VIP ACCESS

It's been many years of watching Fully Focus and his boss moves and finally I caught up with the Kenyan born DJ based in US, in Nairobi. He has played in 5 continents during his 15 year-long tenure in the music industry and continues to run several businesses and platforms. How does he do this? Listen & learn!

My dream to work in this industry was certainly influenced by the success and life of African stars like M'bilia Bel, Brenda Fassie, 2Baba and P Square, among many others. Meeting and working with Rudeboy (King Rudy) formerly of P Square is something I never even imagined. I only remember seeing them in the best concert ever in Nairobi at KICC about 10 years ago and thinking to myself - one day I wanna meet these guys or superstars this big and so well organised. On stage, they were so coordinated: from choreography, the outfits to the vocal arrangements. It was exactly how I knew this thing should be done. Even though P Square aren't one any more, their stamp of authority and the undeniable path they paved for many will forever be remembered. It was such an honour for me to talk to this legend on the next big plans for him as a solo artist.

I caught up with Benny Cristo during his first time in Kenya and Sub Saharan Africa in 28 years. It's also his first interview on this too! In this VIP ACCESS interview we talk about family ties, an empire built on music, jiu-jitsu as sport for balance and Benny's plans and interest to expand his brand into Africa and Kenya in particular. + more! The Czech/Angolan super star was in Kenya recording music that was meant to feature in the 2020 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, that was postponed to 2021 following the Coronavirus pandemic. This trip wasn't only a rebirth for Benny, it also birthed a beautiful remake of Benny's "Kemama" hit, produced by his long-term collaborator Osama, alongside Sean Peevers and other engineers from Nairobi, Kenya at Village Creative. Big shout to Village Creative for the space and Osama for all the help during Benny's trip in Nairobi, Kenya.

I sat down with one of my favourite people on earth - Ugandan rapper Navio, right after his return to Uganda after his wedding abroad in Sweden to his longtime sweetheart, and a successful European Tour alongside Michael Franti. In this interview, Navio looks back at his illustrious career and lessons from tour as he touches on his #SiN (Strength in Numbers) album; and how family, his roots and ambition has kept him grounded throughout the years.

Discover Ayrosh, Kenyan Folk Fusion singer-songwriter who is a master at revisiting old classics, usually fusing them with popular genres. In this interview he talks about the success of his single “Sugar Mami'' which was an experiment track, supposed to break him into mainstream radio. And it did! We are also talking about his 2019 ‘Murasta EP’, eclectic performances and futuristic approach to Mugithi music. In summary, Ayrosh’s motivation comes from the fact that he wants “to push African positiveness and inspire other Africans to be proud of themselves and their language and culture.”

A Pass is an acclaimed Ugandan singer and songwriter and has credits behind some of Uganda's biggest hits. He wants to take Ugandan music global and is celebrating those who roll with him and support his craft and music.

Caught up with Ugandan super star A Pass in Kampala at his home. He's definitely one of my favourite Ugandan acts. In this in-depth and super honest sit down, he explains to me why it looks from outside that he's underrated while from his perspective it is most Ugandans that don't understand his style and swag, and in retrospect then fail to appreciate his genius.

A Pass is an acclaimed songwriter with credits behind some of Uganda's biggest hits. He also shares tips on songwriting while giving his opinion on what it would take for Ugandan music to go global.

It was so great to sit and talk to Seyi on her acting career, how she got discovered by Mathew Knowles - Beyonce's father, relocating to Nigeria from London (UK) and being among the few Nigerians with mega-successful East African collaborations. She also shares on her rise to the top and what it takes to stay on top as a woman in a male dominated industry. Listen to her song with Yemi Alade "Pempe" - it touches on this. I am honoured to have worked with soulful Nigerian star Seyi Shay as her East African Publicist from late 2016. We've been up to a lot in East Africa like two media tours in Kenya, club performances and a performance at Blankets & Wine festival in Uganda 2017. I also orchestrated her collaboration with Kenyan group: Hart_The Band - "Number Wan". Look it up.

Sat-B is no stranger to Burundian music fans. For years, he has impressed many with his personal drive and music. Breaking off from his former music group: Wanavesi Kikosi led him to push his personal brand more. So far he's birthed hit songs like "No Love", "Feel Love" and "Too Much", among others. He is currently flying high with - his 2020 EP 'Romantic Sounds'. We talk about moving Burundian music further into and beyond East Africa and their country's best 5 artists.

Global Afro-pop powerhouse Yemi Alade is celebrated for banging music videos like “Shake”, “Vibe”, “Give Dem”, “Home”, the Rick Ross remix for “Oh My Gosh”, "Remind You" and "Shekere" with Angelique Kidjo off her fourth studio album WOMAN OF STEEL. I am talking to the Nigerian star about her close relationship with the 4-time Grammy-award winner Angelique Kidjo (who requested Yemi to re-do her song "Wombo Lombo", Yemi's string of successful albums and EPs, her groundbreaking song and music video of "Johnny" now surpassed over 130 Million YouTube views (a first for an African artist based in Africa), her work ethic, love for multiple languages and conquering Africa, with the support of her label Effyzie Music Group and Universal Music France.