Kenya Radio Show #2
Last month I played a tune call Umojination by Michel Ongaro which was released on the Bengatronics label out of Nairobi. The label combines the traditional Benga music (fast-paced guitar and rhythm based style) with global sounds and contemporary electronic productions.
After the show I connected with the label founder Mwalimu Gregg Tendwa and with resident producer and DJ, DJ Mura. Listening to more music on the label and talking to them opened my eyes to a load of more electronic music from Kenya. I decided to do another Kenya show to focus on some more contemporary music coming out of the country.
DJ Mura agreed to do a 100% Kenyan guest mix for the show. Whenever I can I bring guests to the show who know the music of that region far better than I ever will - it helps me (and hopefully my listeners) to learn, introduce new music and broaden horizons.
BLNRB. Berlin-based artists Modeselecktor, Gebrüder Teichmann and Jahcoozi travelled to Nairobi in 2009 to “meet, mix and mingle with artists from the local music scene”. They set up two recording studios in a residential home there which came to be known as the Madhouse. They recorded a host of local musicians and released an 18 track album, Welcome to the Madhouse on Out Here music. I’ve featured the Kibera Benga track here but definitely check out the full album!
Another collaborative electronic album I feature is ‘There Is No End’ by Tony Allen. It was a released posthumously and I’ve featured tunes here where he collaborated with Kenyan artists Ben Okri and Nah Eeto.
It was recorded on a beautiful sunny day in a friend’s garden in Rock, Cornwall! Check the video below…
Full Tracklist:
Abaki Simba - Pendo
Abaki Simba - Kazi
Tony Allen - Cosmosis (feat Ben Okri and Skepta)
Octopizzo - Kibanda
Massai Mbilli, Modeselektor, Just a Band - Kibera Benga
Trio Mio - Cheza Kama Wewe (feat. Mejja, Exray, Nellythegoon)
Kaa la Moto featuring Songa - Kumbukumbu
Nabalayo - Macheo Explicit
Ssaru - Zungushiwa
Fracture - Shada Shada (feat. Nah Eeto)
Tony Allen - Mau Mau (feat. Nah Eeto)
Udulele John - Lamu Tamu
DJ Mura Guestmix:
Dj Mura K.E ft Abishai - Africa massive
Ngalah Oreyo ft Shari Afrika – Pesa
Bengatronics – Go uhuru
Ayrosh – Kirinyaga
Ayrosh – Maheni (Dj Mura Remix)
Ally Fresh, Dj Mura Ft Ayrosh – Hutia
King Kerby, Jobisaa – Maji
Dj Mura Ft Wambura & Qritiqal – Stuck on you
Man Child – Oh Yea
Les Mangelepa – Sina Makosa (Uproot Andy remix)
Kagwe mungai – Cheche
Sema – Leta Wimbo (Dj Mura Remix)
Nonini – Manzi wa Nairobi (Dj Mura Remix)
Bengatronics, Village cuts – Mwana biashara
Bengatronics, Sidney simila – Africa Love
Bengatronics – Kilio
Nabalayo - Mwizi II
Octopizzo - Swaga Za Wapi
Makadem - Salaam Extended Mix
Abaki Simba - True Story
Ms.katana & DJ John Vincent - Same
Shamsi Music - Murata
