Kanjii Mbugua launched his debut solo album "Stories" at the Carnivore grounds in Nairobi on Sunday 7th December 2008. This was arguably the most professional concert ever put up by a Kenyan artist in recent history and even the 500 shillings that one had to fork out at the gate did not deter anyone. Reason? We'll explain it below so that those planning a launch / concert would borrow a leaf (or leaves) from Kanjii from the planning to execution of the event.

Gowi Odera served as MC as DJ Moz and DJ Pinye ensured there was no dead air in the flow of music. Kijiji Records artistes dominated the performances with Astar and Juliani teaming up on the track "Radio". Mavuno Worship Team also joined Kanjii on stage as did Voices United Choir (VUC) on the track Stand Up Young Man, admittedly, Kanjii's best track in the album. Afro-fusion artist Carol Atemi also did a track. Kaima Mwiti from Milele, who also co-wrote and produced several tracks in the album jetted in from California. Even funny man and former Kiss FM morning presenter Nyambane set foot on stage as he tried to outdo Kanjii on some dancing.

Sing Along!

VIEW MORE PICTURES OF THE EVENT
(pics courtesy Mwangi Kirubi)

It was clear that Kanjii had bonafide fans judging from the hundreds that turned up for the launch. But merely being a fan is not necessarily what made the show a success. He had done a massive media and internet (remember Obama?) campaign utilizing every resource he could. Like the Friday before the event, he had an appearance on Nation Media's Q FM at 8am, Kiss FM at 9am, Homeboyz Radio at 1pm and Capital FM at 4pm. He also had several TV appearances prior and flooded Facebook and several sites with ads (including this one, lol!) On launch date, the lighting was amazing with a multi-camera video shoot complete with a crane to capture some breathtaking aerial shots. Look out for the live performance DVD to hit stores soon.

We had an interview with Kanjii a few days before the launch that you can check out. Now go out and get yourself a copy of this soon-to-be classic album and see what all the hype is about.

The Crowd