Kenyan music lyrics

He may be the new kid on the block, but not many artists can attest to having their song played at a national state function. ' Buriani', one of Chizi's early recordings got airplay at the state funeral of former Vice-President Michael Wamalwa. Another, 'Nalia', with its anti-abortion message was showcased in August 2003 at the Pro-Life Movements anti-abortion campaigns.

Born in October 1984 as the first born of four, Chizi, real name Danne A'ceda, grew up with significant musical influence. His father, a cardiologist, played guitar with the legendary D.O Misiani, and as such musical persuasions were in plenty. Miriam Makeba, Bob Marley, Franco, Les Wanyika, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Madilu, Pepe Kale ' there are but a few of his earliest influences.

Chizi, born again at the turn of the century (December 1999),

developed a passion for the arts very early. In nursery, he began poetry, and by standard 6 was singing in the main choir at St. Luke's Church. Form one saw him team up with now KORA nominee Lydia Dola in forming a music group. They were due to record a full album, starting with the lead single ' Pamoja '. This is when he chanced to come across a gentleman who would be pivotal in getting his music career off - producer Richard 'the Real R-Kay' Kasika.

The rest of the group were unable to attend a recording session, and R-Kay suggested he record on his own. He did. The song went on to receive airplay at a number of radio stations, with KBC still having it in circulation as of December 2005. He went on to record a number of singles with R-Kay, including 2000's ' Woishee' , which also received significant airplay. Proceeding to work at the Far East Broadcasting Association (FEBA), he got the opportunity to record the two aforementioned tracks, 'Buriani' and ' Nalia'. Nonetheless a number of factors worked against him, leaving him frustrated with the industry, and he took a recording hiatus.

About a year later he was introduced to musician Zachs Waweru, who pushed him to register for the continental talent search Project Fame. Even though he got bundled out of the contest for attempting a stab at Eric Wainaina's iconic 'Kenya Only', he got the opportunity to meet with one of the judges, artist and producer Kanjii 'Automan' Mbugua. The one piece of advice Chizi got from him, he followed ' he got himself a voice trainer, Jacinta Mulaku, who still offers him the service.

In early 2004, a chance meeting with Blu Zebra producer Wyre, got him the opportunity to record 'Narudi', a track now found on his stunning debut album 'Suluwe'. Wyre had heard Chizi's Ennovator -produced single 'Ua Langu', also on the album, and was fairly impressed. They set up a date and proceeded to record.

Now as individual singles were coming together, thoughts of an album could not possibly be far off. Yet without some sort of funding that would never be a reality.

Fortunately for him, word of Chizi's talent and ambition did the rounds, eventually reaching Kijiji Records and its proprietor Kanjii Mbugua. After a series of meetings, Chizi was signed, and shortly afterwards started working on his debut album.

On only the second night of recording, he met a gentleman who would play an integral role in helping him discover his style. The crew was doing a late night recording session, and getting hungry, they sent for fries. Now that would not ordinarily be a big deal, it's just that they called up the iconic Eric Wainaina to do that for them. Jokingly, yet half serious, Chizi confesses he thought this was the highest form of '91blasphemy' ' after all, Chizi had idolized Eric ever since he picked up his ' Sawa Sawa ' album.

The awe factor only seemed to rise when Chizi answered the knock on the door to find Eric Wainaina there, hauling paper bags of food. Not only did Eric recognize Chizi, he acknowledged and affirmed Chizi's work. The single ' Ua Langu' had been recorded at Enkare Studios, co-owned by Eric himself, who was now due for a recording session.

Chizi watched the session for two hours, and new there and then, his style was going to take a different twist.

His resistance to World music, which Kanjii had been trying to get him to pursue, seemed to break that night.

Album preparations progressed well, with 30th September 2005 set as the launch date. This was not to be. One more figure was to play a critical role in his development. David 'Blackman' Muthami , immensely talented up-and-coming producer, joined Chizi in the recording studio one day, and started messing around with guitar chords. Chizi was so inspired, he begged him to play some more. Right there and then, he wrote and recorded ' Kumekucha' , a song that eventually made its way onto his debut album, featuring Wyre. Kanjii so loved the song, the album launch was instantly dropped.

Blackman was then charged with the responsibility of doing six songs with Chizi, a job he managed admirably. Vocally, Chizi not only sounded very similar to Eric Wainaina, stylistically they were also alike. Kijiji's job was to carve a niche for Chizi, and not reproduce another Eric. What Blackman did, was add an edgy urban feel to the album, complementing the work of other album producers J.J Ojiambo, Aaron, Ennovator, Wyre and Kanjii.

The album was eventually completed, and featured KORA award winners Neema and Eric Wainaina, as well as Wyre, Blackman and initial producer and close friend Richard Kasika. Launched at a beautiful ceremony on 25 th of November 2005, ' Suluwe' has been very well received by the general public, earning this passionate architecture student a good following.

The album, whose title means 'star' in dholuo, is a blend of afro-fusion, neo-soul and urban styles. Chizi, a deep and brilliant songwriter absolutely shone while handling all writing duties on the album. He admits there was a deliberate effort to make the lyrics less spiritual and more reflective of everyday situations. He adds that many know how to be Christians in church, yet fail the test when it comes to everyday life issues, and that's what he strives to address.

Chizi is quick to point that the album's title has nothing to do with him, yet its hard not to see a real star in the making here.


Born in October 1984 as the first born of four, Chizi, real name Danne A'ceda, grew up with significant musical influence. His father, a cardiologist, played guitar with the legendary D.O Misiani, and as such musical persuasions were in plenty. Miriam Makeba, Bob Marley, Franco, Les Wanyika, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Madilu, Pepe Kale ' there are but a few of his earliest influences.

Chizi, born again at the turn of the century (December 1999),

developed a passion for the arts very early. In nursery, he began poetry, and by standard 6 was singing in the main choir at St. Luke's Church. Form one saw him team up with now KORA nominee Lydia Dola in forming a music group. They were due to record a full album, starting with the lead single ' Pamoja '. This is when he chanced to come across a gentleman who would be pivotal in getting his music career off - producer Richard 'the Real R-Kay' Kasika.

The rest of the group were unable to attend a recording session, and R-Kay suggested he record on his own. He did. The song went on to receive airplay at a number of radio stations, with KBC still having it in circulation as of December 2005. He went on to record a number of singles with R-Kay, including 2000's ' Woishee' , which also received significant airplay. Proceeding to work at the Far East Broadcasting Association (FEBA), he got the opportunity to record the two aforementioned tracks, 'Buriani' and ' Nalia'. Nonetheless a number of factors worked against him, leaving him frustrated with the industry, and he took a recording hiatus.

About a year later he was introduced to musician Zachs Waweru, who pushed him to register for the continental talent search Project Fame. Even though he got bundled out of the contest for attempting a stab at Eric Wainaina's iconic 'Kenya Only', he got the opportunity to meet with one of the judges, artist and producer Kanjii 'Automan' Mbugua. The one piece of advice Chizi got from him, he followed ' he got himself a voice trainer, Jacinta Mulaku, who still offers him the service.

In early 2004, a chance meeting with Blu Zebra producer Wyre, got him the opportunity to record 'Narudi', a track now found on his stunning debut album 'Suluwe'. Wyre had heard Chizi's Ennovator -produced single 'Ua Langu', also on the album, and was fairly impressed. They set up a date and proceeded to record.

Now as individual singles were coming together, thoughts of an album could not possibly be far off. Yet without some sort of funding that would never be a reality.

Fortunately for him, word of Chizi's talent and ambition did the rounds, eventually reaching Kijiji Records and its proprietor Kanjii Mbugua. After a series of meetings, Chizi was signed, and shortly afterwards started working on his debut album.

On only the second night of recording, he met a gentleman who would play an integral role in helping him discover his style. The crew was doing a late night recording session, and getting hungry, they sent for fries. Now that would not ordinarily be a big deal, it's just that they called up the iconic Eric Wainaina to do that for them. Jokingly, yet half serious, Chizi confesses he thought this was the highest form of '91blasphemy' ' after all, Chizi had idolized Eric ever since he picked up his ' Sawa Sawa ' album.

The awe factor only seemed to rise when Chizi answered the knock on the door to find Eric Wainaina there, hauling paper bags of food. Not only did Eric recognize Chizi, he acknowledged and affirmed Chizi's work. The single ' Ua Langu' had been recorded at Enkare Studios, co-owned by Eric himself, who was now due for a recording session.

Chizi watched the session for two hours, and new there and then, his style was going to take a different twist.

His resistance to World music, which Kanjii had been trying to get him to pursue, seemed to break that night.

Album preparations progressed well, with 30th September 2005 set as the launch date. This was not to be. One more figure was to play a critical role in his development. David 'Blackman' Muthami , immensely talented up-and-coming producer, joined Chizi in the recording studio one day, and started messing around with guitar chords. Chizi was so inspired, he begged him to play some more. Right there and then, he wrote and recorded ' Kumekucha' , a song that eventually made its way onto his debut album, featuring Wyre. Kanjii so loved the song, the album launch was instantly dropped.

Blackman was then charged with the responsibility of doing six songs with Chizi, a job he managed admirably. Vocally, Chizi not only sounded very similar to Eric Wainaina, stylistically they were also alike. Kijiji's job was to carve a niche for Chizi, and not reproduce another Eric. What Blackman did, was add an edgy urban feel to the album, complementing the work of other album producers J.J Ojiambo, Aaron, Ennovator, Wyre and Kanjii.

The album was eventually completed, and featured KORA award winners Neema and Eric Wainaina, as well as Wyre, Blackman and initial producer and close friend Richard Kasika. Launched at a beautiful ceremony on 25 th of November 2005, ' Suluwe' has been very well received by the general public, earning this passionate architecture student a good following.

The album, whose title means 'star' in dholuo, is a blend of afro-fusion, neo-soul and urban styles. Chizi, a deep and brilliant songwriter absolutely shone while handling all writing duties on the album. He admits there was a deliberate effort to make the lyrics less spiritual and more reflective of everyday situations. He adds that many know how to be Christians in church, yet fail the test when it comes to everyday life issues, and that's what he strives to address.

Chizi is quick to point that the album's title has nothing to do with him, yet its hard not to see a real star in the making here.