Aug 23/06
Ogopa Deejays
A family friend, Chana, recently got back from Kenya where she was working for a few months in a rural hospital. I bumped into her in Toronto about a week ago, Benn loxo came up, and next thing you know I find a compilation of Kenyan hip-hop sitting in my inbox. And a good one, too. Thanks, Chana.
Ogopa Deejays is a music production company run out of Nairobi, Kenya. It’s played a big part in promoting Kenyan urban music.
West Africa has long been known for its talented and well-promoted hip-hop, reggae and RnB acts like PBS, VIP, Daara J, MC Solaar, Pee Froiss, Tiken Jah and many others. On the other side of the continent things have moved a bit slower in terms of musicians breaking into the international market. Labels and production companies like Ogopa Deejays are helping to finally raise awareness about East Africa’s urban music scenes.
Their first compilation was released in 2001 and was a huge success both at home at abroad. It kick-started the careers of many young Kenyan musicians, including Amani, Big Pin and the late hip-hop MC, E-Sir. You’ll hear some tracks off this compilation titled “Ogopa 1 – Kenyan Club Classics” on today’s post.
You can buy albums, see videos, hear clips and learn more about Ogopa Deejays on their official web site.
E-Sir – Leo Ni Leo
Vinnie Banton & Mr. Googs – Wasee (Githurai remix)
Amani – Move On
Hailing form Nairobi, I can affirm that this compilation was a landmark in Kenyan hip hop. It heralded an era of diverse local artistry bustling with novelty – this put ogopa on the map and signalled the coming of age of Kenyan hip hop.
I don’t know a many kenyans right now who do not miss these days that Kenyan hip hop. Every time i go back home i feel like the hip hop nowadays is so uninspired…could be just me.
Love the new play format btw ~ or not so new format..I havent been around for a while
yeah a mus agree e wak nyi wasee ods as we call yey hea daun south Botswana is tremendously complementative if a wa ta say.
laks nasearch for kenyan daun 2 earth, mature, trustworthy manzis hu are major fans wa kina klepto maniax ka mi wanijoin nxt year 2007 when i kuja home(kenya), for ma uni. so eti yaani tuiishie into e muzic industry pamoja as kleptomaniax’ “chicidee wannabes”. btwn ages 18 na 19. an added advantage wud be ati ua main focus in maisha ni muzik. laks thats ok, si eti yaani ni compulsary vidoo. chics hu can rap vipoa ni sare sana 4 me. n also can sing. as in sing sing gal sing. but if u put ua heart into netin u can olwez do it sio? . coz i can do both the above n more. no hatin ppl jus appreciate e talents since cant b held bak aite?! i wud appreciate chatterbox chics…..mark me, in a +ve way, si ati unaongea rubbish mob kwangu.
ka u happen kucheki hi proposal ya mine na u fil u r interested hala @ me @ jleecha@yahoo.com
asanteni
yo my name is issa
I like to see ogopa deejay’s CD or DVD pelacse
the end