He's been well known for his singles 'Praise Him' and 'No More', but when Kevo Yout dropped Determination, his 12-track debut album, it was time to sit up and take notice. Choc full of slamming ragga and dancehall tunes, Kevo Yout, real name Kevin Ochanda announced himself to the world in delightful style.

Determination, according to the artist, is a compilation of his best work. He admits to pouring himself heart and soul into it, with each song being thoroughly reviewed before making it onto the final album's track listing. Producer Cedo (real name Cedric Kadenyi) for the most part drove the project, with Joel Mulanda and J. Blessing also contributing production credits.

It's no secret why the album was dubbed Determination. The lyrical content is very inspirational, urging young men and women to press on in their own lives and overcome the challenges they are likely to face. Hear if from the artist himself:

“My messages are simply inspirational and encouraging, and in many ways prophetic. I view my songs as sermons with beats. Think of songs like 'Ghetto Prophecy' and 'Determination'; whether its addressing the harsh conditions of the guys in the ghetto, the 'Mtaa Mentality' they end up with and encouraging them that they can make it, or urging guys to be focused in their walk with God, it's all about trying to uplift people”.

And it's hardly surprising Kevo Yout thinks this way. Not only is he one of the most likable artists in the industry, he is also has a heart completely sold out to ministry and missions. Most weekends will find him on the road to a school, a college or a church looking to uplift people with his uplifting music. And he talks of how God dropped lyrics in his heart while he was on a food fast, or got ideas for songs while walking home from church.

Of the music from the album, some of his personal favorites also happen to be some of his most popular. 'Praise Him' was the first song he ever recorded, and got him significant attention and airplay, and really opened up the airwaves to his talent. Come 2009, he re-recorded it how he had always envisioned it, and it came out divinely; bigger and far better than the original. For this one jam alone, the album is worth it.

But wait, there's more!

The title cut, 'Determination', is a banging jam, and was the very first ragga song he recorded in Swahili. 5 stars. There's also 'Working On Me' and 'Souljah' – the former, conceptualized and completed in an amazing one day, proves his versatility, slows him down on a track with a decidedly Zouk feel to it. The latter continues to be a chart favorite, and finds him where he is most comfortable, rivaling all comers with pure dancehall craziness. Check what he says:

“Souljah is my song. It portrays the me. Dance yaani. Ever since I started music Hardcore, dancehall has always been my thing. This song gives me a very great feeling.”

Then there's the monster collabo, Bado Nimesimama, together with Mr. T, Shem (of Wernono Family) and MC Dice.

“Bado nimesimama is one of the songs that makes me smile. Joel gave me & Mr.T a crunk beat & told us to come up with a song. After exchanging ideas, we decided to include MC Dice & Shem. So we came up with the theme and got to writing. Shem jumped on the hook, and the rest of us did the verses. It was such a great experience cause it gave me exposure to the Hip Hop heads at places like Mad Love Lounge.”

Other acts he's worked with on the album include songstress Christine Ndela on “Wanijali”, and versatile rapper-singer-songwriter Michelle on “Head Up”. Michelle he rates highly, and says that along with her, the likes of Juliani and Chit Chat's Cee & Dee are people he would like to work with in future. Yet when asked about his take on the local Dancehall industry, his wishlist is interesting not only for the acts he mentions, but also for the ones he leaves out.

“Personally I think there are artists who claim to be doing Dancehall but very few do it properly, the way it should be done. Local ragga artists I think are doing a good job are Verbal, Dafari, Samukat and Lonesome. These are guys with who have a good diction, a good command of the language and very unique styles of delivery. Of course this is totally according to me”.

And who would argue with him, his own delivery and grasp of Pidgin English, as well as his ability to modulate his voice and vary his tone to suit the song make him a real craftsman.

So far, an amazing six videos have been recorded from the 12-track project. And with the very positive response he has received regarding “Determination”, he is now convinced wrapping up his VCD must be his next major project.

:: Sample and purchase Kevo Yout's album Determination from HERE.

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