Coast scene gets hotter as artistes, club owners and promoters striving for more

Popular Mombasa artiste Dazlah’s manager reached out to Pulse, with an inquiry on when the rehearsals for the Pulse Music Video Awards (PMVA) were being held. See, the lady wanted to get her artiste and his dancers to Nairobi ready for the rehearsals, before she joins them from Dubai, where she has been for the past few days.

Interestingly, Dazlah has opted for the PMVA against the 2015 Nzumari Awards, both happening tonight, where he is nominated for the Male Artiste of the Year category.

Dazlah, the rebranded act whose Kide Kide hit, featuring Susumila has been nominated in the Best Breakthrough Video category, is part of a crop of young artistes who have crossed the barrier that had seem to hold most Mombasa artistes back. The Cheza Kidogo artiste has sound management behind him, a factor that has seen his star shine brightest. Another cool act is Brown Mauzo, whose collaboration with Mustafa got the nod from fans.

“For a long time, Coast showbiz was struggling because of jealousy among the artistes and many of them not having a strategy,” said Bembea hitmaker Ally B. Rigan Sarkozy, who is signed to Maliza Umaskini, explained that short term fame blinded many of them before.

“Many of the artistes are just happy when their songs are on rotation in Mombasa’s radio stations,” said the Olalo artiste, adding, “The short-lived fame blinds them from seeking more...seeking the national and even continental approval.”

According to Pwani Celebrity Awards artiste of the year 2015, Sudi Boy, artistes who have embraced the national audience are the same ones who are dominating charts and awards even in Mombasa.

Sudi Boy is an example, having worked with Amileena on the hit Naona Bado and with Rabbit on Twende.

A factor that has aided the growth of showbiz in Mombasa is the support the arts have received from the county government, through the County Executive in the Ministry of Youth, Gender and Sports, Mohammed Abbas.

Abbas, who on occassions resembles a music or boxing promoter, has been aggressively working to empower the youth. Videos are shot under financing from the docket, with the county hosting shows regularly. The political move has come at a cost though, with a crop of artistes that include Amour Beybe, Susumila, Ally B, Sudi B and Nyota Ndogo seen as getting favours from Abbas, a factor that has led to an all-out beef between some artistes.

Susumila, who was embroiled with a beef with one-time friend Chikuzee, denies the perception. “There is a perception that we are the guys around him but it is not true. I happen to be hardworking with many hits and I automatically get shows,” said the recently married Susumila.

Sudi explained further, “Many celebrities win the same awards almost every year because they stand out. Susumila, Kaa La Moto, Ally B, Nyota...these are artistes that have withstood the test of time and know how to survive in the industry.”

Female artistes have also held their own. Akothee, the flamboyant agile singer has led the revival, with the likes of Love Mumz, Vivonce, Sis P, Serah Sara and Jovial, the supporting cast.

The club front has also seen an upgrade. Skyluxx Lounge, Mtwapa, is the latest addition to a bubbly club scene. Gone are the days when Bobz Bar and Florida were the only places to be at.

Clubs like Tapas, La Follia, and lounges like Sheba and The Lounge — both at City Mall, have given revelers more clubbing options.

The management of these clubs are taking their jobs seriously, with their clubs spotting the best fitting and décor, to go with the urbane clientele that have fully embraced the club life.