EXCLUSIVE: From Kenya to the World, the Cosmic Hommies Fast Rise to Global Recognition #BubblingUnder

They seemed to have popped up out of nowhere kind of like ‘the Big Bang’, which I guess is a fitting analogy seeing as they call themselves the Cosmic Homies (with one ‘M’ not two, as I learned during our exclusive interview).

The group of four which is formed as we all know by two former Camp Mulla members, Taio (now going by the name Thee MC Afrika) and Ms. Karun teamed up with the talented Ms. Marushka and Joseph Kiwango.

And just like their band name, their music you could say is out of this world. Sort of reminds of Just A Band when they first came up, their music didn’t get much support here at home but beyond the borders they were respectable and over time Kenyans got on the band wagon.

Just like Just A Band, it seemed that they’ve pretty much established themselves beyond the borders of Kenya, more than within them with their recent appearance on the lineup of one of the biggest music festivals in the world, South by South West (SXSW) just last month.

It is a feat that no other Kenyan group has achieved before and just so you don’t downplay how big this is, only the biggest names from Africa were selected to perform this year among them the just signed Nigerian Sony artist Davido. 

So recently we got a chance to talk with the Cosmic Homies themselves to find out more about this mysterious youngsters who appeared out of nowhere and seem to be changing the music landscape in Kenya with their ‘otherworldly sound.’

Q: What is the reason/meaning/inspiration behind the name 'Cosmic Homies'?

COSMIC HOMIES: We were collaborating & vibing in TAIO's studio and all agreed that we felt like individual stars/planets grouped together in one constellation in the night sky. Illuminated beings coming together through darkness, to shine light. Someone explained the feeling by saying we were "Cosmic Homies" and the name stuck. It encompasses everything we feel about indigo children releasing the fear, shame & secrecy attached to our community. We hope to symbolize a new era of consciousness on the planet. Woke souls alive on Earth, raising the collective vibration by speaking truth & spreading love.

Q: Who are some of your musical influences?

COSMIC HOMIES: Kendrick Lamar, Haitus Kaiyote, Anderson Paak, Odd Future, The Soulquarians. 

Q: Any challenges you've had considering your sound isn't what Kenyans are used to?

COSMIC HOMIES: Not any more challenges than Just A Band/Blinky Bill had when they began... It's always going to be a bit challenging when you don't blindly conform to society. 

Q: Take us through your process of making music

COSMIC HOMIES: Chilling together. Laughing. Sharing vibes. Playing. Adventuring within. Exploring the power of sound. Manifesting dreams. 

Q: How did you guys feel when you heard you were going to perform at the SXSW?

COSMIC HOMIES: Grateful to represent Africa.

Q: What did it mean for Cosmic Hommies musical career?

COSMIC HOMIES: The start of a USA tour entitled "From Kenya To The World" powered by official media partner WGLIVE.TV & Cosmic Homies Records. 

Q: When should we (your fans) expect new music/album from you guys?

COSMIC HOMIES: A recently released preview of our upcoming work is available now on soundcloud.com/cosmic-homies & the full work is scheduled to be released Summer 2016. 

Q: Who are you planning on working with in Kenya and internationally?

COSMIC HOMIES: In Kenya, EA Wave, Saint Evo 'The Myth,' Yellow Light Machine... We are grateful to have worked with pioneer Blinky Bill, sound genius Wanyoike Kimani/Square Down Studios & the rising rap kid Twenny8s. Internationally, with the sultan of swag Owuor Arunga, the magical Jojo Abot, the prestigious Berklee College of Music & the California king DJ/Producer "JAWA." 

Q: 5 things your fans don't know about Cosmic Homies?

COSMIC HOMIES:

1. It is spelled Cosmic Homies - not with extra M's or Z's or other things. 
2. We all like to drink tea