We kick things off with a recap of Chris Kaiga’s show at Bar Next Door (6:18). Then, Joshua Baraka reveals he's actually Kenyan (13:10). We talk about strategy for musicians, using Bien’s latest PR run as an example (20:17). Next up, a review of the new collab from legends Nameless, Wyre, and Juacali (35:39), plus an update on Jesse Mwendwa’s grant win and the “Studio in a Can” project (39:26). We then close out with fresh music reviews (47:45).

Intro: Iyanii, Dufla - "Donjo Maber"

Pick of the Week: IkeN - "Delusional" produced by IkeN

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

We start the podcast with a round of Would You Rather (2:04). Then we dive into Ayo Lizer’s take on whether success in music industry is about popularity (14:45). After that, we talk about Bien and Matata’s performance at a show in France (35:29). Finally, we end with our takes on last weeks music releases (45:26).

Intro: Okello Max - "Taya" produced by Run

Pick of the Week: Ochungulo Family - "Mazone Wamejaa" produced by Kobby Worldwide

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

We begin with a recap of the Safari Oontz and Jägermeister Rituals show that took place over the weekend (10:06), then we talk about some of the Kenyan artists in Paris for the recent music festival and why some Kenyan artists with hits are unable to follow up with more (22:51) Next, we try and figure out why some of the legacy artists music isn't connecting (48:48), finally, we wrap the episode up with new music reviews and our pick of the week (54:45).

Intro: Cheruu, Modest Chabari - "Pewa" produced by Modest Chabari

Pick of the Week: Jairus Mola - "Erokamano"

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

This week’s episode kicks off with the Safari Oontz production camp that’s currently underway, leading a conversation about the role of songwriting and production camps (11:33). Next, are friends useful in the studio for artists careers? (31:34). We close things out with new music drops and our pick of the week! (51:22).

Intro: Moji Shortbabaa, Chris Clave - "No More" produced by Wuod Omollo

Pick of the Week: Miseda - "Fine Lady"

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

This episode kicks off with a discussion on Stoopid Boy’s recent interview and the broader topic of mental health in the artist community (7:34). We then explore whether hiding monthly listener and follower counts on Spotify could actually benefit artists’ mental well-being (20:46). Billboard is finally launching a dedicated platform for African music, why did it take so long? (35:25). Next up, ByteDance unveils a TikTok for artists (41:51). We wrap things up with new music reviews (46:56).

Intro: Maandy - "Kamini"

Pick of the Week: Asum Garvey, djprodluigi - "Sikutext Leo" produced by djprodluigi, Scott Scov

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

We start with a conversation about women in the music production space (3:16), then get into the recent drama in the Oontz community (10:38). Next, Njerae was named Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador for Africa this June (27:31). We also discuss the recent Kenya–US Creative Economy Summit (34:56), and wrap up with some new music reviews (45:32).

Intro: Khaligraph Jones - "Goshoree".

Pick of the Week: Treesha - "Run It " produced by Eclectic Prodz

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

This episode kicks off with a recap of the recent Three Truths One Lie podcast episode that got some reaction on social media, what’s better for artists: big social media and spotify numbers or fans who actually pay for shows? (6:33) We then touch on Bien’s appearance on The Breakfast Club (23:36), get into the current state of Shrap and why it’s tough for those artists to break into the mainstream (33:38), and wrap up with some thoughts on Sasha Keable coming to Kenya and what kind of collab could we see from her?

Intro: Nameless, Ywaya Tajiri - "Out Again" produced by GL

Pick of the Week: Jovie Jovv, Swahili Papi - "247 " produced by produced by Kellythagreat

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

This weeks episode begins with a little of what we have been paying attention to (4:50). Kaytranada hilariously found out he will be performing in Kenya at the same time we did, was the announcement a little early? (18:54). After that, Blankets and Wine's upcoming show line up was revealed, we go through the names and what we hope to see from it (36:28), finally we wrap up with new music releases (46:54).

Intro: Suzanna Owiyo, Pronce Indah - "Giri Giri" produced by Fredrick Wang'ombe

Pick of the Week: Joefes - "Jiji la Makata " produced by produced by Unspoken

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

This week's episode kicks off with an update on the William Getumbe vs. Kenya Film Classification Board case, where his song remains banned (7:48). Then, we dive into a conversation sparked by rapper Wangeci’s recent tweet hinting at a "Diddy of Kenya" in the industry (15:24). Next up, Blankets & Wine goes international with a show in the UK. We explore what this means in the context of ongoing conversations around Kenya’s event scene (27:00). We also touch on a few other topics, including a past RIKE workshop, an upcoming journalism writing one (36:12), and wrap it up with some new music reviews (42:37).

Intro: Nes Mburu, Bjorn Bonde - Uwongo" produced by Bjorn Bonde

Pick of the Week: We are Nubia, Zaituni Wambui - "Dnd" produced by Run

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

This week we have a talk about the algorithms. What exactly are they? (15:00), how do they work? 27:35), and how do they affect the music industry? (40:57). We then round up the episode with new music releases (57:22).

Intro: M. Rumbi, Muthoni Njoroge - "Goodbye Goldfish" produced by theNairobiNomad

Pick of the Week: Jason Sibi-Okumu - "This is My Life" produced by Jason Sibi-Okumu

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

We kick off today’s episode with a review of DJ Grauchi’s playlist curated for Apple Music’s Sounds of Africa campaign, Nairobi’s status as one of Africa’s top music cities, and what it will take for us to evolve beyond being a consumer destination (7:49). Then, we discuss Dan Aceda’s recent appointment to the KECOBO board and the positive impact of veteran artists stepping into leadership roles within the industry (54:56). Finally, we wrap up with a review of the latest music releases from the past week (57:12)

Intro: 8th Street Gang - "Unatak Nini" produced by PDP MuziQ254

Pick of the Week: ED'N'Ray, Idd Aziz - "Sillibo"

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

We begin by arguing for and against a Gorilla (2:37), after that, a conversation stems from Idd Aziz performing at Coachella, as we try to figure out if Spotify numbers matter in the KE music scene (8:45). Next, we dive into the state of Kenyan Hip Hop and ask, is it dead? (32:23), the Next Super Star talent search show was announced (46:37), and end with our weekly spotlight on new music releases (50:24).

Intro: Bien, Suldaan Seeraar - "Safari" produced by Jamal Abbas

Pick of the Week: Breeder LW - "Rampage"

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

We begin with a review of the Every Picture Needs a Frame screening leading to a conversation about the value that is placed on African creativity (7:25). Bien teased his first single off the coming album leading us to speculate on what he is trying to achieve with the direction he is going in (26:28) after that there is a look at the top ten videos in Kenya (36:03) and then we try to figure out which two Kenyan artists have the best chemistry (40:18), Finally, we go over some new music (45:57).

Intro: Ally Fresh, Dj Mura K.E, Tina Ardor - "Sumbua"

Pick of the Week: Lil Maina - "Like That"

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

This episode kicks off with Kenyan music OG Boneye breaking down why record labels in Kenya keep failing (10:00). Next, we talk about rapper Maandy and the few issues she has had with her latest release Aloo featuring AJAY (33:48), After that, KAMP (Kenya Association of Music Producers) strikes a deal with the South African Music Performance Rights Organization, giving its members access to royalties from South Africa (40:58), We end the episode by reviewing new music (45:09).

Intro: Mr Ree, Toxic Lyrikali - "Confirmation" produced by Beat Kidd

Pick of the Week: Muthoka, Naiboi, AUGUST IV - "Selekta" produced by AUGUST IV

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

We begin with news about Kenyan men being voted most handsome (6:36), after that Mavin's artists visit Kenya for a tour, leading to a discussion about the type of artists that frequently tour our country (11:02). Onto other news, Kecobo allows CMO's to collect royalties (32:43). Also, What's going on at Mdundo & how do we get Kenyans to pay for art in a way that works for all of us? (41:08) And Finally, a review of Khaligraph Jones' new album plus more music (54:37).

Intro: Chris Kaiga, NDOVU KUU, Cedo - "Mwazzara" produced by Cedo

Pick of the Week: 30, YBW Smith - "Bon Appetit"

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

An episode a long time in the making, we finally sit down with Abigael Diana of Ongeza Volume to talk about her background and origins in the live music space, what we are doing right and wrong in live music, the importance of community for her platform, as well as some of the different things she is working on and much more!
@ongeza_volume @abigael_diana

Intro: Jovie Jovv - "Boy" produced by Lemario

Pick of the Week: Wanjine- "Twero 12"

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

This week, we kick things off by recapping SHLM and Chris Barr, plus Afam’s listening party (08:04). Then, we dive into the topic of gatekeepers in the music industry, and whether they are useful (19:09). After that, we break down the latest IFPI global music report and what it means for the industry (43:44). And to wrap things up, we check out some fresh new music releases (54:18)

Intro: MATATA, Bien - "Mpishi" produced by Wuod Omolo

Pick of the Week: Afamefuna, Zaituni Wambui - "not the one" produced by Afamefuna

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

This week, we start with a recap of the Sonnets on a Sofa writing workshop with M. Rumbi and N’jiru, and share our experience (13:19). Then, we dive into a conversation about success in the music industry—who defines it, and what does it really take? This was sparked by some recent comments from actor Anthony Mackie (24:28). We also take a moment to give a few people their flowers (53:22) and close things out with a review of some new music (55:36).

Intro: DJ Mura K.E, Saint Evo, Labdi - "Awuoro"

Pick of the Week: M. Rumbi, Nkatha Muthoni - "Another Mess I Make"

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Lots of recaps this week—Afam breaks down the Komplex Event (5:00), Sam covers Clark Keeng’s show at Alloy (9:07), and we dive into Fancy Fingers and Winyo’s listening party with a conversation on the rise of the "Kenyan sound" (11:49). We also review the latest Goethe Institut Industry talks hosted by Anyiko Owoko (23:58) before wrapping up with a few more topics and new music (36:59).

Intro: Nu Fvnk - "Still Ain't Free"

Pick of the Week: Aahil, Dylan-S, Cordoban - "Rattlesnake"

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

We kick things off with a recap of the JGIP workshop Sam attended (8:58), followed by an overview of intellectual property in music (14:57). Next, we break down the Madfun Burna Boy show from this past weekend, highlighting the standout moments (39:13). Finally, we wrap up with a review of some new music (57:17).

Intro: LICKY - "Flow Ya Licky" 

Pick of the Week: Njoki Karu - "Heaven"

To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.