MCM: Wakimbizi rap duo - Trying to keep head up in Kenya's unpredictable music industry

Unlike most of their peers who have opted to venture into other careers as a result of dwindled music fortunes and personal reasons  – Wakimbizi rap duo are still growing strong thirteen years down the line.

Their latest single Twende Nyumbani released nearly three weeks ago by Ulopa is proving to be huge.

The video shot by Ricky Bekko has been well received and continues to be accorded airplay on various radio and television stations.

“It was just a matter of time before we bounce back proving our critics wrong. Besides we still have more surprises in store for our fans as we are in the process of finalising our third album Ndoto by Big Soul of South Sahara and Ulopa which to be launched soon,” say the duo comprising brothers  Mariko and Filter.

Looking at Mariko and Filter one can hardly recognize this rap duo from over a decade ago when they burst into the local music scene with the songs Hallo Hallo and John from their 2003 Raha recorded by DJ Stone of Bedrock Studios.

At the time the slender not so styled up, reserved trio (Andre, missing in action) who spoke mainly in slang language (sheng) and commuted to town using various matatus were the first musicians to release an animated music videos for the songs Hallo Hallo and John.

It was at this time that they settled on the name Wakimbizi although they occasionally staged separate shows when necessary.

“We started by recording songs like Fire, Dondosa, Mashorey and Honey which were not accorded adequate airplay by the mainstream media for reasons we did not understand,” recall the duo who resided at Nairobi’s down town estates among them Kawangare ( Ongwaro) and Satellite before finally deciding to settle in Nairobi’s  Parklands.

In 2002, determined to move on, they completed their debut 14- track album Raha comprising songs like Mariko, Halo Halo, Nampenda John, Sugar Mummy and Nishike Pole Pole among others that became a huge success.

“When we recorded Halo Halo fellow rapper Andre was not yet part of the group an only featured in the video as a friend. He later joined us officially,” says Filter.

In order to make a breakthrough into the local market- they decided to use a different strategy, they distributed their music to matatus plying various routes within Nairobi as well as night clubs and within no time there music was flying high.

Although it was alleged that the some radio stations only accorded airplay to musicians affiliated to Ogopa Deejays (then a leading recording studio) at the expense of other production houses – the group managed to break through to the mainstream coining themselves a name as the next big thing in local rap scene.

To prove their intent in 2004 they won Kisima Awards for Best Group of the Year and Best Hip Hop Group.

“This was the best and still remains the most memorable moments of our music career. The fact that people loved and appreciated our music was a clear indication that we were in the right direction,” says Mariko.

In 2005 they released a mixtape featuring Maliyamungu and Machizi group- their last project with DJ Stone before they met producer Ulopa in 2006.

We recorded a 14-track album Usife Moyo, with hit songs like Makanga and Jogoo at Samawati Studios, says Mariko.

In the meantime, one of the members, Andre quit– citing lack of trust among the group members, opting to concentrate on his solo projects.

He went ahead to release  Dame Wangu amenoki Deejay – before disappearing from the scene eliciting suggestions that he had quit music for another career as a result of dwindled fortunes.

But Andre was quick to dismiss the allegations terming them a ploy by a section of his enemies to finish him through bad press.

According to Andre several unpleasant factors led him to part ways with the two brothers.

“The fact that they would stage several shows without my knowledge despite my immense contribution made me realise that I was no longer needed in the group,” he says.

When contacted Mariko and Filter’s shifty reactions, is a clearly indication that this is a topic they would rather not talk about.

“We strongly believe that the past should stay there,” they say duo who went ahead to release

Officer recorded by producer Kanyeria of Sub Sahara Studio- Riara including several projects.

Despite their consistency, critics feel that Wakimbizi’s success has waned with time failing to have released single hits like John and Hallo Hallo that took the local music industry by storm way back in 2004-2005 besides winning them awards.

This is owing to the fact that their single uko wapi released last year by sub sahara  big soul faired moderately.

The duo however term the above allegations as a storm in a tea cup. 

“It is obvious that there are a section of people who will never say anything positive about you as long as you are doing well,” concludes Filter.