Meet Tunji, Nairobi's Hip hop sensation

Nairobi’s latest Hip Hop sensation Tunji made a splash recently with his song ‘Mat za Ronga’. He touched on a part of Nairobi that people relate to. (There’s always a bit of competition between matatus/buses from different neighbourhoods based on creative graffiti, Sound systems and general appeal.)

He has a unique sound that goes beyond any musical trend and his play on words and rhymes are skillfully crafted. There’s a hint of feeling behind his lyrics and that makes them more real for the listeners.

Some say that his ‘style and feel’ are reminiscent of E-sir, one of the Hip Hop Godfathers in Kenya’s music industry. His ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. Many in the music industry gravitated towards him, from media powerhouse Adelle Onyango who named him one of her favourite rappers, to Rap Guru Kaligraph jones who joined Tunji on the ‘Mat Za Ronga’ remix.

It’s evident that there’s a bright future ahead for this star.

He gives peek behind the curtain on this exclusive interview:

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is Tunji. I’m an artist. I’m 23 year olds, andfrom Coast. I’m currently studying computer science at University.

HAVE YOUR STUDIES PREPARE YOU FOR MUSIC?

No. I wouldn’t say that they have prepared me for this.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW IT WAS MUSIC FOR YOU?

I didn’t really know. It wasn’t something that I planned. I’ve just loved music ever since I was a kid. I loved doing music and making music. It’s difficult to pinpoint a moment when I knew I was going to make music. It has always been in me.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE THROUGH YOUR MUSIC?

For myself, I hope to leave a legacy. I want to reach out to as many people as I can with my vibe and allow them to connect with my particular style of music. My music speaks to certain things and I’d rather have people listen to that rather than general music that doesn’t have direction.

For my listerners. Just Bliss Hehe.

I want them to be happy when my song comes on because they enjoy the music. I want them to feel uplifted and to feel something when my song plays. I want them to feel the vibe from the music.

WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR A NEW ARTIST IN THE KENYAN MUSIC INDUSTRY?

I wouldn’t say it’s easy because in anything new you're doing you have to learn the ropes first. That’s always interesting.

I also don’t want to say that It’s challenging because nothing worthwhile comes easy. I believe that challenge, that grind is the price you pay. If it is not challenging then it’s not worth it.

I don’t want to say it’s bad or it’s good. I’ll settle for comme ci comme ça.

WHAT’S BEEN THE YOUR LOWEST POINT SO FAR?

Just promoters acting shady. But that’s what they do. It’seasy.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR HIGHEST POINT?

The way people received the music and the way people appreciate music. I didn’t expect that at all. I was so surprised to see people vibe with the music and relate to it.

LET’S TALK ABOUT TILO? WHAT DREAMS DO YOU HAVE TO TILO?

Tilo is a music production house I formed with my producerElvis. My dream of Tilo is that we take it worldwide. I want to make it a household name. After I’m long gone I want Tilo and infa to still be around. That’s going to be my legacy.

Shaffie, Tunji and Adelle Onyango

HOW DOES A YOUNG KENYAN ARTIST EARN A LIVING?

Through the music, Haha! The Music!

The more music you put out there. The more shows you get to perform at. Through the paid features that you do, when other artists want to have you on their tracks.

There are also endorsements from various companies. All these sponsorships, endorsements and so on come from doing music and doing it well. Your music has to be popping.

But you have to stay sharp. It’s the music industry. It’s a business. And you always have to position yourself well for business.

IS MUSIC AS A CAREER CHOICE SUSTAINABLE?

Yes. I’d say yes.

I’m better off now that I was before. I can pay my bills and take care of myself. I can buy things that I definitely couldn’t before. For me it’s sustainable.

WHEN WILL WE SEE AN ALBUM?

Not in the near future, hehe.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR TUNJI?

Dash! (He referenced to the song he recently released called Dash) ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊