Mbae is a multi-talented Kenyan artist who is happily balancing life working at The French Embassy by day and being artist for the rest of his time. The self-taught singer, songwriter and instrumentalist is also a dancer, performer and an art director. He is also among artists leading an evolution towards consumption of digital experiences via virtual reality. His capability of perfecting anything he puts his mind to and his stellar performance at Man'gu High School and Alliance Française earned him a place in one of Europe's most prestigious universities, Sciences Po Paris in France where he obtained a master's in Marketing. 

In this interview, Mbae takes me through memories of growing up in Njoro, Nakuru, being raised by strict parents who did the best to prepare him for a bright future, and how all that continues to influence his life and career choices.

Ep 18: Mbae - "Art is Expensive. My Day Job Funds my Art"

As a celebration of season 2 wrap; I am sharing with you a cross section of dope interviews that I discovered in my vault and a little bit about my journey towards VIP ACCESS - this podcast and a beloved brand I created in 2018. This eps features interviews with Bien-Aime from Kenya, Winky D from Zimbabwe and Jux & Lizer from Tanzania. This is my Thank You and I hope you enjoy it :) I have so much gratitude for all those who have been listening and showing me love in one way of another. Keep it here because it gets better.

Ep 19: Kenya, Tanzania to Zimbabwe - Gratitude and a Reintroduction

Kenyan singer-songwriter Xenia Manasseh has released two successful EPs: Fallin’ Apart (2019) and Maybe (2022) that have brought different dimensions to the industry’s texture of R&B, Soul, Alte' Music and Pop music. From not considering herself a writer or artist, Xenia has grown into a contented artist and a writer to the stars; and that’s just her beginning. While at the verge of releasing her debut album, Xenia sits down with Anyiko to recall her journey to self-discovery that started at Berklee Music College.

She has collaborated with big names in the game including Sauti Sol, Mr Eazi, Ukweli and Idahams. Not every artist approaches collaborations like Xenia does, "It's fun" - she says. Thriving at being comfortable and experimental in her artistry has brought her so many great opportunities like songwriting camps, where she also got to write for Tems' upcoming project. She is currently signed to Soul HQ, and as a songwriter to Atlanta based label UCMG, through where she got songwriting credits on Teyana Taylor’s 'The Album' for the songs “Wrong B*tch” in which she also did background vocals and “Shoot It Up” ft Big Sean.

Ep 4: Xenia Manasseh - "Never Give Yourself a Plan B"

"African Queen", "Shake Body" and "This Is Nigeria" are important songs in the history of popular Nigerian music. This eps features my interviews with 2Baba on his legendary status, Skales on the impact of "Shake Body" and Falz on multiple personalities and meeting Diddy because of the virality of his video. Some of their records represent an era of hits that influenced a cross over of Nigerian and African content into the rest of Africa and the world over. I also attended 2Baba's 20 Years A King celebration. Find out how I ended up hosting the red carpet interviews ... See you next week for our final episode of this season - yaaay!

S2: EP20 | Face Your Front - Linking Up With 2Baba, Falz & Skales

I had the honour of meeting and interviewing Radio & Weasel. Unfortunately after that, Radio passed away. I later caught up with his partner Weasel alongside King Saha - who speak on his passing and how that changed Uganda's entertainment industry. On the other end, I caught up with two of Uganda's best in their genres: The Mith and Bennie Gunter - and they both speak highly about their passion for music and making authentic music that represents Uganda. This was a good one - see y'all next season dropping Sept 5th 2023.

S2: EP21 | A Ugandan Affair - Hip Hop, Dancehall & A Tribute For Radio

VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music & Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.

Anyiko Owoko

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