December 19, Charter Hall - It's not every day that you hear of a unique idea on Kenya's Gospel scene, certainly not one proposing the first ever Gospel Hip-Hop competition and so understandably, no one knew what to expect. Well, finally The Break went down, pitting 20 fire-spitting hip-hop contestants battling for a recording deal with recently established Full House Music.  The battle was fierce, the fighters were vicious and the judges were not laughing. And when the dust finally settled, only one person walked away with the coveted crown

The man was none other than Timothy Gicharu aka Mime. In about four hotly contested rounds, he impressed the judges, wowed the crowds and amazed even his critics. The judging panel that consisted of rappers Jefro and Michelle and artist manager Dennis Wayesu were pretty adamant on sieving out the best out of the twenty performing contestants.  After all, the prize was by no means a small thing.

Round One started with the Dj banging a beat which required the contestants to spit their best sixteen bars. This was to sift out the ten to proceed to the next level, while two were saved by the crowds. The rounds continued, with some of teh most interesting involving the contestants pairing up and facing each other in a head-to-head setting. In the Finals, the judges threw in a shocker by requiring the contestant to flow in a lingalla beat. Though challenging, it gave the crowds an opportunity to see how diverse one can go.

Full House front-man Holy Dave had the unenviable task of announcing the winner on behalf of the judges, a job he did with much aplomb and suspense. When the winner, a USIU student and resident of Kahawa West, was finally announced, everyone seem to expect it save for the man himself. The camera shy rapper said he would use his music to tell his story and hopefully motivate others.

To spice up the afternoon, there were perfomances from more established acts like Xpo, Eko Dydda, Kamlesh and Big Jack. Others were Amason, MC Dice and Shrink dance crew. Mr. T, the day's MC was quite comical. Gatwich Records artist Juliani also made a much appreciated appearance. The spin decks were aptly manned by DJs GG, Shock and riQ, throwing in fluid mixes that kept revelers on their feet. 

For the first Gospel Hip Hop competition, it was quite a show. We can only wait to see what Mime will give the Gospel industry in the days to come.

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