BUY THE MUSIC FROM THE SHOP BELOW & SUPPORT WAWESH - ASANTE!
WAWESH is a artist, songwriter, producer and talent developer heavily exhaling a breath of
freshness into the international urban genre whilst truly representing his country of birth, Kenya. He has been creating a swirling buzz
in Swahili speaking communities in Africa and the Diaspora via
his debut hit single, video and his website.
Despite being an unfamiliar name to some his production credits
go way back and he is already a renowned name in production circles throughout
Scandinavia and other parts of Europe.
Under his alter-alias, Kiboy, he founded
BLaO Entertainment, a production company that has been involved in many projects including work for the likes of international names like
Talib Kweli, Samantha Mumba, NAS, Floetry, JAQEE and many more.
Having had experience in developing artists and creating hits for others Kiboy aka Wawesh decided to step forward to deliver something he believed the
Swahili speaking community and fans of quality international urban music worldwide wanted. Thus, WAWESH was born.
The blueprint for him to tell his own story through his own ideas was created by
utilising his already horned writing and studio skills,
mixing it with his confident and intoxicating lyrical flow, remaining true to his Kenyan roots but also adding a large dosage of universal appeal.
He announced his entry into the Kenyan market late 2005 with his seminal debut single, Mjanja. This original (and much spoken of) composition proved to be an ideal jump-start. Despite initially getting raised eyebrows for its minor sprinkling of intentional old school sheng the irresistibly catchy anthem, music backdrop and accompanying video promo soon proved a radio, TV, club and even matatu favourite. It even went as far as paraphrasing itself back into new school sheng.
Shortly after, at the start of 2006, WAWESH unleashed his sophomore single, Wawero. The single soon went on to become a hit single not only in Kenya but also, courtesy of extensive media exposure on various European networks, a much loved song by others in the Diaspora. Wawero also cemented the acclaim he was also slowly receiving as the artist to watch for 2006. In launching the single WAWESH had also made a month long return to Kenya (after a 15 year hiatus) and secured interviews and features in numerous press, radio and TV. The visit was also to pre-promote his upcoming album, Its Meant To Be.
Never one to take the early signs success for granted WAWESH made a second trip back to Kenya shortly after returning to put finishing touches to his album. This time the 3 week adventure was to specifically release and promote the now much anticipated album. Its Meant To Be proved an immediate talking point for those who acquired it. 20 Tracks deep, each song showing versatility and production unheard of before not only from a Kenyan artist but anyone else anywhere else! The acclaimed album very openly highlights WAWESHs life, tribulations and triumphs, touching on subject matters that many would have perhaps preferred not to disclose. In addition he also touches upon a wide range of social and topical topics that many whether young or old, will certainly find they can relate to.
Today Wawesh is the director and head producer of the Kenyan based indie label Penya Africa. In 2008 and within 4 months Wawesh produced 2 albums for Penya, (Stan - Kenya Debut, Sauti Sol - Mwanzo). The debut albums are meant to introduce talent that can take Kenyan music to a new level and raise the bar regarding quality, image & innovation. Yes we can!
1. www.myspace.com/sautisol
2. www.myspace.com/standebut
