As a celebration of season 2 wrap; I am sharing with you a cross section of dope interviews that I discovered in my vault and a little bit about my journey towards VIP ACCESS - this podcast and a beloved brand I created in 2018. This eps features interviews with Bien-Aime from Kenya, Winky D from Zimbabwe and Jux & Lizer from Tanzania. This is my Thank You and I hope you enjoy it :) I have so much gratitude for all those who have been listening and showing me love in one way or another. Keep it here because it gets better.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Jux #Lizer #WinkyD #BienAime Season 2 Eps 19

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VIP ACCESS SEASON 2 PLAYLIST

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

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

Spotify: https://rb.gy/lk9orq

Mbae is a multi-talented Kenyan artist who is happily balancing life working at The French Embassy by day and being artist for the rest of his time. The self-taught singer, songwriter and instrumentalist is also a dancer, performer and an art director. He is also among artists leading an evolution towards consumption of digital experiences via virtual reality. His capability of perfecting anything he puts his mind to and his stellar performance at Man'gu High School and Alliance Française earned him a place in one of Europe's most prestigious universities, Sciences Po Paris in France where he obtained a master's in Marketing.

In this interview, Mbae takes me through memories of growing up in Njoro, Nakuru, being raised by strict parents who did the best to prepare him for a bright future, and how all that continues to influence his life and career choices. We also talk about loss and balancing his various passions; before he finally shares tips to becoming a good performer.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Mbae Season 2 Eps 18

Stream Mbae's music via https://www.youtube.com/@michaelmbae2629

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

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

Anyiko TV on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anyikotv

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

VIP ACCESS SEASON 2 PLAYLIST

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

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

Spotify: https://rb.gy/lk9orq

Kenyan singer and music producer Mutoriah is one of the most talented and charming people I've ever met. At 26, the multi-talented artist who also works as a sound engineer and music director has had a hand in major hit records for major Kenyan acts like Sauti Sol, Wanavokali and Bensoul. He was also a guest producer at Coke Studio Africa 2019.

Mutoriah is hands down among Kenya and Africa’s most promising music talent and one to watch. He’s a stellar performer, an extraordinary music producer and music director with a very keen ear and skill for sound. For an artist whose mission was to only become an instrumentalist, Mutoriah’s music and career journey is inspiring. In this interview, we look at his journey so far while namedropping some of his biggest productions.

He also gives advice on how best to chase your dreams. Mutoriah has so far released two music projects: Dive In Album (2019) and Happiness EP (2022) and is currently working on releasing more collaborative EPs.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Mutoriah Season 2 Eps 17

Stream Mutoriah's music via https://linktr.ee/mutoriah

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

Anyiko TV on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anyikotv

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

VIP ACCESS SEASON 2 PLAYLIST

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

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

Spotify: https://rb.gy/lk9orq

Fast-rising Kenyan R&B Queen Pryshon joined the music scene professionally in 2016 starting out as a voice artist for songs written for other singers. It then took her a while to settle into her own craft and songwriting, with the help of key industry individuals. She has since defied all odds to take centre stage. Her music is now a hybrid of Pop, R&B and Gengetone – representing various Kenyan music influences while showcasing her diversity; while her songwriting tackles themes around love, relationships and being street smart.

Her discography includes ‘Feelings EP’ (2020), ‘Gifted’ album (2021) and Christmas Light EP (2022). In this interview we recall her journey from an unknown songwriter - to taking the spotlight and getting into her own lane. Pryshon also own Shon Beauty makeup brand. She is also the founder of a community-based organization called Wezesha Initiative aimed at empowering caregivers of the physically disabled.

My review of Gifted album here: https://anyiko.blog/2021/09/12/10-dope-east-african-albums-eps-from-2021-so-far/

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Pryshon Season 2 Eps 16

Stream Pryshon's music via https://www.pryshon.com/

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

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

Anyiko TV on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anyikotv

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

VIP ACCESS SEASON 2 PLAYLIST

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

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

Spotify: https://rb.gy/lk9orq

Award-winning Ghanaian rap artist and musician, M.anifest has been described as one of the foremost rappers on the continent. His musical reach extends well beyond Africa, with collaborations that range from Damon Albarn, Red Hot Chilli Peppers' Flea, Erykah Badu, Tiggs Da Author, Kojey Radical and Burna Boy, among countless other African stars.

His fifth studio album 'Madina To The Universe (MTTU)' and its eponymously clever titled EP (The E.P.ilogue) further solidify his iconic status within the African music landscape.

I enjoy listening to M.anifest's take on how Ghanain Highlife and Hiplife music has influenced modern-day African Hip Hop and Afrobeats. In this interview, we talk about his encounters with notable Nairobi artists like Camp Mulla, legendary Kenyan music group (now defunct) that blew up internationally in 2021. We also talk about Ghana's 360 moment, going back to being a haven for a global community; while reviewing his latest album and touching on what leadership and authenticity means to him.

M.anifest remains grounded despite all the awards, accolades and acclaim. In fact, his latest records represent his humble beginnings, inspirations, upbringing and background in Madina (a suburb in Accra) and how this influences his legacy.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Manifest Season 2 Eps 15

Stream M.anifest's music via https://www.manifestmc.com/

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

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

Anyiko TV on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anyikotv

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

VIP ACCESS SEASON 2 PLAYLIST

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

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

Spotify: https://rb.gy/lk9orq

Maandy a.k.a Kabaya is one of Nairobi's fast rising rap stars, well known for her hit records "Hivi Na Hivo", "Sirudi Home", "Shash na Lip Gloss" and "BTW". She started out a professional career in music in 2016, blowing up 2019 with the drop of her successful debut album 'Kabaya', which was followed by the albums: 'Frisky' (2021) and Flavour (2023).

Maandy is prolific and owes this to the fact that she always wanted to be an entertainer. After completing high school, Maandy went into DJing and this later lead to her decision to go into a full out music career as a solo artist. This is a backstory to Maandy's dream come true and how she continues to work tirelessly at her craft and brand.

She describes her music as a mix of bouncy dancehall styles and rapid-fire trap with a hip-hop grit. The young budding Kenyan rapper, singer and songwriter is also a fire performer. Maandy gives tips to becoming a dope rapper, while pointing out a gap in Kenya's music industry when it comes to music business, strategy and proper PR.

She continues to drop bangers while amassing a steady following towards her vision to go big in East Africa and beyond! We are right behind her, cheering her on!

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Maandy Season 2 Eps 14

Stream Maandy's album 'Flavour' via https://onerpm.link/Maandy-Flavour

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

Anyiko TV on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anyikotv

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

VIP ACCESS SEASON 2 PLAYLIST

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

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

Spotify: https://rb.gy/lk9orq

Olivia Ambani is an award-winning Kenyan singer-songwriter, who also works as a graphic designer and marketing guru. She won Songwriter of the year award at The 2022 Café Ngoma Awards.

In 2018, she was selected among Africa's top 100 artists who joined Mr Eazi's artist incubator program emPawa. This opportunity that funded the production of a music video production for her single "Better Than Just Fine" in 2019, was the start of many great things. Her debut album 'The Awakening' dropped in 2020, followed by 'Take A Chance' - her electronic Soulful House EP (2022).

In this interview Olivia, takes us back memory lane; recalling the inception of her passion for music, and her early beginnings. This would lead her to sing at high school choir, join a girl-group and eventually audition for X-Factor, in England - where she got a BA in communications and New media and Masters in Design specialization in Graphic design, both at the University of Leeds. Collaborating and live performance is one of her favourite aspects of her music.

Her collaborators include the likes of Kenya's Noel Grass & VIDZA and South Africa's SbFire, Kusini and Silvva. Her first music movie placement came in 2021 when her song "Falling Star" was featured in a Netflix Kenyan movie 'Just In Time'. Olivia continues to captivate audiences with her music performances and exciting freestyle sessions that are a constant part of her sets. You can also catch her sharing lessons in Marketing via her social media #MarketingMondays series.

Not making it into X-Factor was an eye opener for Olivia as it lead her to self-realization that she could still pursue a career in music, with or without anyone's validation. Olivia is a strong believer in having a vision, manifesting it and working hard towards smashing your goals.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #OliviaAmbani Season 2 Eps 12

Stream Olivia Ambani music via https://linktr.ee/oliviaambani

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

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

Anyiko TV on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anyikotv

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

VIP ACCESS SEASON 2 PLAYLIST

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

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

Spotify: https://rb.gy/lk9orq

Meryl Paige is one of Kenya's most unique power vocalists. Her music is a unique blend of Afro soul, R&B and gospel influences that showcase her exceptional vocal range and heartfelt songwriting skills. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her powerful lyrics and captivating performances, which have earned her a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim.

From the very start of her career, Meryl had her eyes on live music performance as a business, so she founded her own gig and grew her own career from that. She's grown into a mentor for upcoming artists and songwriters as she continues to provide platforms for musicians to thrive and shine. She is passionate about creating safe spaces for women and performing artists.

In 2020 she was part of Waithaka's all-female Kenyan album 'Ode by Queens' - a project she's very passionate about. She describes her debut album 'SuperEgo' (2020) as an expression of work that depicts the daily struggle an artist keeping up with society’s expectations as much as their own. Her second album 'Dedicated' (2023) is "deeply personal" - drawing inspiration from her own life experiences and struggles.

In this interview, Meryl looks back at her personal journey to discovering her talent while reflecting on how she continues to hone her relationship with music. From singing like a jukebox to her high school peers; to wooing her audiences with her big personality and sultry voice; Meryl continues to use music as powerful tool for change and therapy.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #MerylPaige Season 2 Eps 13

Stream Meryl Paige's 'Dedicated Album' via https://found.ee/dedicated

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

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

Anyiko TV on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anyikotv

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

VIP ACCESS SEASON 2 PLAYLIST

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

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

Spotify: https://rb.gy/lk9orq

Kenyan rapper, singer, and songwriter Groovy Jo is edgy, with assertive lyrics which often freely express the image of an unapologetic Black woman, while encouraging other women to be bold and themselves. I love how early in her career she has found this direction and assertiveness.

In this podcast, Groovy Jo recalls starting off rap at 11 years old and professionally in 2018 - through vigorous freestyles that were undeniable; leading key figures in Kenya's new school hiphop industry like Musau of AD Family, Asum Garvey and Khaligraph Jones to notice her. It wasn't long after that and she dropped her debut mixtape 'The Groovy Way' (2021), which was closely followed by 2022 records: 'The Groovy Way' Deluxe Edition and 'Shrappin' Rage' - collaborative album with Asum Garvey.

She talks about collaborating with her producer Lemario; Boutross and Kay Green; while crediting the likes of Nicki Minaj, Nonini, Nazizi, E-Sir, Stella Mwangi, Tupac and her older sister Metabel for the nudge and inspiration.

Known for her word play and a sound that mashes up various genres including Trap, Hip Hop, Drill, Afrobeats, Ragga and Afropop; Groovy writes raps and songs to uplift and encourage more women to take up space and display their power - positively and wisely. She also has a response for those claiming that Kenya's entertainment industry has no relevant female rappers. Listen.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #GroovyJo Season 2 Eps 11

Stream Groovy Jo music via https://orcd.co/thegroovywaydeluxe

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

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

Anyiko TV on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anyikotv

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

VIP ACCESS SEASON 2 PLAYLIST

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

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

Spotify: https://rb.gy/lk9orq

Soulful Kenyan singer Muthaka refers to her music as Contemporary-Indie-Soul that can sometimes morph into various genres like R&B, Reggae or even Afrobeats. Starting out in the music industry in her late teens, she would eventually get signed to A.I Records (K) Ltd/ Universal Music Group Kenya in 2020, after which her debut album 'Sunshine' dropped in 2021.Muthaka did not renew her Universal deal in 2023. However, the deal left her with a lot of valuable industry lessons that she shares for the first time on this podcast. In the same year, she won the Best Female Artist East Africa at All Africa Music Awards (Afrima) Awards - something that left her overwhelmed and more aware of the support she needs for her career's next steps.

Having had a successful debut album and winning accolades is not enough for Muthaka. She is working towards being more independent by creating spaces that supporting women, and is quick to point out industry challenges like low pay, cartels in the live music performance spaces and sexism being major hurdles. Meeting young movers and shakers who are actively making change and demanding for it - is my thing.

Muthaka is now shopping for a new management as she prepares for the creation and release of her next album.

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #Muthaka Season 2 Eps 10

Stream Muthaka's album 'Sunshine': https://umgke.lnk.to/Sunshine

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

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

Anyiko TV on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anyikotv

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

VIP ACCESS SEASON 2 PLAYLIST

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

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

Spotify: https://rb.gy/lk9orq