VIP ACCESS Anyiko Owoko

Kenyan pianist, keyboardist, composer and producer Aaron Rimbui is among the most well-known and respected figures in East African Jazz. However he's not your typical jazz artist but a master at improvisation in a class of his own.
In this interview, the trailblazer who has shaped and elevated the jazz scene in East Africa for the past 20 years with his unique blend of jazz piano and African rhythms, looks back at his illustrious career and major moves that have brought him to this part of his career. Interestingly, he's still thriving on taking risks and isn't afraid to start over in new territories. Rimbui is now based out of New York City and continues to work as a music and artistic director, bandleader, festival curator, radio host, recording artist and most notably a refined live performer who has shared his incredible talent before international audiences.
Aaron has released 5 albums including the acclaimed 'Bald Men Love Better' with Bien-Aime Baraza of Sauti Sol. He is the winner of the 2018 Mzantsi Jazz Award for Best International Collaboration Album for his album, 'Kwetu'. Rimbui has performed across the globe in northern Europe, in over 40 U.S states and throughout the African continent having opened concerts for the legendary Hugh Masekela, Grammy Award winner Richard Bona, and shared the stage with Bobi Wine and Tiwa Savage. He’s also been featured in Kirk Whalum’s global collaboration Humanité and in Spike Lee’s Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It.
Rimbui’s mission to cultivate and grow recognition for African Jazz is seen in his extensive history of bringing together jazz musicians whether it be for his albums 'Deeper' and 'Kwetu' or curating unforgettable live performances at numerous jazz festivals over the years.
Stream 'Bald Men Love Better' via https://ingroov.es/bald-men-love-better-8qp-x
#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #AaronRimbui #Kenya Season 4 Eps 13
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June Gachui is one of Kenya’s most sought-after entertainers, she sings, acts both on screen and on stage, offers bilingual MC and hosting services.
It has been said that the one thing that distinguishes June Gachui from most of her peers is the truth in her performance; June performs with her entire being, with soul, and doesn’t hold anything back when she is on stage. Those who have listened to and watched her perform can attest to that. But it’s not just her performance but her dedication to providing worthy platforms for other artists, her flair in anything she puts her business muscle to, including Intellectual Property via JGIP Consultants.
June’s first album ‘Twenty Years’ came out in 2017. She’s currently working on her upcoming EP. There’s a lot to enjoy, and learn from our interview. Check it out today!
Stream her music via https://junegachui.com/
#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #JuneGachui #Kenya Season 4 Eps 12
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Ugandan songstress Pia Pounds has been hustling for much longer than you may think, starting off her independence at the age of 15. She however, had been singing and pursuing a music career for much longer and says she always knew that music was her destiny. She's a lover of mashing up sounds of R&B and Afrobeats and says she's recently obsessed with everything African. In this interview we discuss the fame that came with the success of her single "Tupaate" (which was featured on Netflix series Young, Famous & African) and her love for her fans, craft and the hustle.
Stream Pia's music via https://li.sten.to/piapounds
#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #PiaPounds #Uganda Season 4 Eps 11
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Rwandese singer-songwriter Ariel Wayz started singing at the age of four, explains why she’s got an old soul and such a mature voice for someone born in 2000. She is the fifth child in a family of eight and somehow being a middle child exposed her to many responsibilities at a young age. Her mother sung in Rwanda’s Orchestre Ingeri during the 1990s. This, studying music at Nyundo School of Music and a host of other inspiring women in music lead her to not only take a career in music but be bold while at it.
In this interview, she talks about what inspired her bold debut in the EP ‘Love & Lust’, working with various artists and producers including Umoja Sounds, Ayo Rash, Prince Kizz and Bob Pro. We also talk about crazy things her fans do and how she took back her power after being body-shamed after a nude EP cover. Ariel Wayz is currently working on the release of her debut album, I can’t wait.
#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #ArielWayz Season 4 Eps 10
Stream her music via vyd.co/Wowegusa
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Tanzanian rapper Rosa Ree has been on top of her game from the onset of her career. Nearly 10 years later, she’s made a name for herself thanks to her skill and consistency. In fact, this interview comes off the bat of Rosa Ree being profiled by The Recording Academy among Africa’s Top 10 Female Rappers but don’t get me wrong I’ve been down for Rosa Ree right from 2016 when she was introduced into the music industry via Tanzania’s The Industry record label - by Navy Kenzo. In 2018 Rosa Ree was part of Castle Lite’s UNITY campaign which had a project featuring Queen Latifa, Rouge (Congo), Moozlie, Gigi Lamayne (South Africa) and Mz Kiss (Nigeria).
We talked about this, having an exciting career yet tough and challenging one, her love for charity and advocacy around mental health plus the music! She’s one of Africa’s best rappers, best believe!
#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #RosaRee Season 4 Eps 9
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Angela Mwandanda is a Kenyan professional actor, singer and voice-over artist who began performing 20 years ago. As an actor, Angela has featured on TV shows, and several stage musicals. At 19, Angela attended her first audition at the then Phoenix Players, East Africa's most reputable theatre that nurtured a lot of raw talent in those days. It is right here that she met Angela Ndambuki and Debbie Asila - the trio ended up starting Tatuu, one of Kenya’s most famous girl groups who were pioneers and show stoppers in many ways.
In this interview, she recalls becoming famous at a young age, a period when Tatuu was dancing back up for Nameless, and how the young girls navigated the industry forming a life-long sisterhood and camaraderie, even though their group is now defunct.
When not performing, recording or acting, Angela contributes to the performing arts as the National Coordinator for The Recording Industry of Kenya, RIKE. RIKE aims to promote the collective interests of producers of sound recordings in the country. She also offers consultancy services in Business Development and Marketing for the Kenyan film industry.
What a trailblazer!
#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko #AngieMwandanda #AngelaMwandanda Season 4 Eps 8
For more on RIKE, please visit www.rike.or.ke
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