Who we are
Penya Africa
In Nairobi, Kenya, UpToYouToo supports the local label Penya Africa.
History
Penya was founded as a result of a long term collaboration between Up To You Too and local musicians/producers. This collaboration kicked off in 2004 when the album Kilio Cha Haki, produced in the Nairobi slums by the Amsterdam famed production team Red Nose District, was released. For this to happen, Up To You Too had organized a mobile studio where all the artist would simply walk in and record their tracks.
The next step was the setting of a more professional studio named Ragz2Records in the Nairobi Eastlands. It was here that the Goreala’s debut album “Metaphor Za Mtaa” was recorded and produced by the French producer Boula One. Goreala’s intense lyrics and strong rapping skills have made this album into a unique musical experience having sparked reactions from people like Charlie Gillett of BBC Radio and made it to the World Music European Chart top 20 in January 2009.
Growth
In 2008 and 2009 Penya continued its growth as an independent label by releasing five more albums. “Kenya Debut” by Stan and “Mwanzo” by Sauti Sol reaffirm the label’s intention of pushing forward the new East African music. Both albums were produced by the multi talented producer Wawesh. The albums feature music by young Kenyan artists looking for their place on the African and World music scenes. Penya is looking at its future with great determination.
For further info, check the Penya website. A recent report about Penya director Nynke Nauta (in Dutch) can be seen here.