Ian informs me that the first round is still underway and ushers me in. The first of three preliminaries of Poetry Slam Africa, prior to the Grand Slam, is occurring at the Goethe-Institut auditorium on the afternoon of 23rd March, 2019. Soon is on stage, finishing her performance of a piece on race, identity and …
Continue reading Poetry Slam Africa: First Preliminary, 2019
Entering the Michael Joseph Centre auditorium, Jaleen, in a knee-length white dress, is finishing her performance. From what I am to later learn, hers is the third after two preceding ones by Shikokoti and Mwende, consecutively. Lights go out, and Mwende is the next performer when they are back on. She is in a head …
Unfortunately, I have observed that all the recent reviews I have written on hip hop shows, begin with a concern about time. I suppose you have noticed that this one follows suit because the show in context was not different. If this pattern continues, it just might be my signature introduction. Another observation is that, …
Continue reading Trabolee’s Muse at Muze for Nairobi Hip-Hop Rapsody
As part of the team, una maoni gani kuhusu vile show ilikuwa? Ondu: So far, I can say this was one of the most successful battle rap/hip hop gig by indie promoters. As in, ilikuwa successful in terms of the fans who turned out, the industry stakeholders who showed their support other than just showing …
In general, event ilikuwa aje, wewe kama fan? Ian: There was an overall good vibe to the event. Turnout was decent. It was encouraging to see a representation of different generations within the art form. The entertainment value of the event was worthwhile, possibly aided by the World Cup Quarter Final match going on in …
Continue reading A Renaissance is Required, Challenges Ian Gwagi
Your comments on the remarks of the judges? Shahidi: Well-reasoned judgment. Except, I felt the 1st Round was a close round that went either way. I want to watch the whole video again, though. All in all, it was a well-reasoned judgment. What can you say regarding the quality of the two battles of the …
Continue reading In Shahidi Xcalibur, Experience Meets Sportsmanship
Comment on the remarks of the judges. Cafu: Hahaha. Kitu naeza sema ni that I’ll work on improving my shit bana. Mwaf alisema nili-break-iwa virginity manze, but si ati sikuwa na verses. I just tripped, as Vee Eye Cee put it. Xtatic aliboeka bana sikuenda hard consistently round zote. But salute kwao! I believe they …
Continue reading Honesty, Hilarity and Resilience: Cafu Da Truth Speaks
I’d like to begin with a debate that has been there for a while now. Your presence, as far as your output and visibility as a hip hop artist is concerned, has been subject of discussion. As a result, tukija kwa battling sasa, kuna divided opinion that Genetic ni mkali and deserves his respect and …
Comment on the remarks of the judges. Lee: I think the judging was fair and unbiased. However, battle rap is a sport that evolves stylistically as the years pass, so I’d suggest whoever is gonna judge battles in this era keep up with the new battle rap. So much has changed since 8 Mile. What …
Continue reading Harry RF Lee: Anything Goes yet More Need to Step into the Ring
Battle ya Shahidi vs Cafu ilimaanisha nini for Chuo na for 1183? Magode: As far as Chuo iko concerned, sidhani ina-mean a lot coz Cafu hayuko signed to Chuo Records na as for 1183, ni safe to say wako na right ya ku-brag that they’re one of the illest crews around as far as battle …
Sanaa kwa Sana 