3 Strategies That’ve worked for Khaligraph in Pushing Kenyan Hip-hop to the World

[Image Source: Khaligraph Jones Instagram]

By Brian Sikulu

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Kenyan Hip-hop music has earned the attention of the world thanks to Khaligraph's recent collaboration with Canadian rapper Dax. The two collaborated on a song dubbed 'Hiroshima'. 'Hiroshima' is track number 16 on Khaligraph's new 'Invisible Currency' album. Although the world may have learned of Kenya's growing Hip-hop industry after Khaligraph's collaboration, Hip-hop in Kenya has been a consistently growing genre.

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Various stakeholders in the music industry have played their roles in ensuring the genre gets its rightfully deserved respect and class. The main stakeholders when it comes to promoting Kenyan Hip-hop music are artists. Although Hip-hop in Kenya is not as popular as other genres such as Gengetone and Bongo, there are key musicians who have stood by the genre until now that it can fairly compete in the market. Some of those artists include; Nyashinski, Khaligraph Jones, King Kaka, Wakadinali, Khaligraph, and many others.

Of all the Kenyan Hip-hop artists; the one who has stood out when it comes to popularizing Kenyan Hip-hop music at the international front is Khaligraph. The self-proclaimed OG has expanded the market for his music beyond the borders of Kenya, and in so doing, created awareness of the growing Kenyan Hip-hop music. While a section of fans believe that Khaligraph's American-like accent may have contributed to his global success, there are three other main strategies that have made the Kayole-born rapper to be an international sensation.

Collaborations with foreign musicians

Khaligraoph is currently riding high with his 'Invisible Currency' in which he featured top artists within and out of the continent. Some of the foreign artists that have been featured in the album include; Nigerian singer Rude Boy on 'Ride for You', Canadian rapper Dax on 'Hiroshima', and Tanzanian star Alikiba on 'Wanguvu'. The rapper has cultivated a culture of working with foreign artists for a while now.

In January 2021, Khaligraph Jones teamed up with legendary rapper Sarkodie and released ‘Wavy’ which became an instant hit. In October the same year, Khaligraph was featured by Rwandese artist Bruce Melody on the song 'Sawa Sawa' that has so far earned close to 2 million views on YouTube. In the same month, Khaligraph was also featured on Alikiba's 'Only One King' album on the song 'Habibty'. Other foreign artists who have also worked with Khaligraph include; Christian Bella on 'Ollah', Country Boy, and S2kizy on 'Wanaona Haya' among many others.

Nomination at Continental and International Awards

In 2018, Khaligraph won the Best Hip-hop Act at the AFRIMMA awards which were held in Dallas Texas. In 2020, Khaligraph Jones was nominated at reputable international awards such as the BET in the category of Africa’s Best Hip-hop act. In the same year, Khaligraph defeated some of the African legendary Hip-hop artists like Sarkodie and won the Soundcity MVP award in the Best in Hip-hop category. In 2021, Khaligraph Jones was crowned the East African Rapper of the Year at the MTN Uganda Hip-hop Awards, beating giants like Nyashinski, King Kaka, and Femi One.

Shooting Music Videos and Performing Abroad

Khaligraph has also extended his activities into foreign countries and expanded his fan base. The 'Mazishi' hit maker has performed at major events in foreign countries. Khaligraph was also recently in Dubai where he shared photos and videos of what is expected to be an upcoming video for his song. Khaligraph's consistency in the production of music and open mindset to work with foreign artists has strengthened his career and made him one of the most successful rappers in Africa.