Issue: No. 252
SEPT 2021
Manolo
PHAT!buzz: INTRODUCE YOURSELF Manolo: I am Manolo a gospel musician from Nairobi Kenya. PHAT!buzz: HOW DID YOU START OUT ? Manolo: I started out at a very young age, from about 7 I was singing at church and school. As a career my journey started in 2012 as member and Co-Founder of Recapp PHAT!buzz: You were part of RECAPP, how was it ? Manolo: It was exciting and challenging at the same time. RECAPP started in 2012 as Nelly, Ted, Ed and I were clearing high school. We had passion and ambition to see our dream of being one of the tog gospel acts come true. As we grew our individual visions grew as well so come 2018 we decide to part ways and Manolo was born. PHAT!buzz: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORKING AS A GROUP AND SOLO? Manolo: There are many differences I cannot exhaust all of them but the major one is in decision making. As a group you have to factor in everyone’s opinions, cares and needs PHAT!buzz: WHEN DID YOU START YOUR SINGING/RAPPING CAREER ? Manolo: In 2012 PHAT!buzz: WHO ARE YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCES ? Manolo: I draw from various musicians ranging from Kirk Franklin ,Fred Hammond ,Marvin Sapp, Pompi, Magg44, Kb, Andy Mineo, Eunice Njeri and Alice Kimanzi. PHAT!buzz: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF MUSIC? Manolo: I do Afro pop which varies however the principle is the same ,merging an African sound with western elements. PHAT!buzz: TELL US YOUR LATEST SINGLE Manolo: Tawala is my latest release, inspired by How Almighty God is. That whether one believes it or not God is the overall creator and He reigns. PHAT!buzz: What are you working on this year? Manolo: Debut album is on my mind. I have been creating and I can’t wait to share the new music.I am the founder of a mental health awareness initiative called Siko Solo. year we keep the conversation going. PHAT!buzz: Any last words? Manolo: We are here on earth for a short time, make good use of it.
Interview by Njeri Kimani | Photo courtesy of Manolo
NASTY C
South African rapper, songwriter, and producer with a breezy flow, Nasty C (Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo) earned accolades in 2018 for his trap-influenced sophomore effort, Strings and Bling, which brought home two South African Music Awards and a pair of All Africa Music Awards. In 2020 he inked a deal with Def Jam and issued the single “There They Go”, marking his debut in the United States. Born in Diepkloof, a borough of Soweto, Johannesburg, Nasty developed his love for rap and learned basic production techniques from his older brother Siyabonga. In 2012 he released his debut mixtape, One Kid, A Thousand Coffins, at the age of 15. His first EP, L.A.M.E (Levitating Above My Enemies), arrived two years later, with the Price City mixtape appearing in 2015. The release spawned his first hit single, “Juice Back,” which earned Nasty the Best Freshman trophy at that year’s South African Hip-Hop Awards, making him the youngest recipient to date. The following year saw the release of the single “Hell Naw,” which appeared on his chart-topping debut album, Bad Hair, which included guest spots from Omari Hardwick, Tshego, Tellaman, Erick Rush, and Rowlene. Bad Hair Extensions, an extended version of the LP that added four new tracks and a feature by American hip-hop recording artist French Montana, arrived later that year. Nasty went widescreen in 2018 with the release of his sophomore LP, Strings and Bling, which was released on Universal. Lauded as one of the best rap efforts of the year by multiple outlets, the album included the hit singles “Jungle,” “Legendary,” and “King,” the latter of which featured a guest appearance from New York rapper A$AP Ferg. Lost Files, an EP of unfinished projects and early versions of previously released tracks, arrived in early 2020, as did the news that Nasty had signed with American hip-hop behemoth Def Jam. His first single for the label, “There They Go,” was released later that March, with plans to issue his third full-length outing, Zulu Man with Some Power, later that summer.
Nasty C SA
@nasty_csa
www.nastyc.africa
Deejay Gogez Deejay Gogez @deejaygogez254 @deejaygogez254
PB: INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
Deejay Gogez: My name is George Mutiso aka DJ Gogez aka Mr.Interkwakaring,. I am an Entertainer, Executive musical Director and a Disk jockey. PB: HOW HAS LIFE BEEN DURING THE COVID-19?
Deejay Gogez: The strict measures put in place i.e. having a mask at all times and keeping social distance have been the most challenging adjustments to make as our industry strives on crowds and close interactions with fans and clientele , but positively this season has been a wakeup call mostly to me and most creatives to diversify and innovate new ideas to entertain. PB: HOW HAVE YOU BEEN HANDLING POSTPONEMENTS AND RESCHEDULING?
Deejay Gogez: It has been tough coming to terms with the postponement and mostly cancelation of shows, but I’ve learned to adapt and embrace online deejaying , mixtape production and distribution mostly during Lockdown and after curfew hours. PB: HOW ARE YOU WORKING ON YOUR BUSINESS DURING THIS TIME?
Deejay Gogez: Currently I’m working on my Album (Third Flow) which will be available in September 2021 with the 1st song just released featuring Elani, Jegede, Kabagazi and Jerry Ogalo You can view https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD6S7_ExNvM PB: ANY LIFE LESSONS LEARNT DURING THE PANDEMIC AND WOULD LIKE TO SHARE
Deejay Gogez: Prayer , Patience and Consistency are the key to Success. PB: ANY FUTURE PLANS IN RELATIONS TO THE NEW NORMAL?
Deejay Gogez: More Music, More Vibes and mentoring new and upcoming Deejays and musicians PB: ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ALL LOOKING TO BE A DEEJAY?
Deejay Gogez: Accept criticism, understand and research your target audience and be the best version of You. PB: ANY LAST WORD?
Deejay Gogez: If you BELIEVE IT , PURSUE IT and you will ACHIEVE it.
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