Kenya’s most legendary music producers.
The Kenyan music scene is at a vibrant point. Kenyan artists are experimenting with new things, setting trends and even winning international awards. However, the truth is that the industry wouldn’t be where it is without the input of producers. We give you a list of Nairobi’s music production legends.
1. Ted Josiah
Ted Josiah is the resident producer at the Blu Zebra recording label (originally Audio Vault Studios) which he formed in 1999. In addition to having produced music for Necessary Noise, Gidi Gidi Maji Maji and other veteran Kenyan musicians, Ted Josiah is also the founder of the Kisima Awards.
Known to most as ‘Clemo’, the popular phrase “beat ya Clemo” refers to this man’s work in music production. Clemo is the co-founder Calif records. He has produced for the likes of Juacali, Nonini, Size-8, Mejja, Jimwatt and countless others.
Susan Gachukia is the brains behind Sub Sahara Limited. Her six year old studio was set up with the aim of meeting distribution problems that East African artists face. Sub Sahara is where Camp mulla recorded their tracks that eventually led to their BET nomination. Currently, former members of the group (Kus Ma, Shappaman and Tiri) are signed to Susan Gachukia’s label. Additionally, heavy weights such as Mercy Myra, Abbas, Neema Ntalel, Margaret Waitherero and a host of others claim Sub Sahara as their home.
4. Eric Musyoka
If you listen to a lot of P-Unit jams then you might have heard them say ‘Musyoks!’ or something along that line. Well, truth is they are talking about Musyoka. This genius producer was originally at Ogopa Djs before moving to Decimal where P Unit record. Decimal was also involved in the recording of some Just A Band’s work.
Remember Tusker Project Fame? Glad you do, now Rkay is the dreadlocked man that sat on the directors/teachers panel. In addition to teaching at TPF, Rkay has also worked with the likes of Oliver Mtukudzi, Ameleena, Prezzo and Saana. Robbert Kamanzi is behind the firm Ingoma and has a been a big supporter of new artists for the 12 years he has been in the industry.
nynke says:
Hi, I’m looking for a music producer to record a song I wrote. It’s a ballad song, I like to accompany it by main instrument piano. On the internet I can only find producers of reggae and hiphop alike styles, not say style of Adele for example. The melody, chords and lyrics are there, but the arrangement is not there yet. Do you know somebody who can help me with the recording, arrangement and mastering? Regards, Nynke
Robertson says:
Hi there i’m glad to have a glimpse of the best producers in Nairobi, i like to find a producer to really master a produce a hard sweet roots vibe which will rock the world. kindly advice. Regards.