His highly rotated late-2005 debut single, "Mjanja" was heard on street corners, dancefloors, and internet connections worldwide and remains a major anthem in Kenya. The follow up single, "Wawero" and its high-spec video exceeded that success thus cementing his status in pan-Africa as an artist with serious intent. Any remaining doubts on that were fully eradicated upon release of his superb and highly acclaimed album.
The Biography of Wawesh
The multi-talented, hungry, determined and enterprising young Kenyan immediately struck a chord with his initial offerings. His highly rotated late-2005 debut single, "Mjanja" was heard on street corners, dancefloors, and internet connections worldwide and remains a major anthem in Kenya. The follow up single, "Wawero" and its high-spec video exceeded that success thus cementing his status in pan-Africa as an artist with serious intent. Any remaining doubts on that were fully eradicated upon release of his superb and highly acclaimed album.
“It’s Meant To Be” is a collection of outstanding songs that depict his life, experiences and thoughts. The truly superb album is a multi-faceted audio display of smart, meaningful and heartfelt lyrics coupled with creatively detailed and meticulously crafted productions. Musically it borrows inspiration from a variety of sources including African folk, Afro-American Soul, Ethnic European Sounds and other usually overlooked sources.
In a period of just over a year WAWESH has accomplished more than what many young African artists achieve in their career. He was commissioned to contribute to a major BBC initiative (Africa Lives on the BBC/Africa 2005), become a firm favourite on BBC 1Xtra's DestiNation Africa (DNA) show, received regular rotation in clubs and interviewed at all the major radio networks in Kenya, had a number 1 video on MTV Base Africa (Wawero), featured on various TV shows, Playlisted on MTV Base Europe, performed in a variety of major shows in Kenya and Europe (Chaguo La Teenies, Afrolution, K’Naan Tour, Jamhuri Day UK, etc) co-founded Watu Wangu - a collective of Kenyan artists in Europe, attracted a sponsorship-deal from three clothing-lines including Jamhuri Wear (as endorsed by Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Akon), self-produced and executive produced his debut album, directed his most recent video (Wasanii), produced an award winning album nominated for a Grammy Award, filmed a documentary on his spiral life and tribulations, etc.
2007 promises to be an even bigger year for WAWESH as he presents his album to the rest of the world and stretches out his international outreach. With invitations for various international shows, collaborative projects and more musical plus visual offerings it will indeed be a busy year. Fortunately WAWESH has an unquestionably relentless and unretiring work ethic. He is fully committed to maintain - and increase, the many people his recordings have touched and the adoration his musical output has so far attained him. He is passionate about his music and its message, and refuses to be swayed into joining the current crop of many emerging artists doing the 'same ole same ole'. With his feet remaining firmly on the ground he promises to always, "bring something hot and fresh, yet, sincere and thought-provoking". Originally appeared in Wawesh.
|
|
|
HIP-HOP 
(0 vote)