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This week’s podcast features Kenyan singers: Chemutai Sage (based in Nairobi) and Steve Biko (based in Amsterdam). They are both multi-talented visionaries and their love for music is undisputed. Sage is also a classically trained pianist and self-taught guitarist while Biko also works as a fashion designer and psychology.

It’s an intimate chat where Sage opens up about the highs and lows of her career, biggest lessons leant over the years in the industry and the biggest misconception about postpartum depression.

She says that her 2020 ‘Jungle Trap’ EP and a trip to Italy to sing for the Pope gave her a new lease of life. Biko on the other hand shares exclusive dip on his upcoming new EP ‘Mantra’. You’ll love this international Kenyan cocktail!

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #ChemutaiSage #SteveBiko Season 3 Eps 16

Stream Sage's music via https://linktr.ee/chemutaisage

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #ChemutaiSage Season 3 Eps 16

Stream Sage's music via https://linktr.ee/chemutaisage

Stream Biko's music via https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Riq2hYv6r7QUpawOjFUTx?si=1U4bZqwCRaeGeUmQlIsK3g

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Vallerie Muthoni aka Brown Suga is a Kenyan-American singer and rapper based in Nairobi and known for hit singles including “Sexy” and “Spicy Szn”. The dancer and creative director has perfected the craft of engaging and relating with her audience through storytelling, stage presence, dance & charisma. This interview is an exclusive peep into her upcoming EP. We are also diving deep into her process, craft and the making of some of her biggest releases.

Aside from being a musician and journalism undergrad, Vallerie fearlessly explores and expresses her multifaceted being. From choreography, cinematography, voice-over work, hosting/MC events, and creative direction, the young rising East African star got a sterling feature on COLORS X Studios for her undeniable confidence and flow on the song “Brown Suga”.

As she evolves as an artist and young rockstar-cum-polymath, Muthoni continues to shine not only in her city receiving frequent radio airplay and recognition through awards like the ‘Music Video of the Year’ at Unkut HipHop Awards 2019, but also repping Kenya on international media platforms BBC 1xtra’s 'Africa 360 playlist' and Triller Africa.

Her discography includes ‘The Wavy Soul’ EP (2018), ‘Pisces SZN’ (2019) and the upcoming EP ‘Vision 2020’ - dropping early 2024. Listen to her music & keep watching this rising star!

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #VallerieMuthoni Season 3 Eps 15

Stream Vallerie's music: https://linktr.ee/valleriemuthoni

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

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From South to West Africa, I present a special episode featuring South African multidisciplinary DJ, producer and singer Muzi and Nigerian singer-songwriter and hitmaker Wande Coal.

I sat down with Muzi soon after releasing his fifth studio album 'uMUZI' via Fool’s Gold in Oct, and Wande Coal on his 2023 album 'Legend Or No Legend'.

Interestingly, both albums mark a career shift and status for both the artists. While 'uMUZI' is an autobiographical collection detailing Muzi’s universe and how it came to be, 'Legend Or No Legend' redefines Wande Coal's status as one of Africa's hitmakers and pioneers who pushed Afrobeats to the world.

'uMUZI' serves as Muzi's origin story, chronicling the moments that have truly made him who he is. This album sees the “Zulu Skywalker” return to earth, grounded by his memories and the desire to reconnect with his late parents.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Muzi #WandeCoal Season 3 Eps 14

Stream Muzi's music: https://foolsgold.ffm.to/umuzi

Stream Wande Coal's music: https://linktr.ee/wandecoal

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Bensoul is a household name when it comes to Kenyan hitmakers, celebrity songwriters and seasoned performers. The soulful and smooth crooner has written songs for and alongside the likes of Sauti Sol, Burna Boy, Kidum, Alikiba, Nyashinski, H_art The Band and Mercy Masika, among many other stars.

It was February 2018 - when we [Sol Generation Records & Anyiko PR] first released "Lucy" - Bensoul's first official solo single and also his debut as the first signee of Sauti Sol's label Sol Generation Records. It was a scary moment - one that we out into everything because we all knew and believed that Bensoul had everything it takes ...

Bensoul has since released a 2020 EP 'Qwarantunes', 2021 EP 'Medicine' and his anticipated debut album 'The Lion Of Sudah' (2023) - which he says has a title that represents his current state of mind and affairs. He's ready to take over and rule his own brand, management and fans. His plethora of hits including "Peddi", "Birthday Song", 'Medicine", "Ntala Nawe", "Thick Thighs", "Favourite Song", "Row" and "Nairobi" - the game-changer.

Bensoul unfortunately lost his mother, soon after we shot this interview. He does talk about how she came through for him in his darkest moment. Our condolences ... it's bitter sweet. In this interview, we talk about his love for music, how we met, through Sauti Sol, more than 5 years to orchestrate what would become a successful music career in Kenya and beyond. Watch as he progressively builds a career as one of Africa's top live acts.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Bensoul Season 3 Eps 13

Stream Bensoul's music: https://africori.to/thelionofsudah

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Yaba - also known by many as the Prince of Rhumbacane makes Rhumba music - often referred to as Zilizopendwa (classic tunes) in East Africa. His style of Rhumba is a fusion of Rhumba Trap and Benga genres - always mashing up sounds of the past and future. Yaba's discography includes EPs: 'Rhumbacane' (2021), 'Bestie' (2022) and the latest 'Zitakazopendwa'.

Yaba started out as a member of Red Acapella (now defunct) a successful duo whose hit songs include "Tena na Tena" with H_art The Band, "Kaa Gava", "Ona Sasa" and "Kahawa Ngware Kawangware".

Since going solo, this is Yaba's second interview and also the first since releasing his 2023 EP 'Zitakazwopendwa' (Swahili for Future Classics) which is a play on Zilizopendwa. We are diving deep into his collaborative EP - that expresses Yaba's assertiveness when it comes to making classic music. The record features a host of Kenyan hitmakers including H_art The Band, Bien Aime, Boutross, Savara, Coster Ojwang', Femi One, Mejja, King Kaka and Ayrosh.

Yaba's explanation to his inclination to Rhumba music and the fact that he never really wanted to become an artist until much later in life - is very interesting. Picking up music and his genre of choice, he says, was solely based on curiosity as he never had any major influences apart from Bob Marley.

Thank you Yaba for 'Zitakazwopendwa' and being among Nairobi's best live music performers! Let's run up the numbers! He sums it up, "You can sing this type of music forever without pressure of being on the mainstream as much as everyone wants to be mainstream."

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Yaba Season 3 Eps 12

Stream Yaba's music: https://yaba.hustlesasa.shop/?product=37234

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VIP ACCESS SEASON 3 PLAYLIST

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Kenyan singer, songwriter and performer Prince Ambasa Mandela a.k.a Mandela is renowned for his powerful voice, the message in his music and his high energy (almost spiritual) performances. At its core, Mandela’s music is real African fusion - a blend of traditional East African rhythms alongside Benga, fused with Afro beat, Jazz and a dash of Reggae. He describes himself as a brand, agent of change, a humanitarian, father, brother and a lover of people and music.

In this interview we delve into his unique perspective on human relations, songwriting, and content creation. As the dynamic and super-talented lead singer of Sarabi band (one of East Africa’s most popular live bands - now defunct), Mandela wrote and composed the majority of the group’s songs. He reflects on life after Sarabi.

With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, Mandela has now broken off his band Sarabi. His solo career started with the release of his solo debut EP: ‘Ona Sasa’ (2017). He talks about the process of letting go of his former band to become a solo and independent artist.

Mandela has performed at several events includes Sauti Za Busara Festival in Zanzibar, Selam Festival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Bayimba International Festival in Kampala, Uganda, DOADOA Cultural Market in Jinja, Uganda, Tanzania’s East Africa Vibes Concert hosted by Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA) and Wikiendi Live at Nafasi Art Space in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

Mandela’s music and lyrics are not only magical and engaging but also emotional, addictive and truth hitting. Take a dive.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Mandela #AmbasaMandela Season 3 Eps 11

Stream Mandela's music: https://linktr.ee/ambasamandela

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VIP ACCESS SEASON 3 PLAYLIST

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

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In her own words - Mayonde is an eclectic Kenyan artist who likes to play with different sounds. She sees music in colours. She loves adventure, wants to try different things and doesn't want to be in a box. Her hit singles include "I'm Feeling It" alongside Muthoni the Drummer Queen and Blinky Bill, "Kama Kawaida" produced by Kagwe Mungai, featuring Fena Gitu as well as "Nairobi" with Stonee Jiwe.

The singer-songwriter makes soulful music that draws inspiration from several genres including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and House Music. In this interview, she looks back at her longterm collaboration with legendary electronic Kenyan band - Just A Band, her experience singing backup vocals at Coke Studio Africa.

Mayonde has performed on various world stages. She toured Europe in the musical theatre show, Out of Africa -The Magic of Kenya. She worked with the well-renowned Metropole Orkest, at the MasterPeace Amsterdam Concert in 2014. In 2017 and 2021, Mayonde was chosen to represent Kenya at the World Youth Forum in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt. She was featured in the World Youth Forum song which she recorded in Cairo with other artists from around the world.

Her discography includes 'Magic In The Air' (2015) and 'Project Purple' (2018). She has also worked on the musical score for the award-winning Kenyan film Kati Kati with the Junge Orkest and performed it live with the orchestra at the film's European premiere in Berlin, Germany.

She says that she embarked on a journey to rediscover herself pre Covid and when Covid kicked in - everything stopped and intensified. She is now finding herself again and also collaborating with perFORM Music Incubator - where she is recording and releasing music alongside Muthoni The Drummer Queen and Polaris. Check her out - thank me later!

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Mayonde Season 3 Eps 10

Stream Mayonde's music: https://linktr.ee/mayondemagic

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

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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

In her own words - Mayonde is an eclectic Kenyan artist who likes to play with different sounds. She sees music in colours. She loves adventure, wants to try different things and doesn't want to be in a box. Her hit singles include "I'm Feeling It" alongside Muthoni the Drummer Queen and Blinky Bill, "Kama Kawaida" produced by Kagwe Mungai, featuring Fena Gitu as well as "Nairobi" with Stonee Jiwe.

The singer-songwriter makes soulful music that draws inspiration from several genres including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and House Music. In this interview, she looks back at her longterm collaboration with legendary electronic Kenyan band - Just A Band, her experience singing backup vocals at Coke Studio Africa.

Mayonde has performed on various world stages. She toured Europe in the musical theatre show, Out of Africa -The Magic of Kenya. She worked with the well-renowned Metropole Orkest, at the MasterPeace Amsterdam Concert in 2014. In 2017 and 2021, Mayonde was chosen to represent Kenya at the World Youth Forum in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt. She was featured in the World Youth Forum song which she recorded in Cairo with other artists from around the world.

Her discography includes 'Magic In The Air' (2015) and 'Project Purple' (2018). She has also worked on the musical score for the award-winning Kenyan film Kati Kati with the Junge Orkest and performed it live with the orchestra at the film's European premiere in Berlin, Germany.

She says that she embarked on a journey to rediscover herself pre Covid and when Covid kicked in - everything stopped and intensified. She is now finding herself again and also collaborating with perFORM Music Incubator - where she is recording and releasing music alongside Muthoni The Drummer Queen and Polaris. Check her out - thank me later!

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Mayonde Season 3 Eps 10

Stream Mayonde's music: https://linktr.ee/mayondemagic

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

Anyiko TV on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/

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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

Tanzanian rapper and wordsmith Fredrick Mulla hails from Morogoro. He is also known as King Tai, or Master Manondo –an artist of many facets and philosophy. Mulla is also a singer-songwriter and producer who integrates the music of Tanzanian tribes with modern Afro-Music, Hip-Hop, and R&B.

In this interview, Mulla shares his love for Kenya as we bounce off on cultural similarities and differences, and what we love about Kenya and Bongo's Music Industry. In 2019, Mulla set up a music studio in Arusha and started working on his music brand professionally. COVID-19 pandemic hit hard making Mulla's business shut down. For a period, he had to hustle in everything and anything. A chance meet up with Kenyan music producer Provoke in Dar es Salaam in 2021 during this difficult time presented a life-changing opportunity, that saw Mulla join Umoja Sounds (trendsetting producer-artist band and prolific collaborators) and move to Kenya. The rest is just history unfolding.

Mulla gained recognition for his viral one-minute freestyle releases: "Wet Dream" and "Open Letter to Vanessa Mdee". His discography includes: ‘King Tai’ LP (2019), ‘For Your Eyes Only’ EP (2019), ‘BongoXTape’ Mixtape (2020), ‘Moro Jazz’ album (2021) and ‘Master Manondo’ (2022). The latter, was produced by Umoja Sounds among other successful singles including “Salima" , "Sitachoka", "Salima", "Uswahilini", "Utukutu", "Mswati" and "Legacy".

Mulla's story is one of passion, dedication, and continuous evolution. As you delve deeper into his music, you'll discover an artist and storyteller who is as much a creator as he is a curator of music. He is an individual as much as he is a collaborator.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #FredrickMulla #MasterManondo #KingTai Season 3 Eps 9

Stream Mulla's music: https://linktr.ee/fredrickmulla

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

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Fena Gitu is a king in her own right. The stellar Kenyan singer-songwriter and performing artist is one of Nairobi's baddest femcees and among Kenya's most sought-after artists. Her unique phenomenal sound produced a catalog of classic Kenyan urban hits like "Living Legends", “Doing Her Thing Tho” and “Steam”.

After more than 13 years in the industry, I sit down with Fena as she reflects on her upbringing in Nairobi's Buru Buru Estate, being raised in a family that supported and understood the value of art from the start, and on how she transformed her talent and music into a business and fast-growing empire - Fenamenal Entertainment.

Fena's discography includes 'Fenamenon' (2014), 'Unleashed' (2019) and 'Love Art Lust' (2023). We extensively delve into the new album's theme - a deep and diverse expression of her curious discovery of love; for self, others and God. The album features an eclectic range of catchy melodies and urban/contemporary African beats, showcasing Fena's classic pen game and afro- fusion/rap prowess since her previous successful albums and singles.With her unique sound, compelling storytelling and vision to write for film, Fena Gitu is set to captivate more fans; and I am here for it!

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #FenaGitu #LoveArtLust Season 3 Eps 8

Stream Fena Gitu's music: https://linktr.ee/Fenamenal

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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