Anyiko Owoko

26/07/2024

VIP ACCESS on location 🎬 Highlights from the first Goethe Industry Talks Event - curated by 🖐🏾 Topic was INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, PUBLISHING & LEGAL PARAMETERS featuring pros in the field of Copyright, and from Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO).

David Katee - Intellectual Property Lawyer
Wandiri Karimi - IP Expert
Kaindo Kiarie - Chief Legal Counsel Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO)

Next event will delve into the topic of SAFETY PLANNING FOR MORE INCLUSIVE AND SAFER SPACES IN THE INDUSTRY welcome to Goethe-Institut Nairobi auditorium Friday (2 Aug 2024) from 4.30 PM!

Please share with all emerging event producers and managers 🙏🏾

23/07/2024

In the opener of VIP ACCESS Season 4, I am interviewing a South African all-rounder. DJ Sbu Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl9Awjr02cY&t=3s DJ Sbu is a DJ, radio, podcaster, entrepreneur and media owner. His song “Lengoma” featuring the late Zahara was a global hit that turned into a classic for many around the continent, and beyond. We talk about how he has navigated life and work throughout the years.

He always encourages younger artists and the youth to work smart at building solid foundations and lasting brands. Sbu is almost ready to release a new album – enjoy part 1 of our interview.

[This episode was recorded before Zahara's untimely passing - we send our condolences to her family and the SA industry].

19/07/2024

Excited to join Boomplay's ‘Music Industry Talk’ for a 2nd Edition today at 3 PM EAT as we hold a riveting discussion on using PR Effectively to Elevate Your Music & Brand 😎

📍 Online: BOOMLIVE 📲 https://lnkd.in/dNuxbJDz

All are welcome! Save the Meeting Link 🔗🚀🚀

21/06/2024

Once again extremely disappointed by our MPigs [someone said on Capital FM yesterday that we should call them rodents because they are good for nothing other than eating on us but pigs can at least give value], government and police.

President William Ruto - You lied to us that police brutality, intimidation and violence in Kenya is a thing of the past and will never happen “under your watch.” But here you are sitting watching how the police are harassing and violating innocent protesters. They even shot a young guy Rex Kanyike last night and he sadly passed away. You gloat in misappropriating funds flying around the world in private jets and now pretending not to hear our plea and not even acknowledging our voices and rejection of It’s a new dawn in Kenya - Mr President and your marshals watch out!

Kenyans came out in numbers across the country peacefully protesting against a draconian finance bill only to be met by unnecessary and unlawful police violence and brutality. We have a constitutional right to protest.

The eco levy only for instance will increase the prices of imported sanitary products by 18% from the current price. Majority of these products are imported so here are politicians trying to cheat us that this move is going to be building Kenya but instead immediately increasing period poverty!

Tumechoka na hii gava and your lies! Times out! The maandamanos will continue until y’all give an ear to the people who put you in power ✊🏾 We are the people and this country belongs to us.

Photos by Peter Ndung’u ()

11/06/2024

What an absolute pleasure to host the Energy gAD D.o.2.d.t.u.n on my podcast VIP ACCESS this week! Our interview is now live on YouTube (Anyiko Owoko) and everywhere you find your audio podcasts (VIP ACCESS) 😍 🇰🇪 l 🇳🇬 stand up!!!

Do2dtun is Nigeria’s biggest hype master with energy like no other. In fact, in this interview he expounds on how he managed to commercialize hype and energy throughout his notable career in the entertainment industry. He is also one of Nigeria’s most respected media personalities and industry movers and shakers. He is an on-air media personality, an actor, a TV Host and media entrepreneur.

Do2dtun aka Energy gAD is Nigeria’s biggest hype master with energy like no other. In fact, in this interview he expounds on how he managed to commercialize ...

06/06/2024

Calling on all podcasters, media people and content creators - welcome to Goethe Talks at Goethe-Institut Nairobi auditorium this Friday from 4 PM for a conversation on Digital Footprint For New Media Entrepreneurship! What is that? Basically how do you turn your content and numbers into a business and most importantly- how can you navigate from traditional media to new media and make it work for your audience?

This year I joined forces with Goethe-Institut to introduce and curate The Jam - Industry Talks that seek to address issues of the creative industries in Kenya through candid panel discussions on key topics that affect the ever-changing creative sector. ENTRY FREE! 👌🏾

Our third conversation DIGITAL FOOTPRINT FOR NEW MEDIA ENTREPRENEURSHIP features pioneers and trailblazers when it comes to podcasting and content creation / dissemination. They are gurus at how they created and built business in new media.

Adelle Onyango [ Legally Clueless]
Calvin Wanguku [ THE MICS ARE OPEN PODCAST & Afripods ]
Azziad Nasenya Queen of TikTok

Creators and businesses can increase their foothold and presence on digital media beyond social media platforms for their audiences to easily access their content, music, products or experiences first hand. Over the past couple of years, new media entrepreneurship has taken new form and shape thanks to young pioneers who are shaping Kenya and Africa’s media space through podcasting, strategic partnerships with brands and traditional media, events and workshops. Come meet the gurus if you’re trying to find a way to build your own media, platform and know how to monetize all this!

Goethe Industry Talks are geared towards providing solutions to help move Kenya’s industry forward while bringing world-class professionals into the forum to share success stories and adaptable winning formats.

Hope to see y’all at Goethe at 4 PM sharp this Friday!

28/05/2024

Excited to host Kenyan singer-songwriter Rosa on VIP ACCESS Podcast this week! Catch our interview on YouTube or stream anywhere you find your podcasts ✅ Link in bio!

TheOnlyRosa’s music is influenced by 90s Pop music. Her melodic style reflects her love for African Soul and R&B. A career in music was always on the horizon for her as she started writing songs at the age of 12 and everybody she met was struck by her vocals and encouraged her to take music as a profession. Her proficiency in languages was an advantage as she could also write songs in Swahili and Chinese. She is also a visual artist and loves painting and drawing just as much as singing.

TheOnlyRosa is today one of Kenya’s most distinct urban and pop artists. In this interview, we both discover that we share a first name (at least parts of it) and a very similar story on personal identity and how that either gives or takes away your self confidence.

Rosa’s discography includes ‘Original Copy’, ‘Waves’ EP (2020) and ‘ROSA LAND’ album (2022). Stream her music today & enjoy our interview

Kenyan singer-songwriter TheOnlyRosa's music is influenced by 90s Pop music. Her melodic style reflects her love for African Soul and R&B. A career in music ...

28/05/2024

21/05/2024

I am so excited to be speaking at Mdundo's Mixer tomorrow tomorrow on strategies for artists and brands to reach masses through the power of music! We will def touch on Branding for artists and content creators when it comes to Music PR, Marketing and Distribution! Can't wait to meet all the industry peeps and celebrate Mdundo artists and partners at the Client Awards! Hope to see my fellow industry peeps there! :)

17/05/2024

Nairobi-based singer-songwriter Liboi features on VIP ACCESS Podcast this week! She questions humanity to improve the well-being of the deprived in the society. She’s so intuitive! It’s funny because at the start of this interview, I am almost conned on phone and she immmediately picks on the con and tells me, “Put down the phone. You are just about to be conned.” It’s almost her second nature how fast she is able to decipher what’s happening.

Liboi is a strong proponent for social change, culture and mental awareness. In fact, in this interview she talks about her own struggle with mental issues. “It’s normal”, she says. Her music blends traditional and popular African genres, she this she dubs African Contemporary Music. She is also a lover of percussions, and plays Kalimba and Duduk.

More juice if you listen to our full interview via your fave podcast platforms and on YouTube for the video interview ✅

Liboi is a Nairobi-based singer-songwriter who uses her creative ability to express human experience, question humanity and improve the well-being of the dep...

17/05/2024

Some images from last Friday when we held Goethe-Institut Nairobi's second Industry Talks event dubbed Streaming Revenues and Music Distribution featuring Martha Huro ( Boomplay ), Aggie Opondo ( Mdundo ) and Beth Achitsa ( The Orchard ). In case you missed our conversation, it is on Goethe's FB videos.

So thankful for all the dope creatives who came through to interact with us and contribute to this conversation. It was such a rich discussion.

Keep it here for the next edition of Goethe Talks coming in hot June 7 2024!

10/05/2024

We are Goethe-industry Talks Event 2 and you can livestream the conversation via https://www.facebook.com/share/v/9qpGZ5ZraeEbkYj1/?mibextid=WC7FNe cc: Goethe-Institut Nairobi

07/05/2024

Kenyan artist Bakhita is featured on my podcast VIP ACCESS this week! Catch our interview “Hoping To Expand The Space Of Taking Up Space” on YouTube today, and the audio on your fave streaming platforms ✅

Bakhita’s music cuts across Urban Jazz, Afro Funk, and Neo Soul. Their tone is husky and bright as they dominate multiple key ranges.

Their art is heavily influenced by their introspective nature, concerned about understanding the self, behavior and emotion; synonymously layered with reflective and insightful undertones, interweaving and borrowing from the muse of nature in the Kenyan Climate.

There’s much more to Bakhita! Please stream their music & catch our interview today!

Season 4 of VIP ACCESS is Proudly supported by the Australian High Commission, Kenya as part of their women creative series 💫Multi-disciplinary

Bakhita is a multi-disciplinary Kenyan artist who vividly delves into descriptive sentences aimed at tugging all of your senses and scopes into perspective t...

06/05/2024

Catch me and Kenyan pianist, keyboardist, composer and producer Aaron Rimbui on my podcast VIP ACCESS Podcast. WATCH: https://youtu.be/zXnyNgnli3A?si=geDBOyVf0-Ju2JPA

Catch this interview on YouTube or anywhere your stream your podcasts: https://linktr.ee/vipaccesspodcast

Aaron is among the most well-known and respected figures in East African Jazz. However he’s not your typical jazz artist but a master at improvisation in a class of his own.

In this interview, the trailblazer who has shaped and elevated the jazz scene in East Africa for the past 20 years with his unique blend of jazz piano and African rhythms, looks back at his illustrious career and major moves that have brought him to this phase of his career.

23/04/2024

June Gachui is of Kenya’s most sought-after entertainers, she sings, acts both on screen and on stage, offers bilingual MC and hosting services. June performs with her entire being, with soul, and doesn’t hold anything back when she is on stage. Those who have listened to and watched her perform can attest to that. But it’s not just her performance but her dedication to providing worthy platforms for other artists, her flair in anything she puts her business muscle to, including Intellectual Property via JGIP Consultants.

There’s a lot to enjoy, and learn from our interview. Check it out today! 🧡

June Gachui is one of Kenya’s most sought-after entertainers, she sings, acts both on screen and on stage, offers bilingual MC and hosting services.It has be...

22/04/2024

What a wonderful Friday we had a Goethe-Institut Nairobi thank you all for coming to our Industry Talks on IP, Publishing & Legal Parameters and staying over for The Jam concert ✅

17/04/2024

Ugandan songstress Pia Pounds is on my podcast VIP ACCESS this week! Pia has been hustling for much longer than you may think, starting off her independence at the age of 15. She, however, had been singing and pursuing a music career for much longer and says she always knew that music was her destiny.

She's a lover of mashing up sounds of R&B and Afrobeats and says she's recently obsessed with everything African. In this interview, we discuss the fame that came with the success of her single "Tupaate" (which was featured on the Netflix series Young, Famous & African) and her love for her fans, craft, and the hustle.

Ugandan songstress Pia Pounds has been hustling for much longer than you may think, starting off her independence at the age of 15. She, however, had been si...

16/04/2024

On some personal news! After 2 years of curating concert series by Goethe-Institut Nairobi I have moved on to curate and introduce The Jam - Industry Talks that seek to address issues of the creative industries in Kenya through candid panel discussions on key topics that affect the ever-changing creative sector.

The interactive sessions are geared towards providing solutions to help move Kenya’s industry forward while bringing world-class professionals into the forum to share success stories and adaptable winning formats. Sparked by hot debates, every series will focus on finding sustainable solutions to hurdles across different creative industries and allow all the participants to directly interact and network with the speakers.

Our first conversation INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, PUBLISHING & LEGAL PARAMETERS features pros in the field of Copyright, and from Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO).

David Katee - Intellectual Property Lawyer
Wandiri Karimi - IP Expert
Paul Kiarie Kaindo - Chief Legal Counsel KECOBO

Thank you Goethe Nairobii for your relentless support for the industry. I rem when I first came to settle in Nairobi at 18/19 this was one of the spaces that exposed me to Nairobi’s arts and culture scene. Fast forward to 2024 like 18 years later and being able to co-curate and org such an important forum and discussions with your team mean everything to me but also very important for the industry and the younger practitioners and creatives to exchange knowledge, skill and learn.

Hope to see y’all at Goethe at 4 PM sharp this Friday, after which we can go on to enjoy an all new curation of concert series by Tangaza 💃 🕺

11/04/2024

Super star Rwandese singer ARIEL WAYZ Official on my podcast this week! Very special and worth hopping over to Rwanda ❤️🇷🇼❤️

Rwandese singer-songwriter Ariel Wayz started singing at the age of four, explains why she’s got an old soul and such a mature voice for someone born in 2000...

05/04/2024

An All Kenyan Concert And Lineup is coming to you this Sato - 6 April, 2024 thanks to Boomplay Kenya first BoomFest, a live music festival, kickstarting in Kenya and then taking on different African countries 🔥🔥

With its inaugural event, Boomplay is celebrating and spotlighting Kenya’s music industry and artists. The festival will bring together 13 Kenyan artists to celebrate the beauty and unity that Kenyan music has to offer. Let’s hear from some of the performers and Martha Huro from Boomplay ✅

Otherwise tupatane at the A.S.K Dome, from 2pm till late this Sato! Tickets available at www.kenyabuzz.com and boomfest.hustlesasa.shop

19/03/2024

It’s the end of an era but the start of a new chapter for Nviiri the Storyteller Special guest on my podcast this week!

Just like his name suggests Nvirii The Storyteller, Nviiri’s songs tell a multitude of stories with layers surrounding everyday relatable issues like love, l...

13/03/2024

I've got Nairobi-based DJ and producer Coco Em on my podcast VIP ACCESS this week, where we review ‘Kilumi’ (her debut EP). She also shares her own learnings from planning and touring internationally. Top tier act! Trust me!

Nairobi-based DJ and producer Coco EM is no stranger to the taking over dance floors at home and across the globe; from Boiler Room Nairobi, Spotify Colors N...

11/03/2024

So excited to interview Kenyan-Australian singer, rapper, and producer Elsy Wameyo on VIP ACCESS Podcast last week! Elsy is a phenomenal woman and artist. WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U6g7NvVR9I&t=1860s

Her team reached out to me in 2021 and my team answered I ended up working on promoting Elsy’s groundbreaking EP ‘Nilotic’ (2021) in Africa. You must hear it and tell us your favourite songs!

It was from then onwards that I knew that I had brushed shoulders with greatness. Elsy’s talent is boundless and she dares to sing and rap about difficult topics, posing questions to current societal boundaries and perceptions.

A proud Nilot, Elsy Wameyo always embraces her cultural heritage and I can’t wait to see her journey unfold, as she prepares to release a new album later this year. For now, enjoy her most recent releases: “Sinner” and “Piny Lara”.

Get to know more about Elsy by watching the full interview ‘Elsy Wameyo on Identity & Exploring Rap’.

The audio version is also available on Boomplay, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & everywhere you find your podcasts.

Season 5 of VIP ACCESS is proudly supported by Australian High Commission, Kenya as part of of their women creative series ✅

Season 4 Eps 5

28/02/2024

This week on VIP ACCESS Podcast, I've got a special individual- a leader, my friend, the brilliant Wandiri Karimi- an established Kenyan an artist, guitarist, composer, music executive and IP lawyer. She has had many lives in the entertainment and an illustrious career, that keeps unfolding, in music industry and in IP Law.

She is also the founder of African Women’s Orchestra. The 2024 edition themed Get Out! (Out Up Through) will once again feature concert weekends, workshops and masterclasses.

Get more info on via our interview :)

Wandiri Karimi is an established Kenyan an artist, guitarist, composer and music executive. She has had many lives in the entertainment and an illustrious ca...

21/02/2024

Power vocalist, composer & Afro House DJ Tina Ardor is on VIP ACCESS Podcast this week! Check us out! ✅

An opportunity arises to meet Tina Ardor who I have saved on my phone as Christina DJ when she calls me to book an interview on my podcast for DJ Sbu. This w...

06/02/2024

South Africa's DJ Sbu is featured on the opener of season 4 of my podcast VIP ACCESS! New season 🚨 I really enjoyed interviewing this multi-talented individual who navigates life and work as a DJ, radio, podcaster, entrepreneur and media owner.

We also talked about the making of his classic hit-song “Lengoma” that featured the late Zahara.

DJ Sbu always encourages younger artists and the youth to work smart at building solid foundations and lasting brands. He is almost ready to release a new album – enjoy part 1 of our interview. Link in bio & available on all my platforms or where you find your pods!

In the opener of VIP ACCESS Season 4, I am interviewing a South African all-rounder. DJ Sbu’s song “Lengoma” featuring the late Zahara was a global hit that ...

06/02/2024

What a moment in time and history! The first category for African Music Performance at the and award taken home by this young, talented African woman! At 22! Congratulations Tyla and South Africa for bagging this important and prestigious award!👏🏾

Her win and global success with “Water” says a lot about the diversity and potential of African music. It is absolutely true that Afrobeats and Afrobeats stars have pushed the envelope and broken doors and barriers for other African artists and genres; to make us all see what’s possible BUT it’s completely wrong to insinuate or say that she didn’t deserve to win or that her win was a Nigerian/Afrobeats snub. Afrobeats has been the flag and continues to be, alongside Amapiano and even Hip Hop but let’s all recognize that African music is so diverse! There are so many other successful artists on the continent, with songs representing multiple other genres and languages and they also deserve a recognition and to be celebrated.

Perhaps we can take some time to reboot back to our local industries and find ways of building, showing up yourself and others (like Jay Z advised) other than expecting that ALL popular artists must get nominated for Grammys and must all win. A popular Swahili saying goes, Asiyekubali kushindwa si mshindani- google that.

Tyla’s win and this new category is an African win! To promote African music and to be an ambassador of African music and culture requires a broad outlook and fair play. This is not something popular music or mainstream cartels are used to but we are the defiant ones and will keep doing the opposite or unexpected and keep celebrating the underdogs as much as the giants! After all, just one song might change everything for you or for the continent.

Abeg “Ambassadors of African music and culture” let’s get back to work! So many other Africans and African music that can’t even fit on any of these categories! Let’s build more platforms to highlight, promote and celebrate our artists. That’s what we need to do!!!

ION seas 4 of my podcast VIP ACCESS premiered today and features DJ Sbu on EP 1. The eps is titled “Don’t Doubt Yourself You Belong To The World” 🌎 Check it here https://linktr.ee/vipaccesspodcast

30/01/2024

Couldn't be more excited to present Seas 4 of VIP ACCESS Podcast (premiering Feb 6th 2024). The new season will explore the role of women in the music industry while spotlighting the expansion of African music.

Drawn from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria, Australia and the US, featured artists will include Tina Ardor, Wandiri Karimi, Elsy Wameyo, Barak whirlpool bath, DJ Sbu, Nviiri The Storyteller, Angie Mwandanda, Rosa Ree, Ariel Wayz, Pia Pounds, June Gachui, Aaron Rimbui, Bakhita, Liboi, Akoth Jumadi, TheOnlyRosa, Coco Em, Do2dtun, Evajay and Jess White.

Don't miss the most exciting season yet that will go deep into dissecting industry issues while bringing forward genres including Afro House, Classical/Jazz music, Hip Hop, R&B & Soul, Pop, Afro Pop, Afro Fusion and Afrobeats - among others.

VIP ACCESS SEASON 4 CREDITS:

Creator, Host & Producer: Anyiko Owoko
Co-Producers: SemaBOX Africa, Dan Aceda & Doris Onyango
Podcast Audio Producer: Fidel Maithya
VO Production, Mix & Master: Eric Musyoka at Decimal Records
Consulting Videographer: Owen Wasonga & Geoffrey Muthui
BTS Photographer: Humphrey Gateri
Concept & Styling: Brian Babu & Anyiko Owoko
Cover Art Photography: Thandiwe Muriu
Show Art & Graphics: Oscar Wanjie
Promo Editor: Ronin Productions
Executive Producer: Anyiko Public Relations
Special Thanks: Australian High Commission for supporting this season.

New Episodes every Tuesday. Stream https://linktr.ee/vipaccesspodcast | VIP ACCESS is also syndicated on Nation FM (Kenya) – Fridays at 10 - 11 AM and in Ghana on MX24 TV Tuesdays at 3 PM and Saturdays at 5 PM.

Season 4

16/01/2024

You can catch the full conversation on The Role Of Women In Music & Hip Hop, recorded at VIP ACCESS Podcast first pop-up event! Featuring Kenyan rap queens: Nazizi Hirji Sosuun Ghipuka and Femi One

Now Available on the podcast - https://linktr.ee/vipaccesspodcast 🔗

Event supported by Australian High Commission, Kenya 🙏🏾

These tough times makes it even more crucial for us all to raise our voices in support of women - in all fields, from all backgrounds and in all sorts of circumstances! 👊🏽

The last conversation recorded at VIP ACCESS Podcast first pop-up event featured Kenyan rap queens: Nazizi, Sosuun and Femi One in conversation on The Role O...

14/01/2024

Big ups to Yemi Alade ❤️