The recent Boomplay live session held at Black Market Records headquarters in Nairobi was not just about music—it was an open, unfiltered conversation that gave fans and viewers a rare peek into the real lives and stories behind some of Kenya’s most influential Gengetone and urban artists.
Unlike traditional showcases, the session’s main highlight was a raw roundtable-style discussion, where the artists got vulnerable about who they are beyond the stage, revealing untold stories, personal struggles, and unexpected sides of their journey.
🎙️ A Space for Real Talk
In an intimate setup surrounded by fans, media, and fellow creatives, the session featured Joefes, Mr. Kagame, DJ Moon, Unspoken Salaton, and Odi wa Muranga opening up in ways fans had never seen before.
🗣️ Joefes: More Than Just Punchlines
Known for his cheeky lyrics and streetwise swagger, Joefes shared that he’s also a dedicated mentor to emerging artists behind the scenes. He revealed that much of his humor stems from earlier hardships.
🎧 DJ Moon: The Quiet Architect
Often behind the decks, DJ Moon stepped forward to discuss the emotional pressure of producing for high-profile artists. He revealed that he started with the wish to become like the great gurus namely Martin Garrix and sort. His story inspired young youths in music tech.
🎤 Mr. Kagame: The Soul Behind the Voice
Mr. Kagame, from Rwanda, shared his deep personal losses, including the how his friend almost killed him for a minor disagreement. “Music became my way to relieve and celebrate life. What you hear is healing in real time.”
🧠 Unspoken Salaton: The Storyteller Unmasked
Unspoken got cerebral, diving into the spiritual side of lyricism, saying, “He started as a spoken word person.” He also spoke on how he was born in a state he didnt think would change but God came through.
🔥 Odi wa Muranga: From Meme to Movement
Odi revealed that the viral side of his career often overshadows the intentional art he creates. “Yes, I’m funny. But I’m also building culture. My music is coded for the streets and the future.”
🧩 What People Didn’t Know
From hidden anxieties to personal motivations, the artists peeled back layers that fans rarely get to see. The audience learned that:
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Several artists struggle with mental health but find refuge in music.
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Some have been ghostwriters or silent producers for major acts.
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Others are deeply involved in community work and youth mentorship.
🌍 Why It Mattered
This wasn’t just another live session—it was a transformative cultural moment that fused artistry with authenticity. Fans didn’t just watch performances—they walked away with deeper respect for the human beings behind the music.
Black Market Records and Boomplay have promised more such artist-first experiences in the near future.
Conclusion:
By creating a space where musicians could be raw, honest, and fully themselves, the Boomplay x Black Market Records session reminded us all that music is only half the story—the rest is found in the lives, voices, and truths of the artists themselves.