Jowie Irungu popularly known by many as Jowie
has released his debut gospel single titled Nishikilie. Produced by
Safri Records, Nishikilie is a Swahili word which means Hold Me.
Jowie who has been working with Safri
records since May 2020, strongly believes that new beginnings could happen more
than once and in different ways.
Through the song Nishikilie he
highlights the story of his complete transformation similar to the biblical
conversion of Saul to Paul. The inspiration behind the song is derived from
Psalms 31:15 _ “My times are in thy hand: deliver me
from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.”
Jowie acknowledges that he has been through
a lot of difficulties and seeks the hand of God as he walks into a new and
transformed chapter in life.
Unknown by many, Jowie is just but
rekindling his love for music. He has always loved music and was involved in it
at a young age. At some point in his life, he was a voice coach at Agape Church
in Nakuru County where he also discovered his love for playing musical
instruments. Jowie grew up playing the drum set and the bass guitar. He is also
a great music writer and hopes to pen down more inspirational music.
His musical journey has just taken off and
he anticipates a great reception from those who will listen to his music.
“I have over 20 songs that I have written
and recorded at Safri Records awaiting release. Through my music, I hope many
will be inspired. I want to use my testimony through my music to bring healing
and transformation to all those seeking a new beginning” – Jowie
All his music will be available on YouTube and other music streaming sites.
PROFILE:
Jowie Irungu
Joseph Kuria Irungu aka Jowie Irungu
and popularly known as just Jowie, is an ex-military who in 2020,
decided to explore his creative side; music.
It may come as a surprise that Jowie is now
pursuing his music career. This is a move he made as part of his transition and
transformative journey into becoming a better person. Now part of Safri
Records, Jowie made his debut in music with his first song Nishikilie in
2020.
Born and bred in Nakuru, Kenya, Jowie is
the last born in a close knit family of four siblings. He previously served in
the armed forces a side of his life many people do not know about.
Growing up, Jowie was a curious child and
was never afraid to experiment on his creative side. He cites his involvement
in school activities such as drama and music festivals as an inspiration to his
growing passion for music. Jowie knew exactly how good music sounded like. This
led him to later become a music coach at Agape Church, Nakuru where he also
played a number of musical instruments such as the bass guitar and the drums.
His passion in music and flexible talents
in the same was his guide to the choice of records he plans to work on. Jowie
does not believe in limits which explains why he leans toward conscious and
inspirational music and style of singing. He doubles up as a song writer. In
his free time, Jowie enjoys watching movies and listening to music.
Jowie believes that working under Safri
Records where he joins the like of Dar Mjomba, Vixy Chosen, Jaki Maya, Zawadi
Vanilla among other amazing young and talented artists will propel him to
greater heights in his career. He looks forward to working with amazing artists
on projects he believes will inspire many people. So far, he has over 20 songs
he plans to release as time progresses.
Currently based in Nairobi, Jowie’s main focus is to be a better person both professionally and personally. His brand as an artist can only get better.
Herrick Calvins popularly
known by his stage nameZawadi
Vanilla was born and raised in Bandani Village, Kisumu County. He
is the first of four children all uniquely talented in various aspects of the performing
arts. Zawadi Vanilla, accordingly, is a composer, author and performer of
creative works. His talents manifest in his quality and self-authored music. Zawadi Vanilla released his first song in
2017.
After completion
of primary education, Zawadi relocated to Kisumu Kenya where he joined Kisumu
Day Secondary School for his O levels. In pursuit of a livelihood, he charted a
course for Nairobi where he found residence with his aunt in the modest
outskirts of Kayole. Luck was quick to smile upon the resilient Zawadi Vanilla
when he landed a role in the acclaimed television series Macharari. The 3
months stint in acting spurred his passion for the performance arts and very
quickly Zawadi Vanilla found his way into the music industry.
However, life in
the shanties was not easy. Zawadi Vanilla bore the yoke working in construction
sites and ferrying luggage at bus stops for bread and butter. It became even
hard for him when his aunt’s marriage broke up and she had to go back to the
village. Zawadi Vanilla was left homeless with no hope of a good life. His only
solace was when the local churches would have overnight devotions (keshas)
providing him with the much-needed roof over his head, albeit temporary.
After years of
toil and turmoil, Zawadi Vanilla’s breakthrough came when he was taken under
the wing of Safri Records, a renowned production house, in October 2018 which
gave him a helping hand in the production of music as well as infusing more knowledge
and skills concerning his music career.
He is optimistic and promises to do many creative works and release more inspirational music. Dedicated and committed to the course, Zawadi Vanilla is single and trusts God for the love of his life.
Jackline Njeri Karanja also known as
Jaki Maya is a gospel artist who against all odds is the newest and
first female signee to Safri Records. Having bagged a record deal in
June 2020, she likes to define her music as simply uplifting.
Born on 12th May, 2000 in Kisauni, Mtopanga,
Mombasa County, Jaki Maya is the second born in a family of 3 siblings
who grew up in a Christian family. Her musical and creative journey is that of
perseverance and possibilities.
For her primary education, JakiMaya
went to Gibbs Academy in Mombasa and later, Queen Esther Primary School in
Nyahururu, Laikipia County. She later transitioned to Ndururumo High School to
pursue her O levels. In 2018, she enrolled at Kenyatta University where she was
set to pursue a degree programme in Film, Theatre arts and Media Studies.
However, she could not continue with her studies as she dropped out in the 2nd
year for lack of school fees.
MUSIC CAREER
Thanks to her creative prowess, and
having won several awards while at a very young age of 11, Jaki Maya was not going to give up. She started singing in 2011.
This would later add to her rich portfolio in creative works as she was also a
dancer in a group called Sumix Dancers
and she occasionally took up acting roles. Her passion in music however grew
and she eventually she decided to official give it a try.
In 2018, she saved up to put her
dream of becoming an artists into fulfilment by recording her first song ‘Huyu
Yesu’. She however, did not have funds to record the video.
THE STRUGGLE.
Life was not easy for Jaki Maya. She
would later leave home to move into a rental single room which was shared by
other 3 friends. She had to look for a job and luckily she got an opportunity
to work in a hotel as a waitress where here daily pay was Ksh. 200. With the
little money she got, she still had to support her dad and brother in Mombasa.
Jaki Maya eventually went back to
school and would later start selling tea and snacks at a construction site in
order to raise money for basic needs. The financial challenges forced her to
work two job so that she could stay in school. Despite coming from a Christian
background, she had no option but to take up an extra job at a night club to
increase on her income.
For not being able to pay her rent,
she was kicked out of the house. She spent her nights in hostel corridors,
begged for food, clothes and sometimes a place to sleep. Jaki Maya was later offered a place to stay by her friend who was
keen to see her back on her feet.
…THEN THE
BREAK.
Jaki Maya is inspired
by her life experiences and the word of God. Her optimism and trust God for her
break in music industry never fizzled. She continued to work on weekdays and
during weekends she would record music at a friend’s studio just for fun.
In May 2020, prior to being signed by SafriRecords, Jaki Maya had
recorded several songs but only managed to release two songs: For You which was solo project and Nakata Tamaa featuring two other
artists.
With her outgoing personality, she
never missed a chance to network in the hope that she will realize a dream of
being signed to a reputable record label. In 2020, a friend from a WhatsApp
group they shared introduced her to the team at Safri Records.
Currently she calls Safri Records home. As the first female to be signed to one of the best record label in Kenya, Jaki Maya looks forward to recording more music, growing her fan base and inspiring as many people as she can through her music.
Nomais a true story in a musical journey. The song depicts a real life personal experience, unique sound, style and a vision that everyone can relate to. With the rise of social media and photo sharing platforms, there is an illusion that life is good in the city. A sibling or two or perhaps a relative back at the village wants to join those who live in the city. The flashy, edited pictures on social media makes those in the rural areas think those in the city they have made it and have a flashy lifestyle. This is the reality of most city dwellers.
Nomavideo paints a
picture of two separate worlds. One of a rural home and the other of an urban
lifestyle of a middle class Kenyan citizen. The poor family setting in a
village at Kitui County in Eastern region of Kenya, where the talented
composer, Performer and passionate Vixy Chosen lives with his family.
The family is going through tough times: poverty has stricken them, the sister
is expectant, their land has been grabbed, their mother is very sick. The
family’s only hope is their brother; BOSS
MOG who lives a flashy lifestyle in the city as depicted online.
Life in the city for BOSS MOG is not as easy as his family may think. He is a charcoal
seller who lives from hand to mouth. As much as he would really like to help
his family, his income is not enough. He has debts from the mobile loan apps but
still hopes for a better tomorrow.
The audio and video of the song NOMA
was produced at Safri Records. The
home of quality content and excellent management. Vixy Chosen, a signee of Safri
Records has featured the re-known gospel artist BOSS MOG. The chemistry
between both artists is amazing. This is
a true reflection of an artist (BOSS MOG) who has been in the industry for
quite a long time with a heart to help and mentor an uprising artist.
ABOUT
THE ARTISTS
Vixy
Chosen was born and raised in Makongeni, Thika. He was
raised by a single mother who passed on when Vixy Chosen was in form 2 at Migwani boys High school. His life
took another direction. With the help of
his grandmother and well-wishers he was able to continue with education until
the university level. He studied banking and finance at Mt. Kenya University.
Music has always been a tool he has used to bring hope to the hopeless. He has
done several songs which has landed him awards and nominations. In 2018 he won
the song writer and new artist of the year at Kenya Gospel Music Awards (KEGMA).
Vixy
Chosen doubles up as the studio manager at Safri Records. He loves travelling,
listening to inspirational songs and swimming. He hopes to be a musical icon
with his own empire.
Paul Onyango Onyaa popularly known as BOSS MOG is formerly a member of the
gospel trio MOG. He was born and raised in Korogocho slums. He started doing
solo music in 2015 after the group made a decision to go separate ways and
pursue solo careers. He has recorded and published hits songs like Hubera, Vumilia
and many others. He has won a couple of awards among them the prestigious Groove
Awards, Kisima Awards, Mwafaka Awards, Chaguo la Teeniez Awards among others.
He has performed at major events across East Africa among them; the Safaricom
7s, Groove Awards, Safaricom Live, Dubai, Uganda and Tanzania.
Apart from music, BOSS MOG is also an entrepreneur. He has invested in a studio that’s
does music, video, photo studio and cyber cafe. He loves swimming and
traveling. His future plans is to impact the music industry by helping as many
upcoming artists as possible get studio time and video shoots.
The future of the two artists is bright. It is a future
full of hope especially in times of uncertainties.
Sometimes life is difficult and the only hope lies to the big brother. Those in the village put their trust in those in the city but things are different.
It’s a musical real life story that you will identify yourself with.
‘Noma’ performed by Vixy Chosen and Boss MOG, supported by various actors. Directed by Boss MOG, DJ.Justin, Anchor and Ephantus Safari. Script written by Ephantus Safari. D.o.p Anchor Ass by Zawadi Vanilla Edited by Anchor Executive producer: Safri Records
“Shukurani zangu zikurudie” what an amazing song, always be grateful to God. Bless your callers by having this song as your skiza tone…. https://youtu.be/34FTTj0KP2k
