Presented by Sounds from the World

King Kanja

Date TBA

Mambo Ni Leo

KING KANJA is one of the most sought-after Kenyan artists in the music industry. Born in London to a Kenyan family and raised in the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) area, where he developed his sound, KING KANJA has been touring the world since the age of 15 sharing his unique sound. Known for blending hip-hop, R&B, reggae and African polyrhythmic music, KING KANJA infuses his native languages of Kikuyu and Swahili into his lyrics. This signature sound has garnered fans from as far as the continent of Africa, Europe, Asia, and in the United States.
Kanja's career catapulted:
With his music industry debut in 2009 with his win of over 4 million voters worldwide on B.E.T 106 and Park's Wild Out Wednesday
Penned a deal with Coca Cola to do a commercial in Kenya
Worked with Chucky Thompson who was a member of Bad Boy Entertainment's "Hitmen" team of in-house producers during the 1990s, and worked with Bad Boy mogul Sean Combs on material for artists such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans
Mentored by Tony Washington (VP of advertising sales for Reach one media a division of Radio One) who initiated the idea to do the song CATHY inspired by Cathy Hughes. (founder & chairperson)



Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

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Secondary Access
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About
From: Kensington, MD
Genre: World
Subgenre: African
Type: Showcase