Out of the hutch

A rabbit keeper as a boy and as cunning as a fox, 23-year-old Kevin Ombima, can also stake a claim as 'King of Rap', writes DAVID ODONGOFondly referred to as Kaka Sungura, Rabbit was thrust into the limelight when his debut single, Dodoma, got attention from the heavy rotation in Kenya's radio stations."It was a true story. It happened to someone I know," admits Rabbit in reference to the song. Dodoma is a sad tale where a poor Kenyan boy falls in love with a beautiful Tanzanian chick. The girl is always loaded and is the one always treating and taking care of the man financially. When the girl goes back home to Dodoma, communication is intermittent. After some time, the boy reads in the news that a female most— wanted gangster has been shot dead. It turns out that the woman he loved was a dangerous criminal on the run.REALITIES"As much as they are sad stories, I write such music because you can never forget it. Such stories are ever fresh and can live forever," says Rabbit. Born to a family of three boys, Rabbit has always had music running through his veins, as well as ujanja. "I used to rear rabbits, so the name stuck. I was also very cunning as a kid, so I can’t complain about the nickname," he chuckles."I loved listening to music so much that I would sit by the radio for hours. Like all mothers, my mum used to complain a lot about my addiction to music," he reminisces while laughing.With his 17-track album Tales of Kaka Sungura already out, Rabbit says he is now solely focused on promoting the album as well as shooting a few videos. "I cannot do another album until late next year. I give my all when I compile an album, that’s why I won’t rush into another album project." To vindicate him, the album is probably one of the best released this year.Besides pursuing a degree in accounting, Rabbit also runs a branding company called Taurus Media. "We basically deal with branding and interior dÈcor. I’m also involved in Dreams Campaign," he adds. It’s an organisation that deals with orphans and vulnerable children by helping them realise their dreams. The organisation has organised a football clinic with renowned Kenyan footballer Musa Otieno.In the three years that he has been in the music industry, Rabbit credits rapper Chiwawa and DJ Loop for the guidance and support."I can say Chiwawa has been my godfather. He took me under his wings and made me what I am. DJ Loop has also taught me so much about music production. Without the two, I wouldn’t have made it this far," admits rabbit.Some claim it doesn’t but music indeed pays and Rabbit can attest to this. "I have performed all over the country." For a man so cunning, Rabbit neither smokes nor drinks. "The crap story that rappers need to smoke weed to gain inspiration before writing songs or performing is simply lame. That applies to rappers with no talent. I am talented and I don’t need stimulants to perform or compose rhymes," says the rapper, who also acts in a local TV drama.CO-OPERATIONHaving worked with Harry Kimani amongst other established artistes, Rabbit says the experience of working with fellow rappers; K-Force was memorable as well as inspiring. Confessing his love for Jay-Z, Rabbit idolises the hip-hop mogul. "Jigga is the real s**t. He has 100 per cent swag. He is laid-back but has the tightest flow in the industry." Female fans often step out of line when they meet an artiste they have ‘hots’ for. Rabbit recounts how one day after a sold out concert in Tanzania, a pretty Bongo girl sneaked in backstage and offered herself to him. "She was so serious that it freaked me out. She trailed me during the entire tour and begged me to marry her. She looked so sincere and burst into tears when I told her that was impossible," Rabbit recounts. Being a gentleman, Rabbit says he is not worth any woman’s tears. "I never want to see a woman cry. It is not fair. We should always give them the best of everything, and treat them like they are God’s gifts to us."Combining school life, a hip-hop career, acting and running a branding firm is not always easy, and Rabbit says he tries to get a lot of personal time. He confesses that when the pressure becomes too much, he locks himself in his house and drifts off to another world. A world where rappers reign supreme. Snapping back to reality, Rabbit says Kenyan hip-hop is yet to be fully exploited. "We rappers haven’t yet fully given our all. Most of us are yet to come up with interesting and diverse stuff. We tend to stick on one template that has worked for another rapper, thinking it would work for us" notes Rabbit with concern.Formerly signed to Sneed Entertainment, Rabbit now records at Dice Entertainment. This is the same stable where he recorded his latest hit single, Mtu hivi hivi and Bwana Mambo.In the Rabbit’s hatWhat’s in your ipod play list!Pro Kid, Peter Gabriel, Fid Q, Bi Kidude, Ella Fitzgerald & Frank Sinatra.If not a musician, which other career would you have ventured into?I would be a painter.Who are your least favourite artistes?Rappers who don’t make sense just piss me off. Wanajijua na mnawajua…What do you do when stressed? I drift away to my own little world. Listen to music or watch comedies.What do you look for in a woman? Simplicity! Forget the make-up, skimpy dresses and six-inch heels.&#12288;

Out of the hutch

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