In our upcoming July issue — GEN WTFY — UP had the chance to interview the four stars who make up the intergalactic sensation of Cosmic Homies. Fresh off their ‘From Kenya to The World’ tour (#FKTW) the Homies shared their inspiration, goals and what makes them a part of #NuNairobi. Our issue’s out this week so here’s a chance to introduce yourself to these UP & Comers as individuals before you read all about them as a creative cosmic collective.
TAIO: Thee MC Africa @TAIOKenya
RAPPER, SINGER/SONGWRITER, DJ/PRODUCER, RADIO HOST, MC from Nairobi, Kenya.
TAIO was a founding member of EA super group ‘Camp Mulla’, which holds the distinction of being the first Kenyan Hip Hop group to ever be nominated for a BET Award. In 2014, alongside producer Jaaz Odongo, TAIO released a debut solo EP ‘ Man Made Machine’ that can be downloaded from mdundo and Waabeh. Aside from Cosmic Homies TAIO is currently making waves in Nairobi as a DJ & MC.
Marushka @marushkamusic
SINGER/SONGWRITER, DANCER, STYLIST/DESIGNER, FILMMAKER from LA, California.
Before moving to Kenya, Marushka had a stellar career back in LA where she has worked with a long list of celebrated and Grammy Award winning creatives worldwide, including producers Timothy Stewart (Lady GAGA) and Monte Neuble (Rihanna, Mary J.Blige). Currently Marushka has partnered with Vivo to release her latest music video “The In Between”, the first single from her upcoming mixtape “The Sky Hunter.”
Runkah @Runkah
VOCALIST, INSTRUMENTALIST, BEATMAKER/PRODUCER from Nairobi, Kenya.
An alum of Camp Mulla, when she was known as “Miss Karun”, Runkah has established an impressive rapport as a solo artist. Her first solo album “Sun & Moon” was personally supported by Uhuru Kenyatta, who called her an artist destined to make Africa Proud. Currently a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston she has been collaborating and performing with artists from across the world. Formally known as “Miss Karun” of the internationally acclaimed band, Camp Mulla, Runkah’s follow up solo album “Sun & Moon” debuted as a leading release in East Africa personally supported by Kenya’s president, who declared her an artist destined to make Africa proud.
Kiwango #kiwango
RAPPER/POET, SINGER/SONGWRITER, MODEL, ACTOR from Tanzania.
Kiwango is an indigo innovator and experimenter. Kiwango moved to Nairobi in 2014 and has collaborated with celebrated local producers and artists like Nu Fvnk, Ukweli and Blinky Bill. He often returns to Tanzania, intent on raising the profile of the music industry in his home country. Currently Kiwango is working on a co-branded line of merchandise with homie Marushka, set for launch in 2017.
Video credit: What’s Good Live
