Cartel Kenya, the President of Katenga Entertainment, is a man who has worked his way from infancy to being a heavyweight in the Kenyan music scene. The energy filled Katenga music is taking over our airwaves and the clubs making Cartel a force to reckon with. Charlene Kimara caught up with the Katenga Entertainment honcho and this is what he had to say.
When did you start music?
I started to rap while I was at Aquinas High School, Nairobi. At the time I
used to rap along to Poxi Presha who was a great influence to my musical art.
However, I ventured into Music professionally in 2007. I went to Maji Maji 4-Play
Records and recorded my first two songs Ma Yellow Yellow and Pressure.
How did you end up owning your own
recording house from being an artist at 4-Play records?
It was really difficult getting my footing into the industry. I felt like a
new born alone in a desert. Ma Yellow Yellow received a lukewarm reception however;
Pressure gave me my much desired break.
I joined Kamata Entertainment in late 2008, where I recorded the hit song
`Inakubambia Wapi`. This song peaked on the charts very fast and it solidified
my position in the game.
In 2010, I opened up Katenga Entertainment. I did this because I wanted to
be my own boss. The path at the beginning was very thorny but I always felt
that ``If others can do it, why not me? ``
Who is your biggest influence in music?
As I said before I started off by rapping along to Poxi Presha`s Otonglo Time and songs like Jaluo Jeuri. I was also influenced by 50
Cent. This was at a time that 50 Cent was the MVP in the rap game. I loved his
musical style while at the same time admired his entrepreneurial skills.
If you were to do a collaboration with any
artist, who would it be?
In the local music scene, I would love to work with Nyota Ndogo or Susanna
Owiyo. Internationally, D.J Cleo of
South Africa.
Any words for upcoming talent?
Get your own style. Be UNIQUE.
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