Five Videos Of Kenyan Vocalist Kwame

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases five videos of Kenyan vocalist Kwame (also known as Kwame Rigii, Kwame Mwanaa Mzik, and Kwame KE). Some information about this vocalist is also included in this post.

This post is part of an ongoing series about Akan day names and other cultural aspects of Akan culture. Other posts in this series will be published ASAP.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, inspirational, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Kwame and other vocalists and artists featured in these videos. Thanks also to all thosee who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of thesee videos on YouTube.

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INFORMATION ABOUT KWAME (Also known as Kwame Rigii, Kwame Mwanaa Mzik, and Kwame KE)
From http://www.reverbnation.com/page_object/page_object_bio/artist_1219536
"Biography:
Once in a while an artist comes along that creates a feeling of nostalgia. They take you on a journey musically and you cannot help but reminisce on days gone by, and all your favorite artists from yesteryear. Meet Kwame, a singer-songwriter. Kwame who sings in Kikuyu, Kiswahili and English has become a leader of his own style.

His music, a blend of East African Rhythm and African Soul addresses issues that pertain to life and society in general."
-snip-
From https://www.facebook.com/Kwamemzik?sk=app_2309869772&filter=2
"Kwame Mwanaa Mzik

Genre Afro Soul
Hometown Nairobi"
-snip-
My guess is that is a stage name. "Kwame" is a Twi (Akan) day name for male born on Saturday. http://www.afropedea.org/akan-names

According to Google Translate "Mwana" is a Swahili name for "son". Adding an "a" to that name makes it more unique. And "Mzik" is a contemporary way of spelling "music".

Given his comments about the song which is given below as example #3, " is his father's name, and "KE" is an abbreviation for the East African nation of "Kenya".

More information about this vocalist and these showcased songs would be very welcome.

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FEATURED VIDEOS
These examples are presented in chronological order based on their posting dates on YouTube, with the oldest dated examples presented first.

Example #1: Holela - Kwame Rigii feat. Nyach



In Tune for Life, Uploaded on Mar 11, 2011

'Holela' means 'careless' - and that's what this beautiful song is about. If you're going to do it, do it right!
This animated movie addresses issues surrounding the spread of HIV. To address a subject that's challenging to approach visually, ITFL animator Nancy Ellis of tvandweb.co.uk decided on a hand drawn style of animation, illustrating a variety of different characters who are either directly affected by HIV or taking precautions to avoid it. Out goal was to promote empowerment for both women and men concerning issues regarding safe sex, and to address directly the awkwardness that is often felt around the subject of using protection during sex - giving a positive
message not simply to abstain, but to take control and to take care.

Recorded in Nairobi in 2010 by In Tune for Life
Video by Nancy Ellis
Main vocal by Kwame Mwanaa Mzik
Rap by Nyach
Production by John Mark
Mastering in London by Jason Air

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Example #2: MAMA WANGARI MAATHAI BY KWAME



Protel Studios, Uploaded on Oct 3, 2011

Prof. Wangari Maathai, 1st April 1940 to 25th September 2011
Nobel Peace Prize Winner for "her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace
First African woman to receive a Nobel Peace Prize
Founded the Green Belt Movement
A True Kenyan Heroine

Song written and performed by: Kwame Rigii
-snip-
Here's a comment about this song from http://m.museke.com/node/9075 "Blog: Kwame Rigii drops Wangari Maathai tribute (Kenya)
Submitted by ZenaidaOct. 6, 2011, 6:02 a.m.
"Our Kenyan with a Ghanaian name, Kwame Rigii, is back with more music we love. This is MWAPI - Music With A Positive Influence. This time he has written a tribute to the late Wangari Maathai, who passed away recently

Read more about the Nobel Peace Prize laureate - "I am doing the best I can, and that to me is what all of us should do... we should always feel like a humming bird." - Wangari Maathai [Humming Bird story - http://bit.ly/pUALVZ]]"
-snip-
Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wangari_Maathai for information about Wangari Maathai.

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Example #3: Hapo Zamani- Kwame Feat Delpha


Kwame KE Uploaded on Jan 16, 2012

IN MEMORY OF RIGII WA KARANJA 1954 - 2001
-snip-
Here's a comment from Kwame's Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Kwamemzik/posts/298490953534657
"The greatest gift I ever had came from God; I call him Dad! Though gone, my late dad is someone to look up to no matter how tall I've grown." Kwame Mwanaa Mzik
-snip-
According to Google Translate from Swahili to English "Hapo Zamani" means –“Once” in KiSwahili, but I’m not sure if this title is in Swahili.

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Example #4: Kwame - Mihumu [Breath]



JoashStillTheMan Uploaded on Jan 13, 2012

-Kenyan Urban Christian Music-

Music video by Kwame performing Mihumu [Breath].
Music by Moses Njoroge. © 2011 Kwame Rigii.

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Example #5: Mapenzi Yako by Kwame (Official Music Video)



Kwame KE Published on Jul 12, 2014
Song: Mapenzi Yako
Artist: Kwame
Video Directed by: BANI
-snip-
According to Google Translate from Swahili to English "Mapenzi Yako means "Your Love."

Is this a Kenyan Urban Christian song?

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