemporaries. To this end Dee Warning got ideas from grand musicians and those doing well in the sector to put up his works as he revealed.

"I have hustled in doing odd jobs but put a strict eye on musicians doing well. Some works I have hustled in include mixing balast, construction works and laying foundation for pre construction in building sites," said a confident Dee Warning.

On matters role models, the mucisian aspires to get to the levels of creatives Otile Brown, Masauti among other big names that are seriously running the Kenyan music industry wild and pushing Swahili music to East Africa and even beyond.

" In my own space, I get inspired by Otile Brown, Masauti, Kaligraph Jones and King Kaka. Most of the works I do are Swahili music which range from inspirational songs, songs that teach the community and a little bit of poetic spoken - word raps which King Kaka is best known for," explained Dee Warning.p

Dee Warning in the interview reiterated that he has been doing music as a hobby and as a commercial occupation. The zeal to do music caught up with him when he was in standard five in Kenya's 8-4-4 system and he has since been writing and composing his own music.

"I have been doing music since I was in primary, in class five. I have written and composed a lot of songs from then up to 2022 and the talent still goes on," said Dee Warning.

His recorded music 'Sanela' is probably the most played by fans around Bamburi and Mombasa county, he explains that the song is about a girlfriend who dated him and left because of reasons best known to her.

"Sanela speaks about my ex lover. We dated and the lady later on left because of personal reasons maybe or for reasons which were not clear to me, leaving me at crossroads," said Dee Warning.

Dee warning aspires to be at the same level as King Kaka and Otile Brown in five years time but explains that financial issues still pull him aback since music is an investment and needs money from audio recording, video pre - production to post - production. He calls for support from donors and sponsors. The talent he boasts is extremely extraordinary gauging from his young age and financial boost is exactly what he needs since he is still a budding artiste.

"I feel that me being interviewed and having my story run on luizquincy.blogspot.com is a major move and at least which is going to expose my talent out there so that people can be familiar with my stage name. Also it will help me with visibility of my name as an underground brand in Mombasa's music," affirmed Dee Warning.

He gave a good parting shot to rappers still underground that they should stick together and work to push local music forward.

"Let us be united together and it is also important that we as rappers stay strong. Challenges are everywhere and I know the industry might be frustrating at times but let us rock on," said Dee Warning with a broad smile on his face.

KHALIFAX MEDIA OPENS UP ON WORKING WITH AUGUST KERIZ COMEDY

Khalifax media, a brand for a young veteran photographer and videographer is a name that has risen to the admiration of many around Majaoni, Bamburi ward.

According to him, he sees the tag label as a unique identity which will propel him to foreseeble glory.

"Khalifax media is a brand name that stands for what we do. We shoot events, commercials, music videos and also do indoor and outdoor photography. That's what we mainly major in," said Khalifax.

Khalifax apart from doing works as his own brand is the major photographer of the label 'August Keriz Comedy' a role he does with passion and utmost enthusiasm.

August Keriz Comedy which is a brand also proudly boasts Khalifax as the personal photographer to the founder 'August Keriz'

"I am the official photographer and videographer of August Keriz Comedy," said Khalifax in between proud smiles.

Speaking of how Khalifax met with August Keriz, the former narrated that August Keriz Comedy is a media group which resides from the hoods of Majaoni within Bamburi. The group deals with comic productions that teach society on varrying themes. He also stipulated that he was motivated by the passion and hard work of August's group together with their dreams. The aforementioned factors convinced him to work with the comic productions 'August Keriz Comedy'.

"August Keriz Comedy is a group that is just from our hood. I have always seen them acting so their passion and hardwork motivated me to work with them. So when they approached me asking to work with me then that was a go for me because I was more than ready to work with a group with great dreams. Working with them has been an easy task for us all because we all know why we need each other." said a passionate Khalifax

Khalifax reiterated that the productions by August Keriz Comedy teach on things evident within the local Majaoni community for example issues of drug use and drug abuse, relationships and sundry.

"The productions we do for August Keriz Comedy mainly touch on the social life. Things happening in our society today for instance drugs, issues of school drop outs , early marriages and other vital issues in community," added Khalifax.

Speaking on how Khalifax balances his own brand 'Khalifax Media' and the work he does for August Keriz Comedy, he explains that a Sunday shoot is the only engagement his employer requires of him leaving him to push his own brand from Monday to Saturday.

" I just balance the work. August Keriz Comedy need my services only on Sundays during the shoot meaning I have a whole week till Saturday and thus enough time for my camera work," said a smileful Khalifax.

Khalifax who in the exclusive interview with Luizqyincy also touched on family and love life was clear that he had no family yet. He also reaffirmed that he did not have children as at the moment meaning he works still to push his brand with few or no distractions.

"Nope I'm not married and I don't have any kids 'hata wa kusingiziwa'. I am still grinding to better my life day by day." Clarified Khalifax chuckingly.

The videographer also made clear that his hobbies mainly are photography, singing and listening to music.

Khalifax gave some information on upcoming works by August Keriz Comedy stating that there is a film which is almost done but refused to be drawn to further disclosure of information concerning the work. Fans should expect a nerve-cracking comedy coming soon.

"August Keriz has plenty of educative content in store and now we are working on a movie which is 95% done so 'wacha wakae mkao wa kula wasubiri' I assure you it's the best," said Khalifax smiling.

He also aspire to shoot popular names in future speaking that the only popular name he has shot as at now remains his boss August.

"So far it's August Keriz Comedy but most of the people I have photographed ain't popular but God will open ways. I am looking forward to working with Masauti in the near future," said Khalifax hopefully.

Speaking of where August Keriz Comedy has taken him too, Khalifax says it has been the doorway to immense opportunities. A lot of referrals have made him stand and grow as a cinematographer, videographer and photographer.

"I take it as blessing too it's a step forward towards my dreams and 'kila siku najifunza vitu vipya saana' I just love working with the group and it has given me a lot of referrals too... I can't complain, God is good we keep growing day by day," says Khalifax as he puts his sunglasses on the coffee table.

AUGUST KERIZ SPEAKS ON COMIC PRODUCTION

August Keriz, a young man from Majaoni, Bamburi ward saw comedy as a tool to protect youths from drug abuse and early pregnancies.

He is without doubt a professional photographer and an enthusiast of film to which end he initiated August Keriz Comedy on YouTube to aid him in the aforementioned aim. The production teaches of the harmful effects of drug abuse while detering young adults from engaging in pre - marital sex, something that brings adverse effects.

"We started the group back in 2020 to save young girls and boys from drugs and early marriage," said August in an exclusive interview with luizquincy.

The group utilizes weekends, holidays and leisure time to creat awareness on issues which affect and concern the target community which is in this case Majaoni.

Having done a number of some films, August Keriz Comedy recently produced Crazy Students and Boys In Love. The two Comedy Films have drawn in their plots issues that are common in young children and vital societal concerns have been touched on in a comic manner.

The crew has not yet got equipment of it's own which means they source cameras to run the production from outside partners. "Yet,we don't have sponsors . We hire cameras so that we do something constructive," said August as he adjusts his position on a plastic chair.

"We are crew of 15 members though most of the are student thats why we meet during holiday and weekend," he added. The most viewed production is Fumanizi which is a comedy that highlights issues concerning faithfulness in relationships and infidelity.

Speaking of the aspirations of the label, August Keriz Comedy intends to rise to higher levels both locally and on the African cinema platform. "Five years to come from now uuh we shall be international levels competing with mark angel comedy raising kenyan flag," said a confident August.

Community still thinks drama is really the real thing .Still a lot of doubt is present in comedy but investors have realised comedy pays. Society perceives drama as a waste of time. Comedy albeit pays and is not a waste of time. This is the new niche that producers need to factor in and leverage on according to August.

The production now working with luizquincy on a mutual partnership deal can be reached on social media hubs. August Keriz on Instagram, Facebook as August Keriz are the new sources of comic entertainment.

THE DEMISE OF GENGETONE

With rising heights of Bongo amapianos, Nairobi's popular song genre "Gengetone" has been threatened and put to rest.

In an exclusive feature with Luizquincy, fans themselves gave a number of reasons why Gengetone has dwindled on matters it's popularity.

Lack of themes. Since gengetone speaks much about lavish luxury life and pornographic content, it has failed to withstand the test of time. A number of jams including King Kaka's dundaing did so well with collaborations also pecking the order, however the lack of diversity on theme has led to the death of Gengetone.

Use of club banging beats. Gengetone music solely relied on club banger beats with popular producers such as Mavo on the beat, London, Cash Kid among others making very serious party beats. Such beats produced by Logic and Reason production software were banging, a factor which led to their popularity.

According to fans also, Gengetone did not have as many fans outside Kenya. Being a local genre, its creativity was lost and many producers struggled to push the tune including Magix Enga. The localness of it's nature made the beats not endure the test of time.

Presence of other live band music made Gengetone sound a little bit more barbaric. Band music by Hart the band, Sauti Sol made sure Gengetone would not get enough fans as other genres both locally and on the international front.

Band music is considered rich and soothing to the mind more than Gengetone's banging nature.

Gengetone also according to fans was utilized by small artistes. The hip hop legends including Juacali started recording with Gengetone beats just because the genre was on demand. However, small artists did not endure to push the music forward and the few who stood like ethic, exray soon blended in our Kenyan industry after gaining fame.

Some among Gengetone artists include miracle baby, Odi wa Muranga, Swat, Reckless, among others who turned to the tune after realising it was on market.

 

Bongo flava has also wrestled Gengetone with Island listernership always proving loyal to Bongo flava tune. The fact that Bongo flava has evolved to use amapiano sound makes Gengetone even more irrelevant.