Veteran Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones met fast-rising artiste Kapitani outside an entertainment joint over the weekend and shared with him some eye-opening advice about his booming music career.
The conversation captured a moment of mentorship between an established hip-hop figure and a new sensation in the Kenyan music scene.
Khaligraph initiated the interaction by offering words of praise to the younger artiste. He acknowledged Kapitani's rapid rise and current influence in the industry.
Khaligraph said, "We are very happy yaani with everything, man." He added, "You are the biggest now, bana."
Outside the venue, Khaligraph highlighted the public attention surrounding Kapitani. He described how easily the young rapper commands an audience's energy in public settings.
Khaligraph stated, "Kapitani ndio inakula saa hii." He explained that the newcomer currently holds significant sway over music listeners.
Khaligraph illustrated this momentum using an observation about crowd responsiveness. He noted that even small actions by Kapitani draw an immediate reaction from fans.
Khaligraph remarked, "Saa hii hata ukikoa hapa hivi, kila mtu anainua mkono hivi anasema ndio hiyo yenyewe."
The Golden Rule: Representing Kayole Estate
The conversation shifted to advice regarding identity and cultural roots. Khaligraph urged Kapitani never to omit references to Kayole as his career progresses.
Khaligraph stressed that representing the Eastlands neighbourhood must remain a priority regardless of future success. He emphasised the importance of keeping the name of Kayole alive in song lyrics.
Khaligraph insisted, "Usikose kutaja Kayole, hata nini ikifanyika usikose kutaja Kayole."
Khaligraph Jones released the song "Kasayole" (featuring Timmy Tdat) on January 2018. The track is a high-energy anthem paying tribute to their respective neighborhoods in Nairobi—Timmy Tdat's upbringing in Baba Dogo/Kasabuni and Khaligraph's roots in Kayole.
Khaligraph stated, "Mimi naimba Kayole. Mimi nimekuwa nikiimba Kayole miaka zangu zote."
He explained that his commitment remained steady even when others stopped referencing the area.
Khaligraph concluded, "Hata watu wa Kayole wengine wanasema niliwaachanga, lakini mimi naimbanga Kayole kila mahali naenda."
Khaligraph Jones, born Brian Ouko Robert in 1990, grew up in the Kayole estate in Eastlands, Nairobi. Over a music career spanning more than 15 years, he built his reputation on street toughness and continuous loyalty to his hometown.
Meanwhile, Kapitani has recently achieved widespread popularity, with his music video CONTROL gathering over 3.5 million YouTube views and his single Safe crossing 1 million views in two weeks.
