Piracy in Music

Description:
Poxi Presha was a big face in the war waged against music piracy in Kenya in the early 2000's before he had died. With the new technology being created every day, and with the rise of internet downloading sites, piracy in the music industry has become a national problem. Artists lose money on the music they made every day due to people all around the globe stealing music and illegally downloading songs that aren't being paid for. Major steps have been made to help the problem, such as the termination of Limewire, but barely any work has been done to save the billions of dollars that the music industry is losing every year. Record labels want governments to help with the piracy problem. It has become even more impossible to become famous and make money off of music because local artists and bands are losing a lot of money. With about 95% of the music downloaded off the internet being pirated, there's no wonder artists are fighting against the worldwide problem.
Evaluation:
This article offers great statistics about how much damage piracy is actually inflicting on the idustry around the world. The author explains that the music industry is losing a lot of money and that more help is needed to combat the epidemic.
Citation:

Pfanner, Eric. "Music Industry Counts the Cost of Piracy." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. 21 Jan. 2010. Web. 04 Dec. 2011.

click here to read full article

Extra Golden

Description:
Extra Golden is a band that consists of American and Kenyan musicians that play benga fused with a southern rock style of music. The band was formed after American guitarist, Ian Eagleson, traveled to Nairobi with fellow American, Alex Minoff, and Kenyan musician, Otieno Jagwasi. Eagleson traveled to study benga music for a thesis and ended up forming a band. After the trio's first album was recorded, Jagwasi passed away. Following his death, Jagwasi's brother Omari and skilled benga musician, Bilongo, joined the band. With Omari going crazy behind the drumset, the band saw some success with their second album "Ok-Oyat System." They have seen more popularity in recent years with the recent presidency of Barack Obama. Obama granted Bilongo and Omari visas so Extra Golden can tour in America. In response, the band recorded a song titled "Obama," which thanks the president.
Evaluation:
This article gives a brief background of the band and shows that they have seen success with their benga style rock band. It also shows that Obama is willing to spread the Kenyan based music into America. You may also download and listen to the band's song "Obama."
Citation:

Kertzer, Jon. "Extra Golden Plays 'Obama' Live In Studio." NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. 29 July 2008. Web. 04 Dec. 2011.

click here and here to read about Extra Golden

Kenyan Artist Attempts to Succeed in US

Description:
Jedidah is a Kenyan musical artist that moved away from her country to pursue her dreams in America. She is an extremely gifted talent on the rise. She is also known as Gengegal by her fans and she has collaborated with other famous Kenyan artists, such as Wahu. Her busy life in America includes being a part-time student, professional make up artist, and also chasing music stardom. She began her rap career in 2005. Her single "Wape Ngoma" helped her become an artist on the rise. She recorded with another Kenyan producer who was based out of Minneapolis before she linked up with Ricky Oyaro from Snowtown Entertainment. Ricky has produced for several popular rap artists including Trey Songz and Soulja Boy and is helping Jedidah become a hit in African based clubs.
Evaluation:
This article gives a good update on how Jedidah is prospering in America. It seems like America is treating her well so far and she is pursuing her dream. She is obviously gaining some success because she now performs with Africa's hottest artists when they tour to the US.
Citation:

Ngaira, Amos. "Young Kenyan Rapper Aims to Conquer US Music Scene « Habari Za Nyumbani–on Jambonewspot.com." Habari Za Nyumbani–on Jambonewspot.com. 29 Oct. 2010. Web. 03 Dec. 2011.

click here to view article

Poxi Presha

Description:
Prechard Pouka Olang, also known as Poxi Presha, was born in 1971. He aspired to be a musician ever since he was young. After years of sneaking into clubs and working with decks and other artists, Poxi Presha became an extraordinary rapper and singer in Kenya's music industry. He was one of the most popular rappers in the history of Kenya and was also one of the most controversial figures as well. He earned the title 'bad boy of Kenyan music' after a conflict between him and his organizers for a music festival. Poxi Presha was told not to perform but he did not listen. That led to a journalist framing Poxi as a bad guy. In response to the article, Poxi wrote a song that dissed writers being paid to distort the real story. After years of living up to his nickname and becoming a face of the music industry in Kenya, Poxi was diagnosed with tuberculosis. After becoming blind and death and fighting the disease, Poxi Presha died on October 14th, 2005.
Evaluation:
This website glorifies and gives respect to one of Kenya's best musical products. The author gives a great background of the famous rapper and explained what Poxi lived for. It is evident that Poxi was a big part of the music industry up until his early death.
Citation:

"Poxi Presha: RIP Brother." KenyanList.com - Share. Discuss. Advertise. Proudly Kenyan. 21 Oct. 2005. Web. 03 Dec. 2011.

click here to view website

Kijani Music Festival

Description:
The Kijani Music Festival in Kenya is perhaps one of the biggest, if not the biggest, music festivals in Africa. It is an annual event that takes place around the beginning of March. The festival first began in 2004 with an event called 'Carmen Comes to Kenya' which was produced by the Garden Opera Company in London. The festival started out small and has since grew exponentially, bringing in artists all around the globe that create music that have Kenyan roots. It is a unique experience that offers entertainment in the form of music and dance. Classical music, opera, and ballet are some of the acts performed at the festival. The ticket revenue from the festival all goes to aid the nation. The money goes towards things such as AIDS research, education, and conservation.
Evaluation:
This article explains the importance of the Kijani Music Festival to Kenya. The festival brings many flavors of music from around the planet and has become one of the most anticipated events every year in Kenya. Its purpose is also positive since all the proceeds go towards helping the country.
Citation:

"Kijani Music Festival." Home. 04 Dec. 2011. Web. 03 Dec. 2011.

for more on Kijani Music Festival, click here and here

Kenyan Musical Instrument: Obokano

Description:
Kenya is the birthplace of many musical instruments. One of the most popular instruments native to Kenya is the obokano. The obokano is an eight-string lyre that is plucked or played like a violin and is made out of various parts of a cow. A lyre is basically a miniature harp with a resonator (also known as a soundbox) that helps amplify the sound. Traditionally, the obokano is played strictly by men. Men will play the obokano for women to serenade them. The obokano is also played at weddings and other special ceremonies. The obokano creates a buzzing sound, similar to a bee.
Evaluation:
This article gives a brief history of the obokano and it describes the structure of the instrument. It also explains how the obokano is an important instrument in Kenya and its culture.
Citation:

"Obokano." EchoLocation World Music. Web. 03 Dec. 2011.

Click here for Obokano info

Kenyan Music Heals the Mind

Description:
Akombo in this article describes how music therapy was used in Kenya to help aid citizens with many sorts of problems. There have always been a wide variety of problems throughout the nation spanning way back since its independence. Recently people have turned to music to help them through streesul times. It was discovered that playing the drums has dramatically helped patients suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This can be explained by the way drumming alters the brain waves in a human. Another way people coped with stress and trauma was through singing themselves. Doris Chepchumba Tanui influenced many people after discovering that singing relieved her of her stress. Many Kenyans followed suit. Another thing that was discovered was that adding humor in lyrics will disrupt the transferrence of negativity and create an antidepressant effect on the brain.
Evaluation:
During rough times, Kenyans will turn to music as a means of medication; a way to release stress and prevent depression. This article is a good source, as it teaches a lot of ways Kenyan citizens use musical therapy for their problems. The author shows a general understanding of the topic and provides great insight on what type of therapy such people had partaken in.