Five local stars who have ventured into artiste management business

 A number of musicians are now expanding their horizons and venturing into the management business.Photo: Courtesy

Rabbit is a talented lyrical rapper, at least that is what many know him for.

However, it was his recent move to start a talent and artistes' management company that got many talking especially after Avril moved to his stable after leaving Ogopa Deejays.

Besides making hits like Adisia and Niko kwa Jam nakam, King Kaka, an incredibly talented songwriter, has been running his Kaka Empire, a music empire through which he hopes to conquer higher levels of musical success.

"Kaka Empire not only deals with music production but has signed top East African acts like Avril and Rich Mavoko besides having a clothing line," he says adding that so far it has given him value for his money besides enabling him to invest in various projects.

Rabbit further explains that although initially he faced a few challenges trying to establish his music empire but he is glad all has worked for good.

Ulopa

Mention the name Ulopa or Bwana Ngoma and see response it elicits among local fans and beyond. The CEO of Ulopa Ngoma Records known to have worked with a number of artistes among them Nigeria's P Square, Wyre, Nameless, Kaz, Prezzo, Shavie and Slice, Tatuu, Wakimbizi, Nessa, Kleptomaniax, Nyashinski, Collo, Kristoff, Rabbit, Khaligraph Jones and Kidum besides having mentored Camp Mulla.

"Unlike in the past where there were limited production houses with numerous artistes hence the saying every producer for himself and God for us all - I felt the urge to bridge the gap owing to the fact that I had what it takes to produce music," he says.

Rapdamu

Owner of one of the leading record labels in the country, Pacho Entertainment, for close to five years now Rapdamu describes his project as a dream which took him a while to start owing to the fact that being a label boss and singing at the same time is not easy.

Inspired by the few quality recording labels and producers Rapdamu explains that Pacho has four producers making it easier for them to accommodate many artists depending on their genres of music.

"We plan on opening branches in Tanzania and South Africa soon," he says adding that just like any other business they are generating enough monies to sustain them.

Pacho has signed artists like Timmy, Marya, Kenzo as well as partners like Rabbit King Kaka and Frasha, Mendy, Starbiz, Chrystal, Krista, Shally as well as Dna, Nonini, Collo, Wyre .

"Music is an art and any artiste worth their credentials will tell you that they'll do anything to protect it," he says adding that their charges are affordable depending on the nature of the work to be done.

Wyre

Widely celebrated dancehall artist Wyre who owns Foursquare studio located in Nairobi West attributes it to his passion for music and the fact that some of the few good studios had a tendency of overcharging artists.

Wyre who once worked as a producer at Ted Josiah's Blue Zebra while singing as part of Necessary Noize says just like any other business it requires commitment and hard work.

The singer further explains that managing the two has been easy for him owing from his past experience.

"The fact that I have managed to save a great deal now that I do most of my own productions besides generating income from other musical projects is a plus."

On the cost Wyre explains that the charges vary depending on the nature of work to be done.

Nonini:

Founder of Pro Habo records known to have nurtured the likes of P- Unit and Christine Apondi among others- the godfather of Genge says he was inspired to come up with a production label as a means of business and assisting local talent.

With 11 years in existence Nonini admits that at first it was easy managing the two owing to the fact that he was among the few local musicians to come up with the idea and was unsure it it would give him value for his money.

Today however, he is glad that all has worked well having generated a great deal from his brainchild.

Bahati:

Gospel singer, Bahati, has been running EMB Records (Eastlands Most Beloved) situated within Nairobi's Eastlands, since last year.

According to the musician who was inspired to establish his studio with the aim of giving back to the society the recording studio is reasonable for those who have no financial power to materialize their dreams.

"The fact that I grew up affected by poverty and hardship, I felt the need to honor my humble beginnings

During the initial stages of his hard earned effort Bahati put up a picture of the reception of the studio and mentioned that he had just recorded his first song at the studio to leave a blessing as he opened it to other musicians.