Astar talks about his 2nd single, “Adios” off his upcoming sophomore album titled, “Letting It Go”.
Adios - Astar
Written By Richard “Astar” Njau
Produced By Ben “Gittxx” Gitau of Rhyme-X Studio
Video By Prince of GNPI-Africa http://www.Kenyandownloads.com/Astar
MWAPI Entertain/Meant / Kijiji Records
Moja-Voyce presents “One Cry” (ISRAEL HOUGHTON - Live in Kenya) http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137408779621413
(1) Israel Live In Kenya - 14th of August 2010 (VIP Event)
Venue - Baptist Church (Ngong Road)
Time - 6pm to 9pm
Charges - Ksh 2,000
Advance Ticket Sales Point - TBA (To Be Announced)
(2) Israel Live In Kenya - 15th of August 2010
Venue - Central Park (next to Serena Hotel)
Time - 10am to 5pm
Charges - FREE!! FREE!!
Israel Houghton
…changing the world with the Power of One
Since his humble debut as a recording artist in the `90s, dizzyingly chameleonic Israel Houghton has been injecting contemporary gospel with a blazing, youthful and musically masterful energy that has made him among the most highly influential tastemakers in his field. As a singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and worship leader, he has created a canon of songs that have become standards in houses of faith around the globe. He has accomplished this largely as the leader of Israel and New Breed, a Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-winning musical ensemble and ministry organization that has amassed gold-selling albums and critical platitudes reserved for the best of the best.
For his most current musical offering, Israel momentarily steps away from New Breed, whose members are also active in their own ministries, to record a solo album that is his most personal effort to date. The project, Power of One, is a guest-filled tour de force that is galvanizing in both its inspirational power and Israel’s bankable high standard of music making. Power of One is a challenge to all of faith to be as impassioned and Christ-like in their earthly walk as humanly possible. And does “Iz” ever have the soundtrack for that spiritual walk! From roots reggae and head-banging rock to sanctified funk and power pop, Power of One is a visceral rush of bravado and gratitude. Listening to this album - Israel’s first solo studio offering after a string of highly successful New Breed concert sets - will surely set your soul on fire.
“This is the first time I’ve entered into a project with no premeditation,” Israel explains. “In the past I’d go into a project saying we need this kind of song here and that kind there - worrying if it would sell or if the church crowd would accept it. This time it was fun to go into creating a record with no rules and just do what was in our hearts…a very cathartic experience.”
The seeds for Power of One were planted last May at a friend’s beach house in Southern California .”It’s about two miles from where I was born in Carlsbad. I generally go there by myself to gather my thoughts, turn off the phone, read, write and get inspired. This time I had Tommy Sims and Aaron Lindsey come in to give a collective energy try. We had a couple of acoustic guitars, bass, keys, Pro Tools and a digital studio. We spent three days there…just looking at the ocean and writing the bulk of the album.”
Recalling musical missions past, Israel states, “If you look at our albums thematically, the early ones were about the church and what God is doing… ‘a New Season is coming’ and ‘Another Level.’ On the most recent records, our message has shifted into more social and global concerns, focusing on identity and the purpose of God in everyone’s life. I strongly believe that those of us who consider ourselves worshippers need to have a heart for social justice. ‘Power of One’ is the song we wrote specifically around that thought for this album.”
What if it all depended on me to change the world
What if my only responsibility were to change the world
Let me be the one to start a revolution
Let me sing my song to the people of the world
It all begins with one
The Power of One
Joining the hundreds of millions of people
Believing in One – The Power of One
Don’t hang around
Stand up or sit down and believe
We can change the world together
We can change the world together
Both introspective and anthemic, the song “Power of One” is an instant high water mark in a catalog already rich in Israel classics. Interestingly, it wasn’t originally intended to be recorded by Israel at all. He explains, “Two and a half years ago, I was asked to write a song for a mainstream artist who was looking for something based around a socially conscious idea. At that time I was just beginning to understand the connection between worship and justice, so this song came very quickly to me. I was about to send it to the artist’s manager when my wife Meleasa asked me to play it again. When I did she said, ‘Don’t you dare send that away! The time will soon come for you to sing that song.’ Now is that time.”
As an album, Power of One overflows with exceptional material, all woven together by mesmerizing interludes. The experience begins with the percussive and grand “Everywhere I Go,” a joyous jam about the synergistic relationship between The Lord and the faithful. That song and “Moving Forward” are the two tried and tested numbers of the collection as they have already become fan favorites, uplifting worship concert audiences before writing began for the new album. “Just Wanna Say” is a danceable bomb of reminiscent of OutKast’s “Hey Ya.” It’s the infectious rave-fave of Israel’s kids (ages 12, 7 and 5). Another highlight is the powerful gospel ballad “Every Prayer” which features Israel’s old friends Mary Mary.
Lyrically direct and musically dynamic, one of the instant ear grabbers is “You Found Me.” “I got the original idea while riding a jet ski,” Israel confesses. “I was going about 70 miles per hour when the words and melody just smacked me in the face! Two weeks out from recording, I was playing it on my acoustic and Meleasa loved it. She filled in a lot of the lyrical holes… she’s a genius in painting word pictures. And, we wrote the chorus together. The last section is a vamp from another song called ‘I Am Free’ from our Sound of The New Breed series - that ‘No more chains holding me’ line fit really well. The song had an Island feel at first, but I’d been listening to some off-the-radar rock groups. Aaron suggested we put the melody over a rockier feel. Within minutes we had a really fun and edgy new thing. So I called (rapper) tobyMac and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got something for you!’ He loved and joined me on the song.”
Israel got to exercise his Reggae muscles elsewhere on “Surely Goodness,” which sprang from a series of pan-global happenstances. “Three days before I got to the beach house, I was in Kingston. My biological father is from Jamaica so I have family there. I was doing an afternoon sound check - just me - playing Crowded House’s ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ on my guitar, only more from a reggae standpoint. Next thing I know, I started singing the chorus of what has become ‘Surely Goodness.’ That night I happened to meet (reggae vocal queen) Chevelle Franklin back at the hotel. I was honored, told her we should do something together. She said she’d love to, so I sang her the chorus I’d just come up with. We eventually re-connected in South Africa and cut the final vocals with me. That lady is unbelievable! Our goal was to get some straight authentic Bob Marley from back in the day - old school reggae, no embellishing.”
Yet another unforgettable song of Christian conviction from Power of One is “Sing (Redemption Song)” – a mod mash up of an Al Green groove and soaring British rock. “It’s rare that I start with just music,” he explains of his songwriting process. “Tommy set it off with a guitar idea. We eventually tracked it with a melody but no lyrics and just lived with it for awhile. A month later, I got an idea that led to Tommy and me emailing lyric concepts back and forth. I wound up recording my vocal in South Africa with Chevelle as well as Martin Smith (leader of the British Christian rock band Delirious? - forward thinking musical soul mates of New Breed from across the pond).” Within a track that starts simply yet purposely Israel writes of Christ as the greatest hero of all.
I was lost, I was desperate and broken
Wounded heart and the polls were still open
That’s the way you found me
Turn the page
Bow your head
Yesterday washed away as we write in the sand
My accused
Where are they
One by one in the silence they all walked away
And I will worship you
For all that you are
And all you’ve done for me
As long as I live
I’ll sing, I’ll sing Redemption’s Song.
The difference between Power of One as an Israel solo project vs. New Breed albums is subtle. “Most New Breed albums are done live,” he states. “This is a studio record so it has a different energy. I get to call on any and everybody for specific sessions. The biggest question is always who’s going to play drums…the first week I used Calvin Rogers. The second week we brought in Dan Needham. And we used Lamar Carter on ‘Saved by Grace.’” That song, reminiscent of the classic live New Year’s Eve video of Prince & The Revolution joining Sheila E.’s band for the encore medley “I Would Die For You/Baby I’m a Star” is an all-out throw down, thundering on for a hair-raising 13 minutes!
Another special guest on the album is multi-instrumentalist Akil Thompson (son of drum master Chester Thompson from Weather Report and Genesis) who co-wrote “You Are Loved” with Israel. “Akil is a monster on bass, drums and guitar,” Israel marvels.
Israel Houghton has amassed a legion of followers that crosses generational lines with popularity across African American, Latin and White listener lines. While blasting down barriers, he has been fittingly graced with 2 Gold-selling albums, 6 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award, and 2 Grammy® Awards – one for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album” for A Deeper Level and one for “Best Traditional Gospel Album” for Alive In South Africa. Ironically, there is very little that is “traditional” about Israel’s progressive connection to now-generation believers, and the way his music is fanatically embraced around the globe.
Beyond his solo album, Israel is also a published author with other multi-media projects in the works. As for New Breed, Israel is ever and always connected to them, though the unit is currently preparing a live recording without him. This frees him to pursue a myriad of other exciting opportunities for artistic growth and his own personal sojourn into the Power of One.
“I really enjoy what I do,” Israel concludes. “It’s about getting a bigger picture of what’s going on in the world instead of focusing on my life, wants and needs. It’s about connecting with people around the world.
“In the last decade of the last century when several people predicted that Africa would be the continent of the 21st century, they seemed to be dreaming! now, it is certain that our continent still has some “major issues”, but a wind of change is blowing. God is doing remarkable things here today - economically, politically, socially and spiritually - that would have been unbelieveable even 10 years ago, and isn’t that just like HIM! 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 says,
God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the strong. He choose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nulify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.
MWP 7 week 7 State US Tour - click on pics above to see more
The Mavuno Worship Live Recording - click on pics above to see more
The Mavuno Worship Album launch - click on pics above to see more
Africa is at the epicenter of what God is doing in the world today! The mission of Mavuno Church is “turning ordinary people into fearless influencers of society”. We believe that the solutions for the continent will not come from the world bank, the IMF but from God’s people transformed. God is challenging Africans everywhere to arise to greatness, filled with His Spirit of innovation and excellence, and permeate every sphere of our society for His glory.
As you listen to our music, our prayer is that you too will be encouraged, challenged and inspired to become a fearless influencer in the section of society that God has made you responsible for.” - Pastor Muriithi Wanjau (Executive Producer/ Senior Pastor Mavuno Church)
My God You Never Change (Buy Audio)
Written By Kanjii Mbugua and Aaron Rimbui
You said the rain would fall/ You said the heart would heal/ My God you never change/ You will answer when we call/ Even when the seasons fade/ My God you never change/ Bwana we ndiye Kimbilio (Lord you are the one I run to)
My God you never change/ We can count on you/ We can call on you/ My God you never change/ Age to age your still the same/ My God/
Moyo wangu utainuka nakukusifu baba - leo/
Akili yangu imeamnua mimi ni wako babao - leo/
Mwili wangu ni wako/ Fikira zangu ni zako/
Mwenyezi Mungu/ Mwenyzi Mungu/
Tell somebody what the Lord has done for you/
Let them know he’s a God who cares/
Show somebody, what he has seen you through/
Let them see he’s a God who loves every body/
Sing…
Tell somebody what the Lord has done for you/
Let them know that He saved your soul/
Show somebody all the joy you feel/
let them see, he’s a God who loves everybody/
Still The Same (Buy Audio)
Written By Kanjii Mbugua, Aaron Rimbui, Dan Aceda, Pete Odera, George Dhulo, Ben Gitau, Neema Ntalel, Gowi Odera, Kevin Kanjyottu
You remain the same today/ Yesterday/ And always the same/
Seasons of my heart my change/ My mind may send the storm my way/
Always and forever Lord/ You remain the same/
It is certain Lord/ That you love me so/ There’s one thing I know/ Your love for me is still the same/
Your Love Has Set Me Free (Buy Audio) Written By Kanjii Mbugua & Aaron Rimbui
When I was under you lifted me/ When I was sad you encouraged me/ When I was lost and didn’t know where to turn/ Out of the mist I see your hand/
Hallelujah/ Hallelujah/ Your love has set me free…/
Guiding me/ Holding Me/ Lifting me/ Loving me/
Under The Rock (Buy Audio) Written By Kanjii Mbugua & Aaron Rimbui
Lord you heard my cry and my call for help/ And you answered me, and you saved me/
My God, my rock, my shield of strength/ May I call on you to my defense/
Tulia moyo wangu/ (Be still oh my soul)/ yesu ndiye ngaro yangu (Christ is my defender)/
Go (Buy Audio) Written By Kanjii Mbugua, Mwendwa Mbugua, Neema Ntalel
My daddy left my mummy when I was only three/ I grew up thinking the reason of their break up was me/ Mummy was hurting/ Me I don’t deserve this/ The pain I felt never seemed to end/ Nobody told me I was pretty/ At school they all laughed at me/ Saying poor little girl she won’t amount to much/ It was no surprise when I compromised/ When the boys came looking for something else/ All they found was an empty shell/ Now just the other day my mummy passed away/ And I finally went to church/ I met this man this beautiful man who said/
I see your tears and I feel your pain/ It’s never too late for you to mean something/ You are beautiful/ I made you wonderful/ To me your everything/ lying on the ground is not your destiny/ One line of a verse could not be poetry/ I created you to fly/ get up and go…
My life was great I grew up right/ Had everything that I could ever need/ Everybody said I would end up great/ Top pf my class/ Top pf my class/ Nobody told me I was a failure/ Always pet of my teacher/ On the rugby field I was something/ But deep inside I was hurting/ Now it’s 3 babies later/ No ring on my finger/ I can’t explain why I am this way/ Now just last week my baby mama passed away and I finally went to church/ I met this man this beautiful man who said/
I see your tears and I feel your pain/ It’s never too late for you to mean something/ You are a High Priest created you mighty/ To me you are everything/ Lying on the ground is not your destiny/ One live of a verse could not be poetry/ I created you to fly, get up and go…
Answer (Buy Audio) Written By Kanjii Mbugua, Aaron Rimbui
Answer
Written By Kanjii Mbugua and Aaron Rimbui
Down escalator going up/ The stress inside is getting tough/ I’m reaching up I can’t get out/ Stuck in this merry go round/
I don’t know what I can do/ So I say a prayer to you/ How I hope that you come through/ Then you answer…
Two steps forward three steps back/ I’m a stranger in this lonely path/ Fine outside and dying within/ I wish you wouldn’t look right in/
I don’t know what I can do/ So I say a prayer to you/ How I hope that you come through/ Then you answer…
I am your Father/ You are my child/ I am the source of everything and/ I will provide when I decide/ Just stay in my will for you I will fight/ I will answer…
He Is Here (Buy Audio) Written By Kanjii Mbugua, Aaron Rimbui
Hold on my brother/ It won’t be long/ He is in the silence/ He’s the still voice/
Wipe your eyes my sister/ It won’t be long/ He’ll wrap his arms around you/ He’ll dry your teary face/
The storm is ranging round you/ And all seems lost/ He will be your comfort/ You can count on His word/ The one who is the same/ Yesterday, today/ The one is forever/ Forever the same/
He is here/ He is here/ The one who raised the dead and calmed the storm/ He is here/ He is here/ Who walked on the water He is here/
So now we raise our voice/ To the healer of our soul He is here/
Adiós is Spanish for “goodbye” or “farewell”. Literally translated, the word is the contraction of “a” (to) and “Dios” (God), from the old Spanish phrase “A Dios vais” (”You’re going to God”, meaning to the Kingdom of Heaven), which appears in the novel Don Quixote. It is roughly equivalent to the English phrase “Godspeed” or “Go with God” (”Vaya con Dios”).
Produced By Ben “Gitxx” Gitau
Video By Prince of GNPI-Africa
http://www.Kenyandownloads.com/Astar (BUY ADIOS)
Letting It Go (Album Coming Soon)
Adios is the 2nd single off Astar upcoming sophomore album titled, “letting It Go”. This crunk-rock mash-up was produced by Ben “Gitxx” Gitau and the video by Prince Makaya of GNPI-Africa. Prince is responsible for Astar’s KORA Nominated video “In The Name Of Jesus” as well as the debut single “Letting It Go”, titled “Songa” which has already received a 2010 Groove Nomination.
Adios (Lyrics)
He’s got a rope around his neck nope it ain’t a tie/ He’s at the end of his rope he says he’s ready to die/ So many questions why/ He sent the pope an email but didn’t get a reply/ He’s now addicted to the coke… and I ain’t speaking about the bottle/ Do stars really fall/ Does God really speak will he answer my call/ Pop went the King/ Michael/ Stand Up/ Bernie passed on that’s a reason to cry/ Steve Harvey crossed over that’s a reason to smile/ I’m just trying to join the dots before I say my goodbye/ Trying to fill the pot holes for the people that follow/ trying to stay the narrow path so I can see tomorrow/ Leave a legacy of a life lived righteous light out I’m gone please keep playing my songs/ Adios I’m home time to start a new chapter/ Hopefully you and I can get to kick it after…/
Time to put the mic down/
Time to switch the light out/
The final curtain falls have you given it your all when the bell rings it’s home-time I’m all ready to go now…
Adios Papa…
Adios Mama…
Adios Dada…
Adios Brother…
Undercover James Bond I’m a snipper on stage/ On assignment got a mission to complete before my next stage/ rapping ain’t a hobby/ I’m using it for glory - HIS/ we taking over this biz/ we influencing the kids/ for the positive the broom in my hand/ the mission too impossible for man/ with God/ the vision attainable we cleaning up the airwaves/ CTA (haaaaaaa) fresh like an airwaves/ when I’m gone/ when I’m under/ when I’m finally home/ looking down from the sky at my kid’s kids grown/ no porn no vulgar on song/ no lies or deciet no acceptance of wrong/ I’m trying to leave a legacy of a life lived righteous lights out I’m gone please keep playing my songs/ Adios I’m home trying to start a new chapter/ hopefully you and I can get to kick it after…
They say don’t jinx yourself don’t rap about your last breath/ I say it’s stupid of me not to talk about death/ We all have a close somebody that we said bye/ We all came into this world and will one day die/ No lie I let it out let the truth be told/ I made it past the finish line I’m wearing the gold/ My soul done left my body I’m in heaven have a party no tears/ pump it up blow the speakers let the fans cheers/ Making music with David/ Beat boxing with Moses/ Cipher freestyling with Jesus/ VIP access the nails on the cross/ That’s the reason why I made it across/ I hope I left a legacy of a life lived righteous lights out I’m gone please keep playing my songs/ Adios I’m home time to start a new chapter/ Hopefully you and I can get to kick it after…
I had to upload this video clip! I (Astar) am currently working on my sophomore album titled, “Letting It Go“. Anyway on the album there’s this jam called “Public Apology” and it features the mukurino himself “Allan Aaron”. This dude completely shocked me… yaaaannniii!!! He’s cut from a different cloth! Extremely talented and different in his recording style! His energy… his harmony arrangement… whhhatttt!! This is most definately going to be a BIG TUNE!! Ejoyyyy!!
Adiós is Spanish for “goodbye” or “farewell”. Literally translated, the word is the contraction of “a” (to) and “Dios” (God), from the old Spanish phrase “A Dios vais” (”You’re going to God”, meaning to the Kingdom of Heaven), which appears in the novel Don Quixote. It is roughly equivalent to the English phrase “Godspeed” or “Go with God” (”Vaya con Dios”).
Astar - Adios (Sample) - Download Produced By Ben “Gitxx” Gitau Video By Prince of GNPI-Africa
Kijiji Records 2010 - Coming Soon
http://www.Kenyandownloads.com/Astar
Adios is the 2nd single off Astar upcoming sophomore album titled, “letting It Go”. This crunk-rock mash-up was produced by Ben “Gitxx” Gitau and the video by Prince Makaya of GNPI-Africa. Prince is responsible for Astar’s KORA Nominated video “In The Name Of Jesus” as well as the debut single “Letting It Go”, titled “Songa” which has already received a 2010 Groove Nomination.
Too Good - Dee
Written By Diana “Dee” Nduba
Produced By Bill Sellanga of Just A Band
Video By Mbithi Masya
Choreography By Kevin “K1″ Maina Join My Facebook Page -http://www.facebook.com/pages/DEE/117174001642496
Kijiji Records
My debut solo song…yuppiieee!!! Please check it out coz i’m puttin myself out thea n u think i’m cool=)
Depression: I’m too good for that!
Fear : I’m too good for that!
Anxiety : I’m too good for that!
DIET PILLS: BROTHER PLEASE!!!!!
All these things call out our names every now and then but we’re far TOO GOOD to let them weigh us down! Over the years (all 22 of them) I’ve realized that there’s always going to be opportunities for people to feel like worthless pieces of junk that will never do anything worth writing home about.
Just the other day I was at a shoot for an ad and let’s just say I’ve gained a few….lets say inches, with the merriment of Christmas and Easter….which is perfectly normal right? (as I console myself) So my agent was acting like I was the most obese black rhino he had ever seen and I felt like a hideous toad next to the super size zero hottie I was posing with. Now that left me a bit scarred and as I licked the wounds of my battered self esteem later that day, I was reminded that the best way to shake that kind of dirt off my shoulder is to know who God made me to be: a conqueror, an over-comer, a light and that’s more than what was being asked of me at that lousy shoot!
Moral of this story, don’t let this world put you down, go ahead and shine because you’re TOO GOOD to settle for anything less. We’ve been given the right to be called children of God; the Don himself is your dad and that’s HUGE! So whenever you feel like you don’t have what it takes, remember that you really don’t….only God does..
On and On - MC Dice
Video By Washamba Ltd
Full House Music/ NYNP (+254771030438)
fullhouserecords@gmail.com
“It’s been a long journey of trials and temptations. Ups and down, valleys and mountains but in all this, through guidance of the Holy Spirit the LORD has used me to echo His word in truth and spirit.
Through experiences, some disheartening and others discouraging, I have become stronger, wiser and better. Through his grace and his mercy, I have had the strength to go on and on… and this the song on and on! Despite the experiences we go through as Christians some wish make is kill our dreams and hopes, I have come out here as a voice of truth to encourage you, my brother my sister to go hard for the Lord. For the race is not finished, the battle is not over not the testimony complete, God is with you.
Do not kill the seed God has planted in you, it’s just a matter of time before it sprouts out to being hope and serve the purpose it was intended for. Just believe and trust Him. Thank you for your support.”
MC Dice
MWAPI Entertain/Meant
Music With A Positive Influence (Join Our Facebook Group)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8377903863
Mine is a story of transformation from the peasant to the princess. I stepped on to the scene as a rapper who worked her way up the ranks. Initially with Sync Sound, I moved on to work with various urban producers when the studio fell through.Not too eager to make a name for myself, I was always involved on her friend’s projects.Some of the people she worked with included, Edu gee(currently of Blackstar ent), Edinary(C-bash band) Bamboo and Soulchild.
I studied Business Administration but still had an unquenchable love for music.I got my biggest break when I did a remake of Bamboo’s song compe.This song made Kenya crazy.I kept doing music and was looking forward to doing a collabo with guess who….Nonini!!
But that did not come to fruition because not too long after that I got born again.The truth was that I had become pretty reckless and my life was exactly that-A Train wreck.I was quickly crashing into a brick wall..with all the partying,lavish living,alcohol and boys-they had become the centre of my life.This helped to hide a Michelle who was broken and hiding the fact that I had some painful things I was running away from .
In true Proverbs 22:6 style, I could not depart from the way in which I’d been raised.I knew that I could only find solace in God and in April 2006, i did exactly that.
Then my life began again.Now i’m on that path to being the great person that I was born to be.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43: 18-19)
Written by Charles Righa, David Muthami and Daniel “SJ Sparrxx” Lanco
Additional Vocals By David Muthami
Produced By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
Now all has been heard; here is teh conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 & 12:13)
Written by Charles Righa
Produced By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing t God - this is your spiritual act of worship (Romans 12;1)
Written by Charles Righa
Additional Vocals By Kanjii Mbugua, Mwendie Mbugua & Carol Atemi
Additional Production and Vocal Arrangement by Aaron “Kruical” Rimbui
Produced By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji records 2007
4. Go feat. hip Hope - Astar, Juliani, Michelle and Cii (Download)
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 18-20)
Written by Charles Righa, Richard Njau, michelle Kwambo, Julius Owino and David Muthami
Additional Vocals By Ciiru Karanja
Produced By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9.25)
Written by Charles Righa
Produced By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17.3)
Written by Charles Righa
Additional Vocals By Diana “Dee” Nduba
Produced By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep war. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one my be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12)
Written by Charles Righa & Richard Njau
Additional Vocals By Diana “Dee” Nduba
Produced By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
He will bless those who fear the LORD - small and great alike. (Psalm 115:13, Psalm 10)
Written by Charles Righa
Live Guitar By Isaac Ogila
Produced By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
For everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saves. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heart? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? And it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news! (Romans 10:13-15) Written by Charles Righa
Additional Vocals By Diana “Dee” Nduba
Produced By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
12. Who Am I feat. Neema (Download) - Dedicated to my mom
The King David went in and sat before the LORD and he said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, O God you, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men, O LORD God. (1st Chronicles 17: 16-17)
Written by Charles Righa & Neema Ntalel
Produced By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21/ James 3:1-12)
Written by Charles Righa & David Muthami
Produced By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Additional Vocals By Ciiru “Cii” Karanja
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. (Romans 4:17-21)
Written by Charles Righa
Produced and Arranged By Aaron “Kruical” Rimbui
Additional Vocals By Kanjii Mbugua
Mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make river flow on barren heights, and springs withing the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and parched ground into springs. I will put int he desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set pines in the wasteland, and fir and the cypress together, so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it. (Isaiah 41:17-20) Written by Charles Righa
Guest Appearances By Kijiji Family and Friends
Produced By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
Priase the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. (Psalm 146: 1-2)
Written by Charles Righa
Produced By Ambrose Akwabi of Mandugu Digital
Additional Production By David “BlackMan” Muthami
Arranged and mixed by David Muthami
Kijiji Records 2007
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Rigga - The Awakening
“Yo, I met this brother while I was journeying to Nairobi, Kenya at a youth conference. This guy is a rock solid Christian dude that is as real in person as he is on CD. Definately support his awesome ministry…” (Jamar Dawson)
For the typical fan, Hip-Hop music conjures up certain imagery - a tough as nails demeanor, a pompous arrogance, a ragged look, and often a one-dimensional sound. Well, pick up Rigga’s creative new debut, The Awakening, and you realize those are nothing but empty misconceptions.
This soft-spoken multi-lingual rapper is unafraid to be modest and unassuming, as he fills the album with stacks of vertical music - a greater majority of the songs find the artist speaking not to you or me, but directly to God. He graciously allows us a window into his conversations. As such, The Awakening could easily be referred to as a collection of urban prayers. The Christian person will no doubt enjoy this album’s content.
Review
But don’t be fooled, Rigga will bowl you over with his an uncompromising approach when he needs to. Take the title track for instance. This three-minute intro is a brilliant hard-hitting cypha that announces it well –quality hip-hop record underway! More hardnosed jams that true hip-hop head will bounce to include Life and Without You. The former finds Rigga musing over hard beats, wondering where his life would be without the love of God in it. The latter’s laid back West-Coast flow is a throwback to the 90’s Gospel Funk of groups such as Christsyde and Mr. Real. Cleverly switching sides is the East-Coast influenced He Is (interlude) – think early Grits albums.
But The Awakening smoothes out beautifully, with enough crossover material to broaden the record’s appeal. Ibaada and Mabadiliko are great examples. Arguably the sweetest single to come out of the Kijiji Records stable, Ibaada is packed with heavy-hitters, including Chizi on the hook, as well as Kanjii and Atemi Oyungu on additional background vocals. In similar vein is Mabadiliko, a smooth-as-silk sweet-as-honey pearl that features the sultry voiced Votaries’ front-man Brian King. Usually, we’d advise you prepare the repeat button, though some start-stop banter by a mish-mash of Rigga’s friends holds it back a little.
By and large, the record is produced by David “Blackman” Muthami, (though Mandugu Digital’s Ambrose chips in with the previously released Sifa, and Aaron Rimbui contributes Amini, an afro-leaning track that is totally misplaced, both stylistically and content-wise – the obvious influence of an Afro-centric production house on a young hip-hopper). Back to the producer. Blackman does an admirable job of adding some sweet spice to the record. Take Go, for instance. Featuring the highly talented hip-hope trio of Juliani, Astar and Michelle, its playful ragga beat showcase a producer expanding his repertoire. It helps that each MC on Go, especially Michelle and Rigga himself, hold it down beautifully. I could easily hear a remix with the likes of The Chiefs or Daddy Owen on it. Only a weak hook prevents Go from being the album’s biggest hit.
Kanye West’s popularity shot threw the roof when he began incorporating pitched-up vocal samples from soul music into his work. Know You might not have an 80’s sample, but its pitched-up hook, layered on a tight beat beautifully compliments Rigga’s desire to know his Heavenly Father more. The Tongue is brilliant. And very clever. It has spaced out electronic sounds very reminiscent of a Timbaland joint. It doesn’t hurt that Rigga drops some keepers on it. Peep this:
“With the same mouth mi nitasema mi nimeokoka, the same tongue, kwa ma-manzi nawaroga,
Kiburi, maringo, na kusengenyana, matusi, maovu na kudanganyana,
Ulimi huo huo nitamsifu bwana, then I wonder why maombi yanaumana”
Other tracks on the record include Friend Indeed featuring Astar, the reggae-infused You Are God featuring Kanjii and the charming and evangelistic This Is For You.
Bottom Line
All up Rigga’s The Awakening is a great debut. It is obviously top-heavy with Kijiji personnel, a blessing and a curse (this team, though talented, can become a little repetitive when regularly featuring on each others’ projects). Still, outside of a producer whose repeated ad libs we can do without, there is nothing lackluster about this effort – Rigga barely puts a foot wrong. With one of the cleanest hip-hop flows and a real knack for crafting his yearnings for God into hit songs, dare I say The Awakening is one of the top hip-hop albums of the past year or so, Gospel or otherwise.
