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Tag: Khaligraph Jones

  • Khaligraph Jones blows up chart with new album

    Khaligraph Jones blows up chart with new album

    Award-winning rapper Khaligraph Jones is celebrating his new album becoming one of the top albums in Kenya.

    The album, The Book of Jones, is currently at number 3 on the iTunes Kenyan chart alongside Playboi Carti, Partynextdoor and Drake, Ariana Grande and Lil Durk.

    Celebrating the album being in the top 10, on Sunday, Jones thanked his fans for the support and urged them to continue streaming.

    The rapper also shared a video of himself performing one song from the album for his family at his newly built mansion.

    “Had a chance to perform “Family” for the 1st time from the Book of Jones Album ft Timmy Blanco and it was a blessing. Keep on streaming the album and thank you for the Support.” Jones shared.

    The album, which was released on Friday, features a number of Kenyan artists including Nyashinski, Timmy Blanco, Silverstone Barz, Abbas Kubaff and Dyana Cods.

    The album also features the popular track, “Khali Cartel 5”, the sixth single from the album, released in March.

    The almost 12-minute track showcases a diverse lineup of East African rap talents, including Jakk Quill, Ruyonga, Fresh like Uhh and Mex Cortez.

    Veteran Kenyan rapper Abbas Kubaff, renowned for his influential role in shaping Kenya’s rap scene in the early 2000s, features on this track, bringing a nostalgic yet fresh energy to the cypher.

    “Khali Cartel” is a series of cyphers initiated six years ago, which Jones has said previously, has been instrumental in spotlighting emerging rap talents from East Africa, not just Kenya.

  • Abbas Kubaff features on Khali Cartel 5

    Abbas Kubaff features on Khali Cartel 5

    Kenyan hip-hop legend Abbas Kubaff has made a return to the spotlight by featuring in Khaligraph Jones’ latest cypher, “Khali Cartel 5.”

    The almost 12-minute track, released on Thursday, March 6, showcases a diverse lineup of East African rap talents, including Jakk Quill, Ruyonga, Fresh like Uhh, Dyana Cods, and Mex Cortez.

    Abbas Kubaff, renowned for his influential role in shaping Kenya’s rap scene in the early 2000s, brings a nostalgic yet fresh energy to the cypher. Additionally, his feature bridges the gap between different generations of Kenyan hip-hop, similar to Chiwawa’s appearance in Khali Cartel 3 and also highlights Kenya’s rap evolution over the years.

    The “Khali Cartel” series, initiated six years ago, has been instrumental in spotlighting emerging rap talents and the fifth installment is no different, featuring artists from East Africa, not just Kenya.

    Prior to the video’s release, Jones wrote on X, “The whole of East Africa has been represented.”

    Previous cyphers have featured artists such as Span KOB, Don Jowlz, Petra, Sagini, Steph Kapella, Twenny Eights, Timmy Blanco, Katapilla, Xtatic, Bey T, Breeder LW, Silverstone Barz and Rekles.

    According to Khaligraph Jones, also known as Brian Ouko Robert, the cyphers have been a way for him to use his platform to mentor and promote upcoming rappers, fostering growth within the East African hip-hop community.

    The release of “Khali Cartel 5” has sparked conversations among Kenyan fans, with many praising the cypher’s dynamic composition and the seamless blend of veteran and emerging artists. However, some fans have said it didn’t offer anything different from the other cyphers.

    In a humorous response to the criticism, Jones asked content creator and celebrity chef Ombachi to begin writing his verse in the Gusii language.

    “Okay, the next one tutaimba na Kikisii, @ombachi13 anza kuandika verse.” Jones tweeted.

    Watch the cypher below.

  • Khaligraph Jones, Nikita Kering’ release remix to “Ex” for Coke Studio

    Khaligraph Jones, Nikita Kering’ release remix to “Ex” for Coke Studio

    Renowned Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones and award-winning singer, songwriter Nikita Kering’ have released their first collaboration on the track “Ex” for Coke Studio.

    The two will be representing Kenya in Global Coke Studio this season. The two were introduced during a colourful ceremony held in Nairobi.

    The song is the remix of Nikita Kering’s popular single of the same name. This version offers a beautiful fusion of Khaligraph’ s rap and Nikita’s angelic vocals, providing a new and unique musical experience for fans of the duo.

     

    “Through this collision, we have witnessed a convergence of stories, styles, and the very soul of Kenyan music. It’s a reminder that our music is diverse, powerful, and unites us all, regardless of our backgrounds,” said Miriam Limo, Coca-Cola’s Senior Head of Marketing Kenya, while addressing Coke Studio fans at the exclusive listening party held for the launch.

    This year marks the second season in which Coke Studio has adopted a global approach, featuring a different format. Under this format, there are no staged live performances, no electronic spins on nostalgic hits, and no weekly episodes presenting a variety of songs.

    Instead, Coke Studio has taken an ‘always-on’ approach with the introduction of cokestudio.com, a web-based platform by Coca-Cola. This platform provides exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content and new music releases from our partner artists, showcasing a diverse mix of global, regional, and local talent.

    “Over the past 75 years, the Coca‑Cola Company’s global music strategy has evolved to foster partnerships that benefit artistes, fans, and its brands alike. We continue to work with the music industry more as partners to create elevated, music-driven content, storytelling and experiences that reflect how fans are consuming content and engaging with the music and artistes they love,” said Caleb Ajidahun, Franchise Director Coca-Cola Company.

    Coca-Cola’s “Real Magic” brand philosophy celebrates the magic of human connection and the belief that our differences make the world a richer and more interesting place.

    Throughout this season, fans can access Coke Studio content through a “Drink. Scan. Enjoy” on-pack activation. 

    In line with Coke Studio’s strategy to engage with Gen Z, who are predominantly online and in digital platforms, Wi-Fi hotspots have been strategically deployed across the country. Fans need to input the code under the cap of their Coke bottles to activate the Wi-Fi and enjoy exclusive Coke Studio content.

    Since its inception in 2017, Coke Studio has established a strong presence in Kenya and has now expanded into a global phenomenon, poised to facilitate even greater consumer engagement. During this season, audiences will continue to engage with Coke Studio through increased partnerships with festivals, listening parties, and campus tours across the country to further connect with fans.