December 7, Carnivore - There’s always been something revolutionary about Kanji. Whether it be his ground-breaking work with award-winning Gospel quartet Milele, his pioneering record label Kijiji Records, or producing the landmark CD/DVD set by the Mavuno Worship Project, ordinary is not a word used in the same sentence with this phenomenal artist. And with the launch of his debut solo record, Stories, that was not about to change. Kanjii put his more than ten years of recording hit songs and performing on stages around the world on glorious display. The result? Freakish excellence!

Take out your pens and papers boys and girls. Welcome to album launch 101.

First up, the lead-up to the event was immense. From billboards and newspapers and magazine spreads, to cinema ads and numerous radio / television appearances, ignorance would be no defense – the launch was hard to miss. The stage ambience was good. Three giant screens, supported by a multi-camera live vision-mixing job, adorned the Carnivore grounds, capturing every minute of action both on and off the multi-layered stage. A tight seven-piece band and three vocalists, including KORA winner Neema were in support.

From start to end, Kanji dictated the flow and energy of the event. The meaningless litany of curtain raisers often witnessed at such launches was thankfully done away with, replaced instead by a grand listing of popular and award-winning acts peppering the show. DJs Moz and Pinye were on hand, as were Hip-Hoppers Juliani and Astar, shining on retro jam Radio. The peerless Atemi Oyungu did her thing on Domestics, while Aaron “Krucio” Rimbui and the Mavuno Worship Project joined in on popular single Under the Rock and the panoramic Stand Up Young Man, with surprise guests VUC lending additional support on the latter. Kaima Mwiti stood in for Milele, who were unable to make it in time. Even hilarious comic and radio-persona Nyambane could not upstage Kanji when it came to the now regular dance sets.

Whether Kanji was immersed in the middle of the crowd, lying flat on his back, or leading the well executed choreography on stage, an altogether unique moment was crafted from each one of the songs. The show might have gone on for more than a minute, three hours to be precise, but it was remarkably seamless from beginning to end – wardrobe changes were quick and subtle, and the MC, Gowi Odera, required only briefly at the beginning of the show.

Let’s face it. International acts have visited Kenya over the years, anticipated to serve up a smorgasbord of high-class entertainment, yet delivering nothing more than scraps and bread crumbs. Many ride on their popularity and celebrity status, leaving their clever and innovative shows for larger Western markets. Kudos to Kanji, he pulled out all the stops on this one.

Ladies and gentlemen, the bar has just been raised…very high.

Kanjii Points Us In The Right Direction

Let's Hear 'You' Sing

KORA Winner Neema

Crowd Totally Charged 

One Of The Three Giant Screens Behind Kanjii 

Producer Ennovator And His Missus Enjoy The Show 

DJ Moz On The Wheels

Juliani - Looking Good, Sounding Good 

Kisima Winner Astar On 'Radio'

Kanjii Is 'Just A Man' 

Nyambane Can't Help But Join The Action

Atemi Prepares To Tell The Men... 

...to Zip It!!

All Out On The Hilarious 'Call Me' 

Some Serene Moments 

Band Leader - Livingstone Katingima

Bass 

Henry Wamai On Drums

Joe Were - Keys

AFLEWO's Kaberia Plays Percussion 

On The Sax...

Then The Flute

Producer Ben Gittxx On Keys

Juliani Enjoys 

Side-View 

Rear-View 

Kid's Join In On 'Hero' ...

...before Settling In To Enjoy The Show

Mavuno Worship Project In...Robes?? 

Kanjii 

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