Young Kenyan rapper aims to conquer US music scene

Though not much is known of her back at home in Kenya, US-based Kenyan rapper Jedidah continues to draw attention.

Also popularly referred to as ‘Gengegal’, her music prowess has been closely linked to other Kenyan artistes who occasionally visit America for shows.

Speaking to Review recently from the US, Jedidah hinted at her intentions to advance her musical career in her new adopted home.

“I can assure my fans back home that though I may be away, I still keep tabs with them in terms of collaborations,” she said.

Jedidah’s Wape Ngoma, a track produced by Minneapolis-based Kenyan hip-hop producer Ricky “R Deezy” Oyaro, is getting good attention both in Kenya and in the US, earning her several nominations in the Msanii Awards in Kansas City, Missouri.

Earlier this year, Jedidah curtain-raised for Wahu in Kansas City during Wahu’s US tour.

The part time student and professional make-up artist also performed alongside Tanzania’s Professor Jay during his tour of the US earlier this year.

In the Kenyan music circles, Jedidah is not a newcomer. She began her career in 2005 when she met Clemo of Calif records and cut the record Hazi ya Msee.

To most of her fans, this was a female’s lyrical rebuttal to the popular song Under 18 by Jimwat. Similarly, in 2007, while still in Kenya, she was nominated in the Chaguo La Teeniez awards for best up-coming artist.

To her fans, the success of Under 18 gave way to a collaboration with Jua Cali in his single Hehe off the Ngeli ya Genge album.

However, she made her breakthrough in 2007 when, after moving to the US, she met her producer, Jojo, of Kilimanjaro Records, who seconded her to producer Ricky Oyaro of Snowtown Entertainment.

As Jedidah recalls, “It has been through working with Ricky that I have been able to produce Wape Ngoma.”

Similarly, speaking to Review recently, Oyaro pointed out how he had been inspired by working with Jedidah and how the new song was doing well.

“Most of the mid-west clubs in the US with African music audiences have been playing the song,” he said. Notably, the song was recorded at the famed Flyte Time Studios in Minnesota.

As Oyaro also pointed out, the studio was previously owned by producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who produced hits for superstars like Janet Jackson, Prince, Usher, and Boyz II Men, among others.

“Working with Ricky and Jojo is like a dream come true. They totally embraced me as an artist and sister and pointed me in the right direction,” Jedidah says.

Ricky has also collaborated in productions with other US-based producers like Trey Songz, Souljah Boy, Aleisa Nicole and Arab. “Wape Ngoma has broken the culture and language barriers in clubs featuring African music,” Oyaro said.

Jedidah, who is this weekend in New Jersey, USA, said she has a major show lined up for November 20 in Kansas City dubbed “Diaspora Sisters”, where she will team up with fellow US-based Kenyan singer Cheptaab.

“We are hoping to give African music fans all the best during the show,” Jedidah added. She looks forward to recording with Kenyan-based Burundian musician Kidum. “I have lately been listening to his songs and they have been very inspiring.”