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In the late 90's, a generation of 'local artistes' emerged on the scene and set the Kenyan entertainment scene aflame, giving Kenyans something to cheer about. The hip-hop influenced music style was craftily attuned to the Kenyan urban lifestyle, and made local fans, especially the young at heart, shift their loyalty from western music to local productions. Among these artists, three performers, Nyashinski, Munkiri and Depicto aka D.E.P. stood out from the rest. Enter Kleptomaniax!
With a clear agenda, as boldly represented in their name, a corruption of the English word Kleptomaniacs (habitual thieves), this hyper-energetic all male rap trio set out 'to steal the hearts of their fans'. Their music interest started when they were still in high school (Nairobi School), where they wrote songs and competed with fellow students and schools in variety shows, etc, slowly establishing themselves among their peers!
Picked by Ogopa DJ's while still in school, Kleptomaniax made history by being the first ever Kenyan artistes to release a song while still in school!
Their debut single, 'Freak It' , released in 2002 was a huge hit, especially in the streets and in the club, giving them authentic street credibility.
Their sophomore single, 'Maniax Anthem', released in 2003 further affirmed and cemented their position and potential in the market, and was especially well received on radio.
Their third single 'Haree', released in 2003, was a lyrical journey of the party scene, and was very highly received in all circles, and affirmed their reign as one of the finest musical groups in Kenya.
Their fourth single, arguably one of Kenya's most influential and best received songs, 'Tuendelee', was released in 2004 on a background of naysayers in the industry who took advantage of their long hiatus (as they prepared for their album) to attack their lyrical prowess). Though not intended that way, this HUGE hit song was taken as a hit back to these naysayers, AND NOTHING MORE WAS SAID!
As the years went by since their entry into the market, Ogopa DJ's moulded the group and its style, into what Kleptomaniax is today.
Kleptomaniax have been profiled as an all-male, Urban Kenyan hip-hop trio consisting of individual personalities, who together represent the full embodiment of the Kenyan Urban Youth. They are talented, musical and showbiz-skewed. Kleptomaniax are popular across the age, race and sex brackets. They posses good stage presence, good (photogenic) looks, are well natured, disciplined, outgoing, press friendly, cultured. They have been known to have an edge and charisma and energy. They ooze aspiration, are in tow with the upscale / up-market urban youth while maintaining an appeal to the middle and lower class youth.
Kleptomaniax has an award (nominations and winning) history with them, and their material has always managed to cross the race, age and sex barriers. This group has always been known to possess an exemplary on-stage performance, delivery and lyrical content, and their lyrics are always as challenging as they are entertaining.
- First Kenyan group to release a successful single while still in High School
- First Group to be Nominated while still in High School: Favourite Male Group, 'Chaguo la Teenies 2002'
- Won Favourite Male Group, 'Chaguo la Teenies 2002'
- Nominated Favourite Male Group, 2nd year running, 'Chaguo la Teenies 2003'
- Won Favourite Male Group, 2nd year running, 'Chaguo la Teenies 2003'
- Nominated Best Group 'KISIMA Awards 2004'
- Rated 2nd Most Popular Kenyan Music Video (Tuendelee) by Music TV show, The BEAT, year 2004 Round Up
- Nominated Favourite Male Group, 4th year running, 'Chaguo la Teenies 2005'
- Nominated at the 'Kisima 2005 Awards' in three categories; Best Group, Best Song and Best Rap Song
- Won the Kisima 2005 Award for 'Best Group'
- FIRST and ONLY Nominees ever in Eastern Africa for 'Best African Act' for the MTV Europe Music Awards 2005
- Nominated in the 'Best Group from East Africa' category for the KORA Awards 2005
- Rated 2nd Most Popular Local Music Video (Swing) by No. 1 Music TV show, The BEAT, year 2005 Round Up
Kleptomaniax were in 2005 enlisted among three groups in the country to endorse 'Trust', a brand of condoms by Population Services International. The two year contract features Them on radio, TV, billboard/outdoor and print ads.
The group was honored to be among Kenya's top two acts (alongside Necessary Noize) to be chosen to headline the much hyped MTV Base Live launch party in Nairobi.
The group, on the launch of their album, went on a nation-wide tour, making stops in Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret, Bungoma and Kisii to promote their album.
The group has severally been invited to perform at various venues in Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, including Tanzania's annual 'Fiesta' party, the biggest Summer concert in August 2005, represented Kenya (alongside Necessary Noize) in Kampala in September 2005 at the first anniversary of UTAKE (Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya), a monthly theme night that celebrates East African music, shows in Mwanza, Arusha, etc, including Kampala's New Years' show (2005-2006) at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.
The group was privileged to host an after-party for Kenyans in LA, in the USA, after they attended the IRB Rugby Sevens' series. Leaving the US on a high, the group has returned for the Swing Swing 2007 USA Tour. The group is also set for a tour featuring Dubai, the UK and Australia, to say the least, in the year 2006/7, before they settle down to introduce a new twist to them in their sophomore album. The group was also priviledged to perform in San Diego during the 2007 Rugby Sevens Event. Their performance gave the hundreds of Kenyans who attended the events a taste of what to expect when the tour hits their hometowns. Needless to say they rocked the crowd.
Klepto will be hosted by New Jersey's Sambaza Entertainment, Inc. and will be performing their hit tracks live at Club Mt Kenya, New Jersey on February 24th, 2007 in their first show of their much anticipated Swing Swing 2007 USA Tour. Their cds will be available at the club that day, advance reservations are also available by contacting Sambaza Entertainment Inc.. The trio promises a thrilling performance to officially establish themselves as the bona-fide trend setters in the Urban Kenyan Entertainment Scene.
Kleptomaniax M4E Album ---- OGOPA DJs
Available at the Club on February 24th, 2007. Contact Us to reserve your Exclusive Autographed Copy.
Limited
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