By Sally Sue

“Growing up in Kibera changed my outlook on issues and life in general, coz we all know it’s not the most hospitable of places…at least to people that don't know much about it.”

Kayvo grew up in the sprawling Kibera, and this helped open his eyes to many of life’s issues early on. He does not live there anymore, but he is always ‘in the hood’, its almost as if he never left at all.

One of his life’s dreams is to put Kibera permanently on the music and arts map; there exists a lot of potential, especially among young people there, but they have very few resources to see their dreams turn into reality.

“My biggest inspiration must be the hood I grew up in because it kind of molded me into what I am today, that’s why I gotta represent Kibera namba nane in all my records.”

He started the group K-force that is made up of rappers as well as artists of other trades such as the visual graphic designers and graffiti artists.

When he first started out, he chose to go underground because he thought that mainstream production houses would not understand or relate to what he was going through at the time. Only underground producers felt the hunger and will in him to express himself freely.

“Being an underground [artist] wasn't the best time of my career because in Kenya people tend to underestimate ones potential. I remember this one time [though] I was mobbed by high school fellas in town and bought our 1st mix tape coz I was hawking it, and they asked me to autograph each copy…they were like seventy guys!

“I believe different producers bring out different sides of an artist thus helping one to grow because you experience different sounds and broaden your perspective as an artist. I must say [I] am not where I was a couple of years ago, at least now people know Kayvo and what [I] am all about.”

Kayvo knows he has a distinct sounds; he seldom complies to the rules and norms of our local hip-hop scene.
 “I try as much as I can to get through to my people, but at the same time I try to reach an international audience…so I rap in Swahili, English & Sheng. I also tend to put my views and opinions above everything else because I can't represent people before I represent myself.”

He chose the title ''Nare'' for his new album simply because he believes he is on fire, and because the mix tape is “blazing hot”.

“My most inspired lyrics must be on the record ''Yeyusha'' because I kind of summarized my feelings on music related issues on that one record. Making the album was a really memorable experience because Dj Cecil and I shared a rare connection and we were both coming up, plus he's a really talented guy… the mix tape says it all.

“ ''Death wish'' is simply aimed at those who thought I’d never make anything out of my rap skills, and [is] a warning to those who oppose the force…they are making a death wish.”
 

Be sure to look out for samples of Kayvo’s music on Haiya!

Up coming Gigs

K-force is set to perform in the upcoming Rift Valley Festival that will take from 26th-28th March in Naivasha.

Click here to find more about the Rift Valley Festival