Khaligraph Jones Explained

Khaligraph Jones
Birth Name:Brian Ouko Omollo
Birth Date:12 June 1990
Birth Place:Mbooni, Machakos, Kenya
Years Active:2008–present
Label:Blue Ink

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.

Early life

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]

Career

Khaligraph started his musical career while still in elementary school. He officially began his career in 2008 at a function called "Words And Pictures."[9]

He won Channel O Music Video Awards Emcee Africa in 2009, a highly visible competition that catapulted him to international acclaim almost instantly.[10]

In June 2018, he released his debut full-length studio album dubbed "Testimony 1990".[11]

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.[12] [13]

He was named the best Hip Hop act at the Soundcity MVP Awards in January 2020.[14] [15] The ceremony took place at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos, Nigeria.[16] [17]

In 2020 he was nominated for the BET Awards.[18] [19] His nomination was for the Best International Flow category.[20] He was up against South Africa's Nasty C, Brazil's Djonga, Ivorian Kaaris and eventual winner, grime rapper Stormzy from the UK.[21] [22] 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.[23]

Feuds

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.[24] 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.[25]

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.[26] 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".[27]

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.[28] [29] Bongo musician Harmonize, with whom Khaligraph has collaborated previously also waded into the controversy to condemn the disrespect on Tanzanian artists.

Political views

In April 2021, Khaligraph Jones led a team of 30 artists from the Kenyan creative industry in meeting the then deputy president William Ruto.[30] 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.[31] [32] 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. 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.[33] 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.[34]

Discography

Albums

Testimony 1990

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.[35] [36] [37]

Track listing

Invisible Currency

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

Singles

!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"
2022Get high
2022Maombi ya mama
2022Hiroshima ft. DAX
2022Sifu Bwana ft. Nyashinski
2022Khali Cartel ft. various
2022Mbona
2022Blueticks ft. Femi One
2023Kamnyweso ft. Mejja
2023Kwame ft. Harmonize
2023Wanguvu ft. Alikiba
2O23 Bongo favour[38]
2023Asante[39]
2024Chocha[40]
20248PM In Nairobi[41]
2024Bang[42]

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2019-11-24. Khaligraph Jones Biography, Age, Wife, Songs, History, Career. 2021-04-05. RALINGO. en-US.
  2. Web site: Oduku. Richard. 2020-03-20. RICHARD ODUKU - Khaligraph Jones and Emerging Hip Hop Futures in Kenya The Elephant. 2021-04-05. en-US.
  3. News: Khaligraph Jones: How I made it in hip hop. en-GB. BBC News. 2021-04-05.
  4. Web site: 2018-06-19. REVIEW: Khaligraph Jones Debut Album 'Testimony 1990'. 2021-04-05. KenyanVibe. en-US.
  5. Web site: Khaligraph Jones opens up about making ends meet and his days as a bouncer – The Sauce. 2021-04-05. www.capitalfm.co.ke.
  6. Web site: Khaligraph Jones Biography & History. 2021-04-05. AllMusic. en.
  7. Web site: Biography: Khaligraph Jones; Family, Wife, Music and Awards. 2021-04-05. www.pulselive.co.ke. 2 February 2021 .
  8. Web site: Enock. Sir. 2021-02-08. Khaligraph Jones biography, age, family, hip hop songs, wife Georgina Muteti, awards, net worth. 2021-04-05. KISII FINEST. en-US.
  9. Web site: The rise and rise of Khaligraph, Kenya's music genius. 2021-04-05. The Star. en-KE.
  10. Web site: noraolagbaju. 2021-02-11. Khaligraph – Passion over FAME. 2021-04-05. The Hip Hop African. en. 2021-03-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20210302093511/https://hiphopafrican.com/2021/02/10/kaligraph-jones-passion-over-fame/. dead.
  11. Web site: 2018-06-12. Khaligraph unveils "Testimony 1990" album tracklist Notjustok East Africa. 2021-04-05. Latest East African & Bongo Flava Music, Songs & Video - Notjustok. en-US.
  12. Web site: Big win for Kenya as Khaligraph Jones grabs AFRIMMA Best Rap Act - The Sauce. 2021-04-05. www.capitalfm.co.ke.
  13. Web site: Bwire. Dancan. 2018 AFRIMMA Awards: Khaligraph, Papa Dennis win big. 2021-04-05. 2018 AFRIMMA Awards: Khaligraph, Papa Dennis win big.
  14. Web site: Khaligraph Jones wins SoundCity MVP award for best hip hop act. 2021-04-05. Kiss 100. en-KE.
  15. Web site: 2020. The Standard - Kenya & World News | Latest and Breaking news.
  16. Web site: Muli. Davis. MVP 2020 awards: Khaligraph crowned best hip-hop artiste in Africa. 2021-04-05. MVP 2020 awards: Khaligraph Jones crowned best hip-hop artiste in Africa.
  17. Web site: 2020-01-12. Khaligraph Jones wins big at Sound City MVP Awards in Nigeria [Full list of winners]]. 2021-04-05. Pulse Live Kenya. en-US.
  18. Web site: Rapper Khaligraph nominated for 2020 BET Awards. 2021-04-05. The Star. en-KE.
  19. Web site: Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones Scoops hiS first BET AWARD NOMINATION – Transafrica Radio. 2021-04-05. en-US. 2022-12-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20221205205157/http://www.transafricaradio.net/kenyan-rapper-khaligraph-jones-scoops-his-first-bet-award-nomination/. dead.
  20. Web site: 2020-10-06. Khaligraph Jones 2020 BET AWARDS – KAMATA SCHOOL OF MUSIC. 2021-04-05. www.kamataschool.com. en-US.
  21. Web site: 2020-10-28. Khaligraph Jones reaction after losing BET Award to UK's Stomzy. 2021-04-05. Pulse Live Kenya. en-US.
  22. Web site: Khaligraph loses out to Stormzy at BET Awards. 2021-04-05. The Star. en-KE.
  23. Web site: Odibets heeds to Khaligraph call, unveils rap challenge . The Star . en-KE.
  24. Web site: No Chills! Nameless Takes Shots At Juliani, Rabbit, Octopizzo And Khaligraph Amidst Their Beef . 2023-09-11 . Mpasho . en-ZA.
  25. Web site: 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 . 2023-09-11 . Ghafla! . en-US.
  26. Web site: Tomiwa . 2020-01-14 . Kenya Rapper; Khaligraph Jones Drops Diss Track For Blaqbonez & Choco. City, Declares Himself "Best Rapper In Nigeria" Listen!! . 2023-09-11 . tooXclusive . en-US.
  27. Web site: Classic . Mr . 2023-09-11 . Khaligraph Jones – Best Rapper In Nigeria Mp3 Download « NaijaHits . 2023-09-11 . en-GB.
  28. Web site: 2023-08-25 . Khaligraph Jones sparks fierce rap battle with Tanzanian rappers, several immediately react . 2023-09-03 . Citizen Digital . en-KE.
  29. Web site: Why Khaligraph Jones is apologizing to Tanzanians after igniting a heated war . 2023-09-03 . Kiss 100 . en-KE.
  30. Web site: Omondi . Asher . 2021-04-24 . William Ruto hosts artistes following Khaligraph Jones's lockdown request . 2023-09-11 . Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. . en.
  31. Web site: 2021-04-24 . DP William Ruto met with Khaligraph Jones at his Karen home . 2023-09-11 . en-US.
  32. Web site: Otengo . Victor . 2021-04-26 . Khaligraph hilariously reacts to bashing from Octopizzo for meeting Ruto . 2023-09-11 . Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. . en.
  33. Web site: 2021-04-19 . #UnlockOurCountry: DP Ruto responds to rapper Khaligraph Jones' plea . 2023-09-11 . Nairobi News . en-US.
  34. Web site: Aroko . Amondi . 2022-09-09 . "Usiache akemewe": Khaligraph pleads with Ruto to protect Raila in new rap song . 2023-09-11 . Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. . en.
  35. Web site: Hip hop futures in Kenya. 2021-04-05. africasacountry.com. 18 April 2019 . en-US.
  36. Web site: says. June Josse. 2018-06-16. Testimony 1990 – Khaligraph Jones (Album Review). 2021-04-05. Black Roses. en.
  37. Web site: Jay. Ndungu. 2020-11-07. Khaligraph Jones and Emerging Hip Hop Futures in Kenya. 2021-04-05. Nairobi Times. en-US.
  38. Web site: Khaligraph Jones - Bongo Favour . YouTube . 5 September 2023 . en.
  39. Web site: Khaligraph Jones x Kusah - Asante . YouTube . 9 July 2024 . en.
  40. Web site: Khaligraph Jones - Chocha . YouTube . 9 July 2024 . en.
  41. Web site: Khaligraph Jones - 8PM In Nairobi . YouTube . 9 July 2024 . en.
  42. Web site: Khaligraph Jones - Bang . YouTube . 9 July 2024 . en.