VIP ACCESS

Wandiri Karimi is an established Kenyan an artist, guitarist, composer and music executive. She has had many lives in the entertainment and an illustrious career, that keeps unfolding, in music industry and in IP Law. From 2016 – 2022 she worked as a director of Kenya Conservatoire of Music.

In 2016 she founded African Women's Orchestra with a vision to create a safe space for women to perform and learn with, and from each other. Over the years, women from all walks of life and in all stages of life have shared one stage. Wandiri asserts that from the past editions (March 2017, March 2018, March 2019, March 2020, March 2021, March 2022 and March 2023), it is evident that there is a need for diversification of activities and platforms for women to express themselves. The 2024 edition themed Get Out! (Out Up Through) will once again feature concert weekends, workshops and masterclasses.

“The value and respect of women in the society needs diverse forums to re-invent and redirect societal perspectives on what women do, or can do in changing the world. Long term plans to ensure that women in the creative and cultural space have a sustainable and fulfilling career in the creative and cultural industries is also paramount”— African Women's Orchestra.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #WandiriKarimi Season 4 Eps 4

Get more info on venues, ticketing and dates via www.africanwomensorchestra.org

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An opportunity arises to meet Tina Ardor who I have saved on my phone as Christina DJ when she calls me to book an interview on my podcast for DJ Sbu. This would be a few weeks before her collaboration with DJ Sbu “I’ll Be There”- a mesmerizing Deep House drops. It’s only until she comes to the interview is when I realize that Christina the DJ is Tina Ardor. Somehow, she manages to keep it on the low keep despite the fact that the inner workings are making a ripple effect in the industry – all way from Kenya, South Africa and to the world.

I have to have her on the podcast – I tell myself and she’s not an easy one to pin down because she’s assertive, knows what she wants but is shy when it comes to interviews and self-promotion. Glad VIP ACCESS got the access.

Tina Ardor is a singer, songwriter, composer and DJ based in Nairobi, Kenya. Music has always been an integral part of her life since childhood, and performance through song and dance an innate gift. Tina Ardor draws great inspiration in her creativity from the linguistic diversity of cultural groups and Kenya’s 44 tribes. Feeding off the African spirit, Tina Ardor has collaborated with different artists/producers from around the world on various musical works. 

She recently teamed up with her siblings MGM Kenya (DJ/Producer) and Gabriel (UI/UX designer) to launch MIGATI Music, a new record label based in Kenya, curated by the sibling trio.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #TinaArdor Season 4 Eps 3

Stream Tina Ardor's music here: https://linktr.ee/tina_ardor

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Part 2 of my interview with South Africa's DJ Sbu of “Lengoma” hit song that featured the late Zahara. DJ Sbu shares extensively how he has navigated life and work as a DJ, radio, podcaster, entrepreneur and media owner.

He always encourages younger artists and the youth to work smart at building solid foundations and lasting brands. Sbu is almost ready to release a new album – enjoy part 1 of our interview. Part 2 is coming next week …

[This episode was recorded before Zahara's untimely passing - we send our condolences to her family and the SA industry].

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #DJSbu Season 4 Eps 2

Stream DJ Sbu's music here: https://linktr.ee/djsbu

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In the opener of VIP ACCESS Season 4, I am interviewing a South African all-rounder. DJ Sbu’s song “Lengoma” featuring the late Zahara was a global hit that turned into a classic for many around the continent, and beyond. We talk about this, and how he has navigated life and work as a DJ, radio, podcaster, entrepreneur and media owner.

He always encourages younger artists and the youth to work smart at building solid foundations and lasting brands. Sbu is almost ready to release a new album – enjoy part 1 of our interview. Part 2 is coming next week …

[This episode was recorded before Zahara's untimely passing - we send our condolences to her family and the SA industry].

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #DJSbu Season 4 Eps 1

Stream DJ Sbu's music here: https://linktr.ee/djsbu

Subscribe to VIP ACCESS YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO

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Anyiko TV on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv

Couldn't be more excited to present Seas 4 of VIP ACCESS Podcast (premiering Feb 6th 2024). The new season will explore the role of women in the music industry while spotlighting the expansion of African music.

Drawn from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria, Australia and the US, featured artists will include Tina Ardor, Wandiri Karimi, Elsy Wameyo, Barak Jacuzzi, DJ Sbu, Nviiri The Storyteller, Angie Mwandanda, Rosa Ree, Ariel Wayz, Pia Pounds, June Gachui, Aaron Rimbui, Bakhita, Liboi, Akoth Jumadi, TheOnlyRosa, Coco Em, Do2dtun, Evajay and Jess White.

Don't miss the most exciting season yet that will go deep into dissecting industry issues while bringing forward genres including Afro House, Classical/Jazz music, Hip Hop, R&B & Soul, Pop, Afro Pop, Afro Fusion and Afrobeats - among others.

VIP ACCESS SEASON 4 CREDITS:

Creator, Host & Producer: Anyiko Owoko

Co-Producers: SemaBOX Africa, Dan Aceda & Doris Onyango

Podcast Audio Producer: Fidel Maithya

VO Production, Mix & Master: Eric Musyoka at Decimal Records

Consulting Videographer: Owen Wasonga & Geoffrey Muthui

BTS Photographer: Humphrey Gateri

Concept & Styling: Brian Babu & Anyiko Owoko

Cover Art Photography: Thandiwe Muriu

Show Art & Graphics: Oscar Wanjie

Video Promo Editor: Ronin Productions

Executive Producer: Anyiko Public Relations

Special Thanks: Australian High Commission for supporting this season.

New Episodes every Tuesday. Stream https://linktr.ee/vipaccesspodcast

VIP ACCESS is also syndicated on Nation FM (Kenya) – Fridays at 10 - 11 AM and in Ghana on MX24 TV Tuesdays at 3 PM and Saturdays at 5 PM.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 4

Kenyan musician Kasiva Mutua learned drumming inspired by folktales told by her grandmother. She has developed her own knack for powerful beats and is now one of Africa’s leading percussionists and drummers. She plays music to celebrate her community’s spirit, tell her people's stories and elevate the place of the African woman in music.

In this interview, she tells part of her story and that of the making of her music and debut EP ‘Ngewa’. She expounds on being close to African drums and shares more on her experience in international touring.

Kasiva integrates African Traditional music with modern styles such as jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, funk and more. Her expressive playing can tell a story on its own, or keep a band perfectly in the pocket. The Kenya native co-founded the first all-female percussion collective in Kenya, MOTRAMUSIC (MOdern and TRAditional rhythms). MOTRAMUSIC teaches young women and girls the art of drumming, percussion and understanding rhythm as a whole. Overtime, MOTRAMUSIC has grown from a percussion based project to a sisterhood where the girls have formed lasting friendships and bonds that are another family; all through drumming.

I really enjoyed this special final of our season 3 of VIP ACCESS Podcast! Stay here for more!

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #KasivaMutua Season 3 Eps 21

Stream Kasiva Mutua's 'Ngewa' EP here: https://orcd.co/ngewa

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VIP ACCESS SEASON 3 PLAYLIST

Boomplay Music: https://rb.gy/qkhjkk

Apple Music: https://rb.gy/lu6m1h

Spotify: https://rb.gy/lk9orq

The last conversation recorded at VIP ACCESS Podcast first pop-up event featured Kenyan rap queens: Nazizi, Sosuun and Femi One in conversation on The Role Of Women In Music & Hip Hop. The event also featured a performance by Groovy Jo - Kenyan rapper, singer, and songwriter. Groovy Jo is a fearless feminist and rapper pushing boundaries with intelligent rap. She has been featured on season 2 EP 11 of VIP ACCESS.

VIP ACCESS started as a YouTube show produced by the veteran broadcaster, with its companion audio podcast later launching in 2021. The podcast takes its audience behind the scenes to meet their favourite African stars and creatives in their most raw element. The platform highlights and promotes Africa's most promising talent - established and upcoming.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Nazizi #Sosuun #FemiOne #50YearsOfHipHop Season 3 Eps 20

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VIP ACCESS Podcast first pop-up event attracted young up and coming artists and PR professionals, who joined an open Q&A session on Branding for Artists by Anyiko Owoko alongside fellow Publicists: Olivia Ambani and Nonsizi Agnes.

This was the second conversation recorded at VIP ACCESS Podcast's first live recording event (Dec 3 2023).

VIP ACCESS started as a YouTube show produced by the veteran broadcaster, with its companion audio podcast later launching in 2021. The podcast takes its audience behind the scenes to meet their favourite African stars and creatives in their most raw element. The platform highlights and promotes Africa's most promising talent - established and upcoming.

Happy 2024!

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #OliviaAmbani #NonsiziAgnes Season 3 Eps 19

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In conversation with Kenyan music journalist Tela Wangeci on the inception and growth of VIP ACCESS platform and our collective love for promoting arts, culture and creatives. Here is the first conversation recorded at VIP ACCESS Podcast's first live recording and pop-up event (Dec 3 2023).

VIP ACCESS started as a YouTube show produced by the veteran broadcaster, with its companion audio podcast later launching in 2021. The podcast takes its audience behind the scenes to meet their favourite African stars and creatives in their most raw element. The platform highlights and promotes Africa's most promising talent - established and upcoming.

Happy 2024!

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #TelaWangeci Season 3 Eps 18

Subscribe to VIP ACCESS YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO

Kenyan-Dutch multi-creative artist Steve Biko is a man of many talents and creative infatuations. As a young boy growing up in Kenya creativity was a must to survive and music was always a crucial part of life. From his passion for fashion to his love for music; Steve manages to infuse everything with his relentless energy, transforming dust into gold. I saved the juiciest interview as a special for our podcast's final original of 2023.

In 'MANTRA' Biko's second EP release, he collaborates with Amsterdam's INI movement - a group of fine producers and musicians. 'MANTRA' EP has resulted in a soul stirring, energetic explosion of sound and feelings - blending Afrobeat, electronic music, house and jazz influences.

Happy 2024!

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #SteveBiko Season 3 Eps 17

Stream Steve Biko music via https://orcd.co/kog39gr

Subscribe to VIP ACCESS YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO

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Anyiko TV on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv

VIP ACCESS SEASON 3 PLAYLIST

Boomplay Music: https://rb.gy/qkhjkk

Apple Music: https://rb.gy/lu6m1h

Spotify: https://rb.gy/lk9orq