Kilio cha Haki

Nairobi Yetu were an ad hoc thirty-eight strong collective of rappers and musicians from four different slums in Nairobi’s notorious Eastlands ghetto. In a major collaborative effort they joined forces with producers from Amsterdam’s DJ/Producer set Rednose Distrikt to record their debut album ‘Kilio cha Haki (A Cry for Justice).’ The positive message and head-nod kicks of ‘Kilio…’ call to mind acts like Saian Supa Crew, Arrested Development, A Tribe Called Quest and The Pharcyde.   

“Hip hop is vital/throw your fist in the air worldwide up in here/
represent your sphere/hip hop is global.”

The album, recorded in just one month in a temporary Eastlands studio, supported by the UpToYouToo foundation in the Netherlands, provided a means for the collective to unveil the talent hidden in their midst. ‘Kilio cha Haki’ is a fusion of different styles, cultures and backgrounds, but most of all it is an expression of the plight and struggle of the youth in the ghettos and slums of Nairobi. It presents not only Kenyans, but people the world over with the opportunity to reflect on the political corruption, criminality, poverty, AIDS and other scourges affecting urban youth.  

All of the artists on the album, as well as all those involved in its production and promotion have participated on a voluntary basis. UpToYouTo seeks to communicate a realistic and positive image in Western countries of the youth of downtown Kenya and more specifically Nairobi’s Eastlands.  

Check out www.kiliochahaki.com