Coast: Showbiz rebirth

After more than 70 celebrities in the, sometimes, seemingly isolated Mombasa showbiz met to remap the region’s entertainment scene during the launch of the new Hornets Studio, heads rolled. Now, the reunion could be all the sector needs to restore the once vibrant industry as PULSE found out

Mombasa, Kenya: With about 70 celebrities and hundreds of fans on his side, Genge Godfather Nonini, sensationally stepped into the recording booth and wore the headphones before positioning the recording microphone to chin level.

“Give me a beat,” he told the two Hornets producers on standby, spinning them to work as they recorded his well cut freestyle lyrics — the first recording to be done during the launch of the new Mtwapa studio.

His lyrical prowess and the ease with which he managed to flow with the beat sparked elation and curiosity among all. As if it was a reawakening call, in another minute, an array of Coastal artistes joined the cue. Hornet Studio, a state-of-the-art stable owned by Germany-born singer Mama Sizo, was breathing fresh life and hope to the many Coastal musicians whose joy could not be concealed on that Saturday evening.

Coincidentally, Nyota Ndogo, the foremost Mombasa songstress who earned continental fame after signing up with Andrew Burchell, yet another Mombasa-based Germany producer — then — was part of the top notch celebrities witnessing this rebirth attended by Nonini, the man whose her Nibebe collabo made her a house name.

“The music industry in Mombasa is such a big industry. You have everything it takes to make it grow. Unity will be key in ensuring this happens,” Nonini advised, sentiments that were barked by artistes; Ally B, Chikuzee, Fisherman, Gates, Lady Hekma, Audrey, 22, Dazla, Kidis, producer Toti, DJ Delph and celebrity events organiser and manager Hassan Faisal.

Only a handful of recording studios have been operational in the Coast and since Burchell closed his studio down about five years ago, most of the top music groups have fizzled out as others like Cannibal being  forced to migrate to Nairobi in search for better opportunities.

Throughout Saturday night, the showbiz rebirth ceremony was moved to the new Mtwapa Fun Fan club and launch, the new talk-about classy joint causing ripples in Mtwapa, the town that never sleeps thanks to its famed nightlife.

As early as 8pm, the club was packed to capacity as celebrities partied and enjoyed the good ambiance at the VIP launch where they got VIP treatment as food and drinks flowed freely. It was the first time, in a long time, for Coast celebrities to mingle and party together in such a setting with showbiz rivals pledging to kill the hatchet and chant the new unity journey.

It was perfect climax as The Godfather and Audrey flavoured the night away with thrilling performances as fans joined in toasting together the new spirit.

“My dream is to revive the showbiz industry in the Coast by ensuring quality music production at affordable rates. Every artiste with singing talent should now arise to the moment. The ‘Ogopa Deejay of the Coast’ is here, at long last,” Mama Sizo cheered.