Khaligraph Jones
This article may require copy editing for spelling. (October 2023) |
Brian Ouko Omollo, (born 12 June 1990)[1] popularly known by his stage name Khaligraph Jones, is a Kenyan rapper known for his hit singles "Mazishi" and "Yego".[2][3] He released his debut full-length studio album Testimony 1990 in June 2018.[4] Khaligraph Jones has achieved numerous awards during his career. He was nominated for 'Best Male Artist' at the 2018 Afrimma Awards, won 'Best Hip Hop Artist' at the 2020 Afrimma Awards, and was nominated for 'Best International Act' at the 2020 BET Awards.
Khaligraph Jones | |
|---|---|
Khaligraph in 2020 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Brian Ouko Omollo |
| Born | 12 June 1990 Mbooni, Machakos, Kenya |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Labels | Blue Ink |
Early life edit
Jones was born and raised in Kayole, a neighborhood in Nairobi, Kenya.[5][6]
His mother gave him the name Ouko Robert in honor of the late Kenyan politician Dr. Robert Ouko, who was assassinated on 13 February 1990.[7][8][9]
Career edit
Khaligraph started his musical career while still in elementary school. He officially began his career in 2008 at a function called "Words And Pictures."[10]
He won Channel O Music Video Awards Emcee Africa in 2009, a highly visible competition that catapulted him to international acclaim almost instantly.[11]
In June 2018, he released his debut full-length studio album dubbed "Testimony 1990".[12]
He was crowned "Best Rap Act of the Year" at the fifth Annual African Muzik Magazine Awards 2018 (Afrimma) held at House of Blues in Dallas, Texas in 2018.[13][14]
He was named the best Hip Hop act at the Soundcity MVP Awards in January 2020.[15][16] The ceremony took place at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos, Nigeria.[17][18]
In 2020 he was nominated for the BET Awards.[19][20] His nomination was for the Best International Flow category.[21] He was up against South Africa's Nasty C, Brazil's Djonga, Ivorian Kaaris and eventual winner, grime rapper Stormzy from the UK.[22][23] In May 2021 he was named the East African Rapper of the Year at MTN Uganda.
In 2021, Khaligraph partnered with Odibets, a sports betting company under their Odimtaani initiative to launch the ‘OdiNare’ rap challenge. This challenge led to a collaboration of Jones with Kenyan rapper Chepkosgei that was executive produced by Riverstarz Music Entertainment.[24]
Feuds edit
On November 10, 2015, musician Juliani posted a picture on his social media of fellow hip hop heavyweights Khaligraph, Octopizzo and King Kaka. He captioned the photo with "The only one with more bars than the three combined is me!!". What initially started as friendly banter triggered an online tweef between the musicians and it went on for hours before Khaligraph released a diss track that was meant to silence the rest. While Octopizzo chose to stay out of the beef both Juliani and King Kaka responded to the diss track with their own.[25] Over a year later, King Kaka revealed during an interview that the feud was indeed very serious and that were it not for some external mediative interventions, it could have resulted in bloodshed.[26]
In January 2020, a feud broke out between Khaligraph Jones and Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez. This was after Khaligraph won the "Best Hip Hop Act" ahead of him and others at the SoundCity MVP Awards 2020 held in Lagos, Nigeria.[27] Blaqbonez released a video and a diss track complaining about Soundcity's decision while disregarding Khaligraph. Hours later Khaligraph responded with a diss track titled "Best rapper in Nigeria".[28]
In August 2023, Khaligraph Jones sparked controversy after releasing a diss track targeting Tanzanian rappers. This led to backlash coming from Tanzanian rappers including Rosa Ree, Msodoki Young Killer, and Motra The Future.[29][30] Bongo musician Harmonize, with whom Khaligraph has collaborated previously also waded into the controversy to condemn the disrespect on Tanzanian artists.
Political views edit
In April 2021, Khaligraph Jones led a team of 30 artists from the Kenyan creative industry in meeting the then deputy president William Ruto.[31] This was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and at a time when the working relationship between Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto had deteriorated severely. Although it was confirmed that the main agenda was to discuss the concerns of the artists and to receive their suggestions and proposals, a notion was created that the artists who attended the meeting did endorse Dr. Ruto's candidacy for the upcoming 2022 presidential elections in Kenya.[32][33] During the meeting, Khaligraph made a passionate appeal to Dr. Ruto for a solution to the plight that faces "hustlers" who were hurting in the background with some going to bed hungry while others had been locked out of their homes due to rent arrears. Khaligraph went ahead to promise that if their concerns were addressed, he would, in turn campaign pro-bono for Dr. Ruto all over the country.[31] Prior to the meeting, Khaligraph had initially reached out to both Dr. Ruto and Mr. Odinga via his Instagram handle and only the former who responded and later set up the meeting with the representatives from the creative industry.[34] Musicians, Octopizzo and King Kaka who were not part of the delegation that met Dr. Ruto took to their social media platforms to castigate Khaligraph and the other artists for being "opportunistic" in using COVID-19 as a guise for their political affiliations.
Just a few days before Dr. Ruto assumed office as president, Khaligraph released his song "Usiache Akemewe". In the song, he urged the President-elect to protect his competitor Raila Odinga who had been facing increasing ridicule after he lost during the elections.[35]
Discography edit
Albums edit
Testimony 1990 edit
Khaligraph released his debut studio album Testimony 1990 in June 2018. Testimony 1990 is a testimony of his life, his troubles and those of his country Kenya.[36][37][38]
Track listing edit
- "Testimony" ft. Sagini
- "Blessings"
- "For Life"
- "G Like That"
- "Gwala" ft. YCEE
- "Making Babies"
- "Taking It All" ft. Timmy Blanco
- "Instagram Girls"
- "No Change" ft. Fena* "Aiseee" ft. Ray C
- "Superwoman" ft. Mr Eazi
- "All The Way Up"
- "Now You Know" ft. Rostam
- "Beat It"
- "Go Hard" ft. Esco
- "Don Know" ft. K.O
- "Complicated" ft Ria
Invisible Currency edit
Khaligraph Jones released his second album was first released on 7 March 2022 exclusively on Boomplay streaming service. It accumulated a total of 1 million streams in six days on the streaming platform. He later released it on other streaming platforms on 13 March 2022.
Track listing edit
- "Invisible Currency"
- "All I Need"
- "Ikechukwu"
- "Rada Safi"
- "Ateri Dala" ft. Prince Indah
- "Am on the Move" ft. Blackway
- "Maombi Ya Mama" ft. Adasa
- "Kamnyweso" ft. Mejja
- "Wanguvu" ft. Ali Kiba
- "Inner Peace" ft. Kev the Topic
- "Tsunami" ft. Scar
- "How We Do" ft. Xenia Manasseh
- "Ride for You" ft. Rudeboy
- "Bad Dreams"
- "Flee"
- "Hiroshima" ft. Dax
- "The Khali Chronicles"
Singles edit
| Year of release | Title |
|---|---|
| 2013 | "How it go iyeee" |
| 2013 | "Dedication" |
| 2014 | "Embesha" |
| 2014 | "Fly" |
| 2015 | "Songea" |
| 2015 | "Natesa" |
| 2015 | "Open doors refix" |
| 2015 | "I am King" ft. Dj Dela Creme |
| 2015 | "Yego" |
| 2015 | "King Khali" |
| 2016 | "Ting Badi Malo" ft. Chris Kantai |
| 2016 | "Chizi" |
| 2016 | "Mazishi" |
| 2016 | "Wanjiru & Akinyi" |
| 2016 | "So Gone" |
| 2016 | "Micasa Sucasa" ft. Cashy |
| 2017 | "Naked" |
| 2017 | "Toa Tint" |
| 2017 | "Gaza" |
| 2017 | "Nataka Iyo Doh" |
| 2017 | "Omollo" |
| 2018 | "Rider" ft. Petra |
| 2018 | "Khali Cartel 1" |
| 2018 | "Watajua Hawajui" ft. Msupa S |
| 2018 | "Work" ft. Donn J |
| 2018 | "Juu ya Ngori" |
| 2018 | "Stick Miti" |
| 2018 | "Coming Thru" |
| 2018 | "Khali Cartel 2" |
| 2019 | "Khali Cartel 3" |
| 2019 | "Superman" |
| 2019 | "Leave me Alone" |
| 2019 | "Ruby" |
| 2019 | "Me Siogopi" |
| 2020 | "Best Rapper in Nigeria" |
| 2020 | "Yes Bana" ft. Bien |
| 2020 | "Roll With You" |
| 2020 | "Hao" ft . Masauti |
| 2020 | "I Still Will" |
| 2020 | "Tuma Kitu" |
| 2020 | "Lwanda Magere Legacy" |
| 2020 | "Kwendaa!!" |
| 2021 | "Wavy" ft Sarkodie (rapper) |
| 2021 | "Punguza Kasheshe" |
| 2021 | "CHAMPEZ" |
| 2022 | Get high |
| 2022 | Maombi ya mama |
| 2022 | Hiroshima ft. DAX |
| 2022 | Sifu Bwana ft. Nyashinski |
| 2022 | Khali Cartel ft. various |
| 2022 | Mbona |
| 2022 | Blueticks ft. Femi One |
| 2023 | Kamnyweso ft. Mejja |
| 2023 | Kwame ft. Harmonize |
| 2023 | Wanguvu ft. Alikiba |
| 2O23 | Bongo favour[39] |
References edit
- ^ "Khaligraph Jones Biography, Age, Wife, Songs, History, Career". RALINGO. 2019-11-24. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ Oduku, Richard (2020-03-20). "RICHARD ODUKU - Khaligraph Jones and Emerging Hip Hop Futures in Kenya | The Elephant". Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Khaligraph Jones: How I made it in hip hop". BBC News. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "REVIEW: Khaligraph Jones Debut Album 'Testimony 1990'". KenyanVibe. 2018-06-19. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Khaligraph Jones opens up about making ends meet and his days as a bouncer – The Sauce". www.capitalfm.co.ke. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Khaligraph Jones | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Biography: Khaligraph Jones; Family, Wife, Music and Awards". www.pulselive.co.ke. 2 February 2021. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ Enock, Sir (2021-02-08). "Khaligraph Jones biography, age, family, hip hop songs, wife Georgina Muteti, awards, net worth". KISII FINEST. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Khaligraph Jones Biography And Net Worth 2023", TechBlogBase.com, retrieved 2023-07-20
- ^ "The rise and rise of Khaligraph, Kenya's music genius". The Star. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ noraolagbaju (2021-02-11). . The Hip Hop African. Archived from the original on 2021-03-02. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Khaligraph unveils "Testimony 1990" album tracklist | Notjustok East Africa". Latest East African & Bongo Flava Music, Songs & Video - Notjustok. 2018-06-12. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Big win for Kenya as Khaligraph Jones grabs AFRIMMA Best Rap Act - The Sauce". www.capitalfm.co.ke. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ Bwire, Dancan. "2018 AFRIMMA Awards: Khaligraph, Papa Dennis win big". 2018 AFRIMMA Awards: Khaligraph, Papa Dennis win big. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Khaligraph Jones wins SoundCity MVP award for best hip hop act". Kiss 100. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "The Standard - Kenya & World News | Latest and Breaking news". 2020.
- ^ Muli, Davis. "MVP 2020 awards: Khaligraph crowned best hip-hop artiste in Africa". MVP 2020 awards: Khaligraph Jones crowned best hip-hop artiste in Africa. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Khaligraph Jones wins big at Sound City MVP Awards in Nigeria [Full list of winners]". Pulse Live Kenya. 2020-01-12. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Rapper Khaligraph nominated for 2020 BET Awards". The Star. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2022-12-05. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Khaligraph Jones 2020 BET AWARDS – KAMATA SCHOOL OF MUSIC". www.kamataschool.com. 2020-10-06. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Khaligraph Jones reaction after losing BET Award to UK's Stomzy". Pulse Live Kenya. 2020-10-28. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Khaligraph loses out to Stormzy at BET Awards". The Star. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Odibets heeds to Khaligraph call, unveils rap challenge". The Star.
- ^ "No Chills! Nameless Takes Shots At Juliani, Rabbit, Octopizzo And Khaligraph Amidst Their Beef". Mpasho. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
- ^ Oduor, Martin (2017-02-08). ""Ningekutana nao ningewapiga ngumi" King Kaka reveals how his beef with Khaligraph Jones, Octopizzo and Juliani ended amicably without bloodshed". Ghafla!. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
- ^ Tomiwa (2020-01-14). "Kenya Rapper; Khaligraph Jones Drops Diss Track For Blaqbonez & Choco. City, Declares Himself "Best Rapper In Nigeria" | Listen!!". tooXclusive. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
- ^ Classic, Mr (2023-09-11). "Khaligraph Jones – Best Rapper In Nigeria Mp3 Download « NaijaHits". Retrieved 2023-09-11.
- ^ "Khaligraph Jones sparks fierce rap battle with Tanzanian rappers, several immediately react". Citizen Digital. 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2023-09-03.
- ^ https://kiss100.co.ke/authors/mjukuu-wa-mfalme. "Why Khaligraph Jones is apologizing to Tanzanians after igniting a heated war". Kiss 100. Retrieved 2023-09-03.
{{cite web}}: External link in|last= - ^ a b Omondi, Asher (2021-04-24). "William Ruto hosts artistes following Khaligraph Jones's lockdown request". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
- ^ "DP William Ruto met with Khaligraph Jones at his Karen home". 2021-04-24. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
- ^ Otengo, Victor (2021-04-26). "Khaligraph hilariously reacts to bashing from Octopizzo for meeting Ruto". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
- ^ "#UnlockOurCountry: DP Ruto responds to rapper Khaligraph Jones' plea". Nairobi News. 2021-04-19. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
- ^ Aroko, Amondi (2022-09-09). ""Usiache akemewe": Khaligraph pleads with Ruto to protect Raila in new rap song". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
- ^ "Hip hop futures in Kenya". africasacountry.com. 18 April 2019. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ says, June Josse (2018-06-16). "Testimony 1990 – Khaligraph Jones (Album Review)". Black Roses. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ Jay, Ndungu (2020-11-07). "Khaligraph Jones and Emerging Hip Hop Futures in Kenya". Nairobi Times. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ "Khaligraph Jones - Bongo Favour". YouTube. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
Further reading edit
- Khaligraph Jones: How I made it in hip hop