Gaby Kamanzi – Beauty, brains and talent

Gaby Irene Kamanzi is a Rwandese female artist, born in The Democratic Republic of Congo on 12th August 1981. She is the fifth child in a family of six children – 3 girls and 3 boys. Her Parents were always very enthusiastic about music. They both participated in the church choir and her late father was a passionate choirmaster. Needless to say, she started to love music at a very tender age. Additionally, her brothers listened to music for the most part of the day especially during the holidays, and consequently  she memorized so many songs that played off the radio. Her favorite musicians were Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston among others.

Her family moved to Rwanda in 1995 and she started to sing actively in 1997 when she gave her life to Jesus Christ and joined the traditional Christian dance band called Singiza. They were often invited to perform at weddings, concerts and other similar events. The then President of the band helped her understand different aspects of music. She had the opportunity of interacting with different individuals from various backgrounds because members of her band were from several churches. Two years later they created a Praise and Worship team at the local church of which she is still a member and from which she has learnt so much.

Some of the challenges that she experienced include being shy and not having the confidence to lead the Praise and Worship team. However, she watched different artists and got inspired mostly by Darlene Zschech’s zeal and confidence in her performances.

Her first experience in the studio was in 1999 when she participated in an album her friend was producing. She helped with chorus, ad-libs and solos. The reaction from the public was very positive. She went on to work with renowned Rwandese Gospel singers like Aime Uwimana (2002), Amani Stephane (2003), Richard Ngendahayo (2005), Aline Gahongahire (2008), Ezra Kwizera (2009), Willy Uwizeye from Burundi (2004) and other different choirs.

In 2003 she released her first song “Sauveur” in Amani Stephanes album “Azasohora”. Her first single “Amahoro” was released in 2009 followed by the video that was produced in 2010 while she was working on her first album “Ungirira neza” in the studio. Her second video “Wowe muremyi” was produced in 2012 and the album was released later that year. She presented her album in March and November 2013 in Kigali and Burundi respectively.

Since then she has received several awards including:
1. Outstanding Achievement-Gospel Diva DIVA AWARDS September 2013
2. Best Female Gospel artist GROOVE AWARDS RWANDA, October 2013
3. Best Gospel artist SALAX AWARDS RWANDA, March 2014
4. Eastern and Central African Artist of the year AFRICA GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS, London-August 2014
5. Best Female Gospel artist GROOVE AWARDS RWANDA, December 2014. Additionally, she has also been nominated for the following awards:
1. Artist of the year-Rwanda category at GROOVE AWARDS KENYA, 2011
2. Best East African Gospel artist of the year category at GROOVE AWARDS KENYA, 2013
3. Best East African Gospel artist of the year category at GROOVE AWARDS KENYA, 2014
4. Best East African Gospel artist of the year category at GROOVE AWARDS KENYA, 2015

She has also worked with the following international artists during conferences or crusades:
1. Darlene Zschech AUSTRALIA, Rwanda 2006
2. Nicole C.Mullen USA, Rwanda 2009
3. Ron Kenoly USA, Rwanda 2011
4. Joyce Meyer USA, Rwanda 2008

In  her gospel career, she has always been inspired by Gospel artists such as DARLENE ZSCHECH, CECE WINANS YOLANDA ADAMS and NICOLE C.MULLEN

Currently, she is working on her second album with the first single “Furaha” produced in June 2014 in which she collaborated with renowned Kenyan artist Esther Wahome. She recently released her latest single “Arankunda” whose video was shot and edited in the USA and is quickly making news in the entertainment industry. In her own words, “This album will be dedicated to the East African region”.

Despite the fact that she lost her father when she was 12 years old, she proudly dedicates her music career to him. She is very grateful to her mother who fought and ensured that she got educated and attained her bachelors degree in Marketing in 2008.

“I strongly believe that I will continue to succeed in my music career and also be able to inspire others with similar dreams”,says Gaby as we sign off.

From us to you Gaby, we wish you all the best.

Watch her latest song Arankunda below.

Bahama Breeze Factory

Nairobi, Kenya

The Kenyan Gospel Music Cartel

DJ SADIQ

Kenyan music industry was at its best between the year two thousand and the year two thousand and five. Leading recording labels were churning out proper hits one after the other, competition was stiff, healthy and beef was real. Unlike now that artists bash each other on social media on dubious grounds just to get more likes for hating. Back then secular was doing better than what is now called ‘gospel’. Secular artists who would make it to the A-list left the country at the prime of their career, junky promoters and brokers checked in killing the game and opened the market for foreign content. That’s how secular music went down and left for a few cartels that are the producers, the promoters, the artists and at the same time sit on collecting management organization boards (CMOs).

Gospel struggled through tough times and became the best with artists getting shows, Djs and Radio/TV gospel shows playing over 90% local content. It became so lucrative that some secular artists crossed over just to realize the business side of their struggling career or talent but the winds of change are blowing in a bad crop of individuals for the gospel fraternity. Units have been formed by key gospel Deejays and social media big wigs and only play records from artists signed to their units or close to them. One such unit is Dj Mo’s system Unit which has producers and artists such as Hopekid, Bahati, Willy Paul and many more signed to it. Dj Mo formed the unit together with Dj Sadic who later left to form Genius Entertainment; their styles of operations are more or less the same. These units literally control what Kenyans will consume given the fact that they own the major gospel shows.

Bahati and Willy Paul Msafi

It is reported that rapper Ecko Dydda’s music is now not getting airplay because he lost his friendship with the System Units C.E.O, Dj Mo. Established and upcoming artistes now have to be affiliated to these Units to have their songs played. A trend that is only benefiting their groupies and sycophants. This is killing the game, people need to stick to their day jobs, Dj stick to your ones and twos, artistes stick to singing and performing. These days Djs are the producers, the promoters and the presenters at the same time. Monopoly is bad and dictatorial.

These units have in fact moved to controlling awards. Celebrated Groove Awards which is the biggest gospel music awards in the region meant to fete its players will soon have its good days behind. Djs from the said Units have never missed in any nomination list even when they are not at the top of their game, DJ Mo and Sadic will always be nominated and they are always the key Djs spinning at the ceremony. Their influence does not stop here; these units have a strong base in corporate world too, even in secular functions. Some events have a secular desk and another for gospel desk for Dj Mo

DJ Krowbar

Lack of proper laws in place is blamed on the amazing prevalence of cartels, CMOs (Collecting Management Organizations) MCSK, PRISK and KAMP make another strong ring of cartels. Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) and Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK) have a duty to collect royalties and distribute to its registered members. The organization has for a long time been accused of not paying its members. Celebrated gospel artiste Ringtone once had an issue with MCSK, accusing them of enriching themselves when musicians languish in poverty.

Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP) whose role is to collect mechanical rights of production is accused of double pay. Producers charge artistes for production and when the song performs well they still line up to ‘eat’ from the artistes in the name of mechanical rights. Many artistes are in disagreement with this and some producers also claim that this money is collected but it never reaches them. Only a few producers like R Kay rip big from this because they sit on the board or their friends do. Individuals like these are bad for the industry, the same people coming in different names to confuse and steal from the artistes at every stage. Music is a big industry that has the potential of employing many youths but that only be realized if cartels are done away with and sanity brought in.

DJ Mo and his wife Size 8

Brokers steal from unsuspecting artistes. Liberty Afrika for instance is known for exploiting artistes. Celebrated gospel singer Eunice Njeri has come out clean to reveal that she made millions on skiza but cannot receive her returns because Liberty Afrika claims to own her music. It’s clear cartels are killing the gospel music but who of the industry players has the secret to putting the crucial pieces of this puzzle together???

Bahama Breeze Factory

Nairobi, Kenya

lyrics to the song Yamenijaa by Viviana Odi

Song: Yamenijaa
Artist: Viviana Odi

Verse1
Tabasamu langu, limekua too much
Ngozi yangu, is glowing kinda little too much
Nimekuwa kipofu,just a little too much
Jameni navyohisi, i dont really care that much

Pre-Chorus
Sijui kama, nimo ndotoni
And if i’m dreaming, no i don’t wanna wake up
Navyohisi , me sielewi
But then this feeling feels so real ain’t a story made up
Sijui kama mimi mimi nimo ndotoni, and if i’m dreaming, no i don’t wanna wake up

Chorus
Ni mapenzi ni mapenzi tu…
Yamenija yamenijaa…
Nayahisi oh oh…
Yaniduwaza naduwaa…*2

Verse2
Napocheka, yuacheka nami
Napolia, yuanifuta chozi
Napoimba-{tararariraa..}
Napokosa, ye yuanikosoa mi

Sijaona pendo kama lake
Jamaa ana heshima zake
mwenye busara maishani mwake
ye yuamfahamu Muumba wake {oh}

Pre-Chorus
Sijui kama mimi mimi nimo ndotoni
And if i’m dreaming, no i don’t wanna wake up Bridge
So now ill say, i do i cherish you
Till now na milele, eh oh me oh my!
Now i’ll say, i do i cherish you
Till now na milele, milele na milele…

Chorus
Ni mapenzi ni mapenzi tu…
Yamenija yamenijaa…
Nayahisi oh oh…
Yaniduwaza naduwaa…

Written by Viviana Odi

Bahama Breeze Factory

Nairobi, Kenya

In his own words – Bro Biih

Hip Hop and spoken word artist Bro Biih started his music career back in 2007. In his stage name-Bro Biih, Bro is derived from the brotherhood message in proverbs 17:17 whereas Biih is the short form of his official names Bonifas – Kihiu. He is the firstborn in a family of three. Unfortunately his parents passed on years ago leaving him to fend for his two sisters.

Going by his work, Bro Biih has been in the industry long enough. In his musical journey, he has managed to record two complete songs with videos and two lyric videos on youtube. His latest song “Three nails” recorded at Jumbosound Recordz is all about FREEDOM. “Three Nails is a very deep song composed from my own life experiences from childhood to the current situations and probably the future.” He says, “It touches on various issues in regards to human lawlessness, desire and the struggle to do right with no much output because of both internal and external forces that work against us.”
“With that in mind we are all left helpless and as slaves to our own imperfections until we can find and fully depend on the right source of our strength and freedom to perfection – the sacrifice on the cross thus ‘Three nails.” The video has been done by Cream Vision and was released in May, 2016. He has has other recorded audio songs done between 2007 and 2013 but due to their compromised quality, he has chosen to ignore them and concentrate on new high quality projects.

He has performed at various arenas throughout the country. His most memorable being performing at Uhuru park during peace concert back in 2013.

Bro Biih also doubles up as a dual sales and marketing executive for sister companies – Powermax electrical merchants limited – a leading electrical supply company in East Africa and Slumbernight linen and accessories.

In his own words, he affirms that, “Music is my passion, my dream, my goal, a calling and a platform on which I can express myself freely leaving me with no other option other than to follow it and fulfill my desire.”

Besides sales and music, he also has a great passion in photography and video editing which he hopes to be venturing in very soon, as a complement to his music.

Talking to him, you can easily tell that he loves Kenyan music very much and looks up to music icons such as Rufftone, Chris Erroh, and other Kenyan music powerhouses.  His long term aspiration is to become an international hip-hop gospel artist, minister, performer and a celebrated spoken word artist. “I highly believe in hard work and God’s favor.” Says Bro Biih who is also very appreciative of the platforms accorded to artists throughout the country.

Follow Bro on social media:

Facebook: Bro Biih Muziq & Trinity Love Photo Gallery

Instagram: @bro.biih

Twitter: @brobiih

Bahama Breeze Factory

Nairobi, Kenya

Sexy, sassy, classy – She got it all

Yvonne Atieno Otiende who goes by her stage name – Yvonne Shanneyz, is a multi-talented Afro-zouk artist, a song writer, a great vocalist and a model. She got into the Music industry in the year 2014 through Roy Captain’s Super Squad Band as a female vocalist… Her vocal prowess earned her a great fan base who would always pay to see her perform live at the band’s concerts.

Upon realising her great vocal potential, she opted to record her first song MAPENZI matamu which was all about LOVE And has been widely appreciated across the board. Releasing that song marked the turning point in her solo career as an Afro-zouk fusion artist. She later recorded four more tracks and compiled her debut album of five tracks titled Nipe Mapenzi Yako scheduled for release soon.

She chose on Love and relationships as the major topics in her songs touching across all generations. She inspires so many people with her touchy lyrics that are also very educative.

The sassy Yvonne asserts that music is her calling and therefore she does it with passion… As to her fans, she only promises more and more hits as she says that the journey has just began… In her own words, “The sky will not be the limit… Heavens will.”

Follow Yvonne on social media.

Facebook: Yvonne Shanneyz

Instagram: @yvonneshanneyz

Watch her new song Mapenzi Matamu below.

Bahama Breeze Factory

Nairobi, Kenya

Woman on Fire – Viviana Odi

This week, I decided to premiere a brand new segment, Talent on Fire in which I will be exposing new talent to the world. In this week’s edition, I’m gonna introduce you to Kenya’s finest and probably fastest rising afro-fusion artist, Viviane Odiwuor, better known as Viviana Odi Official. Viviana Odi, is a Kenyan female musician/singer/songwriter/karaoke – events host & motivational speaker. She basically does it all… Her passion for music is inspired by life itself. She is a hardworking, lovable, high-spirited & gifted soul. She has done collaborations with different artists in Kenya and also has an award for best karaoke singer in Nairobi…

Her latest single #yamenijaa is a deep love song inspired by true love. The song is a special afro-fusion with a light touch of rnb. The video setting is quite simple but gives a truly natural African feel without so much  complexities. She’s currently working on her latest project Giri giri which will premiere in a few weeks…Talent runs deep within this beauty…Her mellow voice oozes awesomeness.

Viviana Odi…is also a God fearing lady. As an orphan she’s been up to make something out of her life & leave a legacy… Thru the challenges most orphans face & even much more her will spirit has stayed strong enough to still wanna be one of the biggest/most honoured female artist from Africa while still maintaining her humility. A star indeed to watch out for…

Follow viviana on her social media handles below:

Facebook: Viviana Odi Official

Instagram: @vivianaodiofficial

Twitter: @viviana_odi

Bahama Breeze Factory

Nairobi, Kenya

Mr. Mutua should leave us alone

So Ezekiel Mutua finally got himself a smart phone… How do I know that? He has a twitter handle that he keeps on misusing. I swear, check him out, @ezekielmutua, he even has MBS after his name. BTW, talking of Mutua, this is not the Alfred Mutua that we all know… that’s the cool one. The governor of Machakos who came up with cool stuff like “cobra squad” or “maendeleo chap chap” stuff. Damn! This guy is just awesome, I hope he is not related to the other one. I mean the Mutua with an ancient moustache… Kinda like the one Hitler went to hell with. I know Kalonzo dons one, but come on, he’s a politician, he’s allowed. Anyway, the Mutua I’m talking about is the one that couldn’t allow us watch nishike by Sauti Sol on YouTube but could allow a lot of American and Jamaican ass shaking on national TV in broad daylight. Lol. Not that it really matters but, come to think of it, why does he hate Kenyan ass shaking? Let that be a topic for our next discussion.
Honestly, most of us didn’t know that this guy even exists, leave alone the Kenya film classification board that he is the CEO. What do they really classify? What is the board mandated to do? As far as we are concerned, the Kenya film industry is down in the drains. Piracy is an adored profession, nobody gives a damn about the industry and that’s why we are left watching loads of predictable Nigerian witchcrafcy crap. So Mutua, if I were you, I’ll crawl back to the cave from which I came and wait for my monthly paycheck, instead of reminding Kenyans how rogue I really am. Imagine, we didn’t even know you get a paycheck from our exchequer, now we have to do some soul searching as to whether you really deserve that seat.
So, Mr. Mutua, finally got to read his job description… Awesome! Problem is, he is very selective in his reading. He only realized that he’s supposed to collect more money from an industry that he has worked so hard to kill. Where in the devils name do you think the money is coming from? Surely? When did reading the law selectively become a cool thing in this country. He wants audiovisual producers, the likes of Trey Juelz, Sammy Dee, Jay Blessing and the other guys hustling to earn an extra dollar to feed their families to pay licensing fee. I do agree with him on the payment part but, why not streamline the industry first and ensure that these guys get their cash before you ask for the fee?

What I mean is, piracy takes almost 80% of what the film industry should be raking in, the film industry is the most neglected industry in the entire country, yet Mr. Mutua claims to be the CEO KFCB. I thought he should make sure that the rightful industry players get the cash first before asking for it? That’s being very reasonable, right? How come Mr. Mutua forgot to read the part of his job description that says that he should protect the industry, see? Now, he goes making media tours and and posting pics on his twitter handle of a section of the constitution that mandates him and his group to collect cash while intentionally ignoring the one that mandates him to curb piracy?
Between kfcb and mcsk lies the graves of our national creativity. Shouldn’t someone help curb this menace? Honestly, as it stands now, we won’t pay him a dime until he gets his group in order. Mr. Mutua, we know you wanna be the Kenyan “Magufuli” but Matiangi already took that title, so stop chasing after seasoned radio personalities like Maina Kageni and kingangi for personal issues you may be having, you won’t win. If you don’t like their show then switch your radio to another channel. Nowadays we have a lot of channels, we even have Crusades on radio, please listen to them and leave our radio presenters alone. Oh! And btw, leave our youtube videos alone too, you ain’t the YouTube cop. If it looks like a gay video and you don’t like it, then it definitely isn’t for you. Stop watching it. As for the licensing fee, the money we meant to pay you was robbed from us by the pirates along river road. Honestly, just go get it from them.

Bahama Breeze Factory

Nairobi, Kenya