TORY WAN - SPREADING LOVE AND HOPE THROUGH HIPHOP

It was sometime in 2022 when a major source told me about the need to meet up with Tory Wan - an established Hip Hop artiste making tremendous waves around Mombasa and beyond. Since then, it took me not less than six months before we made contact with the artist with view of documenting a story concerning his music journey and life endeavours.

He is is busy finalising on his track in studio when I show up, welcoming me with a sweaty cold monster energy drink, we finally set up the place for an interview that would last 2 hours. Tory Wan explains that his love for music blossomed from the passion her mother had towards music as a craft. He would notice her mom vibing to music, singing popular songs that were playing on the radio. This was something her mom did with so much passion which then made Tory develop interest in doing rap music.

"It all started with my mum. Being raised in the streets of Mombasa, I grew seeing her singing while doing house chores. Since we didn't have a TV, the radio was our only option. She used to sing alongside the radio whether it was Taarab, Bango, Raggae or HipHop. She did it with passion and I could see it through her eyes," said Tory Wan.

Different from some artistes whose stage names bear no meaning, Tory explains that his stage name emanated from a fusion of his first name and family name. Some short forms here and there left him with the brand name Tory Wan.

"At birth, my parents named me Victor, because they saw victory in me. Therefore Tory is a short form of Victory. Wanyama is a family name and also my third name. In my stage name, Wan is a shortened version of Wanyama. So Tory Wan is a short form of my birth name Victor Wanyama." said Tory Wan expressively. 

Tory Wan likes art. Besides music, he is equally fascinated by other artforms including poetry which he has interest in, drawing and sketching. The rapper has got a lot of songs on YouTube and other streaming platforms like Boomplay, Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and Sounds on Tiktok. Some of these songs include unconditional love ft Branjal, Black, Kache ft PMJ Academia, Zone ft Phillips, Honey, Narcos Frestyle, Narcos Freestyle 2, Ukinishika ft Kaka Dave, Best Choice ft Hakx, Baby Mama, I tried ft the Lejah.

"My biggest song right now is a solo project - Lovebirds. It is one of five songs which I released in a series as an EP (Afrocean Extended Playlist) in 2022. The EP which includes other jams namely Kuna Venye ft Tokal Beats, Promise ft Yohan 254, I don't Care ft Panzili Music and Story ft The Lejah became a success since all songs were gaining airplay in radios within the Coast region. As a result, Kuna Venye and Lovebirds are still playing on national TV (Citizen TV, NTV and QTV)" said the rapper.

The Kenyan rapper acknowledges all the artistes he was able to work with hailing them as special simply because they brought new ideas, freshness along with flavour to his music. He explains that he has learnt a lot from working with them and that the teamwork they shared has brought him this far musically.

"I would not limit myself to whom I should collaborate with or whom I shouldn't.  My dream is to collaborate with many and different artistes. My openness to collaborate depends on how we approach each other" said Tory Wan.

He clarified that music is a job and pays well with consistency and dedication, royalties are one way he has benefitted giving inspiration to youngsters delving into the industry that monetary returns are handsome in music.

"In terms of money, streams do pay. I don't wait for promoters or shows to pay my bills. Apart from money, music has created bonds and relationships, it has brought happiness and respect. Music has given me purpose and keeps my supporters entertained. Music motivates me. It is my life," opined Tory Wan.

On YouTube as Tory Wan, the rapper currently has 12 videos. His dream is to fill the O2 Arena one day. He anticipates his music to reach the deepest and highest places on earth as well as spread wider on every corner of our planet. Apart from music, Tory Wan works as a barman and waiter at a beach resort. He equally runs some small business of his own. 

"Rappers are like preachers. If you're in the game or want to enter the rap game then be a bearer of love and hope to the community.  HipHop is not about violence and drugs, it's all about building an image of hope and a better tomorrow for the community and its surroundings. Music gives purpose and music pays," affirmed the rapper.

On social media, fans can follow him on Instagram @iamtorywan, Facebook @Tory Wan. On Boomplay and other streaming platforms, one can follow him as Tory Wan and support his craft. One month shy of present time, fans should expect an album from the artiste which he has been cooking for a while now. According to him, musically, the juice has been worth the squeeze. 

TRAVIS SIMBA TALKS RELATIONSHIP AND PARENTING

Travis Simba on an exclusive interview with Luizquincy advised youths to stay put and not to be pacy when it comes to relationships.This comes after his initial interview with luizquincy.blogpot.com was well received.

"Not really, I think it would be much better if they don't rush," he said sternly.

He did not have much to talk about concerning his first relationship owing to the fact that he was in secondary school and still young at the moment. 

"My first relationship can't really talk about it because I was still in highschool and a teenager," he reiterated.

Travis downplayed and refuted allegations linking him to his ex whom netizens had rumor - mongering that she was overseas and claimed this to be normal casual talk that has no grounds nor concrete basis.

" None of my ex was in overseas," he said maintaining his coy.

He equally accepted being under 18 (17 years) in his first ever relationship attributing the urge to mere adolescence that every youth goes through. As a celebrity image around Mombasa, Travis admits having been heartbroken, something that he asserts was big - time heartbreak.

The father of one spoke of his baby mama straightforwardly admitting challenges in their relationship however refusing to be drawn to much comments concerning her.

"My relationship about my baby mama Caroline Mwaringa isn't that good. Due to personal reasons; I can't really talk about it but thank God we are co - parenting," said a humble Travis.

Talking of their baby, Travis seeks to be a good daddy and show the perfect example to his son. He loves being with him and teaching him few stuff concerning life however young the kid might be.

"My Son Braylon is Now 2 years and 3 months old. I always spend some time with him whenever I'm free and I always do My best to make sure he's okay." Affirmed the event planner.

Travis however agreed that moving on from his heartbreaking relationship wasn't a walk in the park and he also refused to be drawn to much talk on the issue. "It Wasn't easy and it's not easy; can't talk much on this..." Added Travis

He further advised youths to get the bag and hustle first instead of prioritizing relational matters in what can be termed as an expert's entitled opinion.

TRAVIS SIMBA; HOSTING EVENTS LIKE NO OTHER

Travis Simba is a top - notch events planner and manager. His real name is Travis Simon.

He picked 'Simba' being a huge fan of Diamond Platnumz.

 He has hitherto with 2 years in the industry; organized lots of booming parties and events; something he does with all of his passion. 

He started the business by organizing his own party at an undisclosed location in Mombasa and has since taken it as work organizing dozens of parties since November 2021. 

The friendship he struck with his DJ soon became the anchor point of successful events ranging from small to large scale events.

Being a go getter, he made the most out of Bozerdanxtgwan who remains humble enough to learn under Simba's tutelage in the tricky but remunerating business.

He has previously hosted parties and shows at Treestar hotel located in Majaoni - Bamburi ward, Butterfly Pavilion among other exotic locations around Kenya's Coast.

"My G Travis Simba is a go getter, So I guess I'm learning from his steps," said his official DJ in a live online interview with Luizquincy.

Travis seeks to push forth his talent despite many planners who give him a run for his money. He however remains confident that his strategies are a bar higher and his humility to learn a factor that will push his immense talent moving forward an ounce bigger.

On Facebook, Instagram the Coastal star can be followed on 'Travis Simba' for individuals or organizations that would love their events hosted by Travis. "People can follow me as Travis Simba on all social platforms except Twitter," he added.

His hobbies include travelling, listening to good music and making new connections in the form of business colleagues and allies.

"Challenges include uncooperative nature of clients, budgeting and bad weather," said an enthusiastic Simba.

DJ BOZERDANXTGWAN; MASHING UP THE PLACE

DJ Bozerdanxtgwan is a veteran disk jockey based in Mombasa currently shaking the music industry by aiding in the promotion of artists' music. He started officially in 2021 amidst challenges evidenced in his career.

"I started in 2012 though I did not have my own laptop so I can say I started officially in 2021 when I joined campus at Maasai Mara University," said a smiling Bozer.

The disk jockey does music out of passion as he explains why really he does music to Luizquincy. The crowd really pushes him forth with their energy during his performances according to him.

" I think it is what I'm good in apart from scouting. I'm also encouraged by the crowd; like Everytime I do the mixing thing they accept me, show more love and that keeps me going. It gives my life meaning. That's what I love doing the most," he said with joy written on his face.

The deejay admits that he currently does approximately 1-3 shows a month and ostensibly reacts that he is still an upcoming DJ.

Speaking about Travis Simba, Bozer admits sharing a cordial brotherly relationship with him though they met when Bozer joined campus. They weren't so in touch then until 2021; few days shy of his birthday around November. Travis had organized a party and Bozer asked to be his Deejay. This was the beginning of work for the both  in event planning and Management for the former and events' DJ for the latter.

" I mashed up the place during his party and he was really excited. He was like bro, you are good at what you do and you will be my DJ onwards," revealed Bozer.

The DJ is still single and gives fellow entertainers an advice including some pieces on hardwork, and the payment of persistence.

" If you really wanna do this stuff, better go hard, be unique and unstoppable no matter what happens," reiterated a humble Bozer.

He plays all genres including Amapiano, Lingala, Reggae, Gengetone, Hip-hop, Drills, Bongo Flava and his mixes can be found on popular platform hearthis.

ALEX KENGA; EXPRESSION THROUGH GOSPEL MUSIC

Alex Kenga, a budding young gospel musician is underway a deal that would see him get signed in a serious record label at PMJ Academia. 

He started music in 2019 and has seen his efforts bore tremendous fruits.

He says his YouTube channel has helped a big deal in media visibility and in ensuring his ideas translate into fruition in the form of music videos.

"My YouTube channel has helped me a lot to distribute and has aided persons to know that I'm a gospel artiste," said a happy Kenga. 'Hakuna Kama Wewe' can be followed on YouTube via the link https://youtu.be/GR9AwubUGRM

"I have seen gospel music do wonders since when my father was a singer and a choir master in our church. He taught me how to sing and now I'm choir master in my church," admitted Alex.

He stipulates that in God's presence, he has nothing to give but to offer his praises because the Almighty has done changes to him and he will praise Him for as long as he lives.He offers a candid advice to upcoming gospel artistes telling them about the joy of serving the Lord. He seeks to continue inspiring youths through music to follow the church and stick to God above all things.

"To upcoming artistes, they ought to be ready to serve God with prayer, fasting which both go a long way in maintaining God's will in our lives," said Kenga.

Speaking on relationship, Alex is happy being single for now and terms himself as a bachelor of God. He doesn't have any kids for now. On Kaka Dave; Kenya pours immense appreciation to the East African star cum producer.

"Kaka Dave is a good man, good producer and a hard-working person," reiterated Alex Kenya as he switched position in a plastic armchair.

THE LEJAH, GRINDING AS A PMJ ACADEMIA ARTIST.

He sits in a cosy brown leather armchair as Kaka Dave handles his audio processing at PMJ studios.

The Lejah; a budding talent, is a teacher by virtue of training at Kabarak University wherefrom he is due soon to graduate.

It is a bright morning and as I interview the artist, skepticism shadows both of us. We simultaneously think in unison, "how do we put down this story to showcase utmost credibility whilst marketing the artist competently?"

The Lejah admits through hardwork, persistence and a goal - driven mentality, his dreams tipitoe closer to fruition day by day.

" At PMJ, everyone is family. We have creative minds including Andrea RNB, Kaka Dave among many others. Kaka Dave; a producer cum artist normally pushes us to squeeze out the best out of our potential selves," says The Lejah.

Since Mombasa music is growing rapidly, The Lejah affirms it is imminent that underground artists cut their own niche to reduce overdependence on managers and promoters. He however does admit that unifying of artists with common perspective can't be overruled as a recipe for artists' growth and development.

"Some of the best producers in Mombasa include Technix Dality, Totti, Moztach mentioning but just a few. These are big producers charging hefty amounts for comparatively quality audio and video production. "With us hustling, we decided to make use of the simple resources we've got to practise and nurture our talents." Added The Lejah.

PMJ studios was founded way back  in 2020 and has seen many artists gain a platform  that helps their talents blossom through regular practice. Among songs The Lejah has done under the aforementioned label include: Usiondoke, Ni Kweli, Hard To Love.

PMJ stands for Pamoja and is a studio influenced immensely by Mega Family Records situated in Shanzu Ward under the guidance of Sir Larry. The Lejah looks forward to collaborating with other artists, producers as he seeks to better himself as a singer.

ANDREA RNB; DOING IT BIG AT PMJ STUDIOS.

He plays guitar and piano in a way second to none. Andrea RNB is a singer from Bamburi Ward in Kisauni constituency who currently remains  a product of PMJ studios in Nairobi.

The creative recording artist started his interest in music way back in 2015 while still in form two. And with consistent nurturing under Kaka Dave; who signs off both as producer and an artist he has evolved to being better in his music delivery.

Andrea has seen his music grow from instrument playing to acapelas. He has even recorded few songs which were an immediate hit including Lengo, Unaniweza and many other collabo - pieces.

Initially he did his music from Mega Family Records studios located in Mombasa. The skill set he stole from Mega Family Records studios aided him propell his music further and earned him a place in PMJ studios wherefrom he records his audios hitherto.

He says his best area remains doing live shows and gigs with his guitar being his number one artillery.

"Since music involves ideas, songwriting and instrument playing, I'm more comfortable performing live shows in known locations around Kenya's capital Nairobi," says Andrea.

Meanwhile, he has done a lot of songs which still remain demo tracks including collaborations with other artists signed under Kaka Dave in PMJ studios.

He hopes he can teleport in the footsteps of Kaka Dave who is currently an East African sensation to write down his own history in the music industry.

"I thank God for the amazing work we have done at PMJ studios and we all look forward to developing our talents and breaking through the tricky Kenyan music industry," added a gleeful Andrea.