In the late 90's, a generation of 'local artistes' emerged on the scene and set the Kenyan entertainment scene aflame, giving Kenyans something to cheer about.
The hip-hop influenced music style was craftily attuned to the Kenyan urban lifestyle, and made local fans, especially the young at heart, shift their loyalty from western music to local productions.
Among these artistes, a number stood out from the rest. enter KLEPTOMANIAX! With a clear agenda, as boldly represented in their name, a corruption of the English word Kleptomaniacs (habitual thieves), this hyper-energetic all male rap trio set out 'to steal the hearts of their fans'.
Their music interest started when they were still in high school ( Nairobi School ), where they wrote songs and competed with fellow students and schools in variety shows, etc, slowly establishing themselves among their peers!
Nyashinski (aka Nyamari Ongegu)
Picked by Ogopa DJ's while still in school, Kleptomaniax made history by being the first ever Kenyan artistes to release a song while still in school!
Their debut single, ' Freak It ' , released in 2002 was a huge hit, especially in the streets and in the club, giving them authentic street credibility.
Their sophomore single, ' Maniax Anthem ', released in 2003 further affirmed and cemented their position and potential in the market, and was especially well received on radio.
Their third single ' Haree ', released in 2003, was a lyrical journey of the party scene, and was very highly received in all circles, and affirmed their reign as one of the finest musical groups in Kenya.
Their fourth single, one of arguably one of Kenya's most influential and best received songs, ' Tuendelee ', was released in 2004 on a background of naysayers in the industry who took advantage of their long hiatus (to prepare for their album to attack their lyrical prowess).
Though not intended that way, this HUGE hit song was taken as a hit back to these naysayers, AND NOTHING MORE WAS SAID!
As the years went by since their entry into the market, Ogopa DJ's moulded the group and its style, into what Kleptomaniax is today; A BRAND!
Munkiri ( aka Robert Manyasa )
Kleptomaniax have been profiled as an all-male, Urban Kenyan rap trio consisting of individual personalities, who together represent the full embodiment of the Kenyan Urban Youth.
They are talented, musical and showbiz-skewed. Kleptomaniax are popular across the age, race and sex brackets.
They posses good stage presence, good (photogenic) looks, are well natured, disciplined, outgoing, press friendly, cultured.
They have been known to have an edge and charisma and energy.
They ooze aspiration, are in tow with the upscale / up-market urban youth while maintaining an appeal to the middle and lower class youth.
Depicto / D.E.P. ( aka Collins Majale )
Kleptomaniax has an award (nominations and winning) history with them, and their material has always managed to cross the race, age and sex barriers.
This group has always been known to possess an exemplary on-stage performance, delivery and lyrical content, and their words are always as challenging as they are entertaining.
First group to release a successful single while still in High School
First Group to be Nominated while still in High School: Favourite Male Group, ' Chaguo la Teenies 2002'
Won Favourite Male Group, ' Chaguo la Teenies 2002'
Nominated Favourite Male Group, 2nd year running, ' Chaguo la Teenies 2003'
Won Favourite Male Group, 2nd year running, ' Chaguo la Teenies 2003'
Nominated Best Group 'KISIMA Awards 2004'
2nd Most Popular Music Video (Tuendelee) by the No. 1 Music TV show, The BEAT
Nominated Favourite Male Group, 4th year running, ' Chaguo la Teenies 2005'
Following the successes and high points that have been a constant feature of this group, the focus has been to steer Kleptomaniax as a brand, and that is what has been and continues to be the basis of their musical career from here onwards.
With coordinated efforts between the group members, producers and management, the group came out with a full length album, titled " M4E " (Maniax 4Ever).
Contemporary Urban Music, diverse in style and approach, targeting the young, the elder, black, white, asian, etc, the album is tinged with a touch of hip-hop, R&B, dance, salsa, etc, very carefully and professionally "A&R-ed" to create the IDEAL PRODUCT
An album so entertaining and interesting, the 'forward' or 'skip' buttons on your CD player will remain untouched!
Lyrically persuasive, entertaining, thought-provoking and stylish, this album will definitely put some artistes out of work!
Their strong lyrics and messages, while entertaining, will definitely be a topic for a long time!
Lyrically on point, you can listen to them acappella!
Dance oriented: Fun-loving group with a spectacular stage performance and crowd moving effects
Heavy on rhythm and beat: as is popular with Kenyan music lovers, a clear and working formula and signature of Ogopa DJ's
After 2007 the group had a break while their members engaged isolo projects. The group has since made comeback, but have left Ogopa DJ's. The group is set to release their second album NITT (Now Is The Time) in 2009 .
Awards
- 2002 Chat Awards - Favourite Male Group
- 2003 Chat Awards - Favourite Male Group
- 2005 Kisima Music Awards - Best Group
Nominations
- 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards - Best African Act
- 2005 Kora Awards - Best Group from Eastern Africa
- 2006 Tanzania Music Awards - Best East African Album ("M4E")
- 2008 Kisima Music Awards - Video of the Year ("Magnetic")
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