The group is made up of Peter Kaberere aka Dr. Kabz and Leonard Ochieng aka Mr. Red-Eye. There was a third member called Nuvine but he left the group in 2003 to pursue his own interests. The remaining members however deny there was ever a fall out. The group was formed at one of the Word of Life camps and has gone on to withstand the test of time. The group released its debut album "Reality Itembee" early 2004. Their notable singles include "Nampenda Bwana", "Wacha" and "Leo ni Sunday"

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GOSPEL HIP-HOP IN SHENG
Story by FRED ORIDO
Publication Date: 09/18/2004

The latest sensation on the Kenyan gospel music scene is the rapping duo of Dr Kabbz (Paul Kabarere) and Red Eye (Lenah Ochieng') who go by the stage name Joggc. Their recently launched album, Reality Itembee, has thrown them into the cut-throat competition that characterises the fastest growing genre of Kenyan music.

The twosome are undoubtedly on their way to joining top gospel musicians like Rufftone (Raysmith Mwatia) of Mwikulu fame, Porqupine and 2002 Kora Award winner Henrie Mutuku, all of whom have added fillip to gospel music by spicing it with danceable beats.

The remarkable youngsters are rocking both the gospel and secular music scenes with their smash hit, Mchezo Kando. Thanks to its lilting beats and rhyme, the song is a hit with young people, many of whom can often be heard singing along to the words of its chorus, "Mikono juu ya hewa au sio, Mikono juu ya hewa au sio!"

Arthur Kamau, the producer of Nation TV's gospel programme, The Stomp, says one of the reasons for the song's success is that it has been done in Sheng, a lingua franca that's thriving among youngsters.

"This track was specifically tailored, during the production stages, to bridge the gap between gospel and secular music among young people," explains Red Eye, 21, adding that their style is aimed at nullifying the argument that gospel music is repetitive and boring.

An equally appealing track that has been receiving considerable airplay is Virusi, a song done purely in Kiswahili, which advises young people to abstain from sex to keep Aids at bay.

"Aids could wipe out this generation and it is time young people learnt to avoid it," explains the mellow-voiced Red Eye.

Their album, which has recorded remarkable sales, also features scintillating and spiritually enriching tracks like Nampenda Bwana, Usiachwe, Leo ni Sunday, Safari ya Fani and Ukweli Ngumu. Others are Wacha, Rusha Mikono and Chukua Control.

The success the duo is currently savouring belies their dreadful past. Red Eye says his journey from the underworld to promising musician has been painstaking. "It was a struggle that almost ended in doom," he says.

Both Red Eye and Dr Kabbz were brought up in the Nairobi's sprawling Dandora estate, where crime is common among teenagers. Ironically, it is this crime wave that inspired them to foray into gospel music. Red Eye, who coined his stage name from his aggressive past, spent the latter part of childhood in the world of drugs and crime.

"Though I successfully finished my primary education, my high school days at Parklands Boys, Nairobi, were characterised by suspensions. I was extremely rude, and that earned me an indefinite suspension in Form Two," he recalls.

His debut song, Subira, was inspired by his experiences during that period  the pain of being out of school and rejection by his parents. However, it never saw the light of day.

While serving his suspension, he got to learn of, and was drawn to the rapping style of the group Kalamashaka, who also lived in the neighbourhood. "I frequently went to their gigs and occasionally, I would fashion tunes and twist the lyrics of the track Under Pressure by Ras Kimono and come up with catchy lyrics," he says.

Though Red Eye and Dr Kabbz grew up together, it was not until they were at Parklands Boys' School that they got together.

Dr Kabbz says getting into gospel music saved him from the chains of sin and enabled him to finish school. "I was suspended three times and was forced to repeat Form Two in a different school," he recalls.

He notes that although most major musical events have tended to lock out gospel, many radio and TV stations are beginning to warm up to gospel artistes. "This is a clear sign that fans are not only accepting our ministry, but also enjoying gospel music."