Why Octopizzo Is One Of The Force Behind The Modernization Of Benga Music

A discussion was held recently on X with participants exploring the contributions that have been made by Octopizzo in continuing the modernization of Benga music. The discussion led to various names popping up. The likes of the late Poxie Pressure, Gidigidi Maji Maji and lately Suzzana Owiyo were some of the honorable mentions.

Those names mentioned the pioneers who were there before and worked hard to bring a Kenyan sound that has always been Benga. The modernization of it came through various formats but never quite stuck like how Octopizzo is doing it.

Octopizzo, known for his uptown funky rap, transitioned his sound when he dropped Lamu Nights, the album. The rapper dropped songs on the album that had an authentic traditional feel to it. He also worked with various indigenous artists on the same project. He had Lisa Oduor Noah on the first track Vacation that had her sing in the local Luo dialect.

The same album also had Okello Max and Coster Ojwang who heavily do their tracks in Luo. The two maintained the same style on their collaborations with the rapper. Most Hip Hop fans to this day consider the album as a classic two years later.

Kich Ka Liech, the new album from Octopizzo, embodies what was being discussed on X. The 13 track album had tracks and collaborations that speak volumes on what the rapper is trying to achieve. Ler is one of my favorite tracks on the album and it speaks volumes on how the rapper is pushing to have the local sound go mainstream.

Tracks such as Sinibunje featuring Fanisi Band and Ach1eng also goes to show how Octopizzo is infusing Benga into modern rap. Mayienga borrows from a classic throwback Benga/Rhumba track. Zoea featuring Fanisi Band also has samples from old school Benga tracks and infuses Mijikenda into the song.

Octopizzo has been known to be a very experimental artist and through this we can confidently say that he is one of the forces behind the modernization of Benga. He might not be the pioneer, but he is a part of the movement.