OctoBeR KenYaN ROck SceNe

Who would have thought? 2013 is drawing to a close.What’s new in the Kenyan rock scene you ask? First off, Murfy’s flaw released their new music video “steal a beat” in September.  It features the band in club setting with well-choreographed dancers in the background. The music of course stays true to Murfy’sflaw mellow style. The song would not be complete without Number Nine’s (lead guitarist) modal riffs.

 murfy's flaw: from the left Punky, Jozie, Vicky , Jojo and Reema, courtesy of get mziki

 Dove Slimme has also been making great inroads in local charts(X FM to be more specific). This Kenyan rock band launched their EP earlier this year. Their single, Leo ni leo made it to X FM’s top 500: Number 29. Leo ni leo also remained on the weekly top 30 for more than three weeks.

ParkingLotGrass is representing Kenya in a German rock festival. 49 metal Zone is going down in Bayrueth Germany from the 24^th to 26^th October. Kenyan rock band would like to wish them all the best. You can also start preparing for Nairobi Rockfest early this year. It will be on December 7^th. South African rock band BOARGAZM will be headlining the event. Kenyan rock bands performing will include, Last Year’s Tragedy, Murfy’s flaw, ParkingLotGrass and Claymore Project. Start saving up, damage is 1000 shillings.

WhAt mAkes A gReaT KenYaN RocK VideO?

In this day and age the music video has become synonymous with great Kenyan rock music. But what makes a music video stand out. Kenyan rock band thought we’d weigh in with our own non-expert opinion.  It’s pretty obvious that you have to be unique. Music videos are a dime a dozen. People need incentive to watch your Kenyan rock video. Offer something different:  a dude in a doggy costume or perhaps a badass with an enormous Afro and an attitude problem. The only limits here are your imagination and budget. 

Don’t forget to tell a story. Take Tafadhali’s (by music to overdrive) video for instance. It tells the tale of struggling guitarist who eventually finds other musicians after misfortune and a few lucky breaks. Also, the Kenyan ROck video should be captivating. It would be a plus if viewers don’t know what is going on till the end. You do not have to match the story with the lyrics exactly. Give yourself a little creative license. Leave a lasting impression. Everyone remembers Just a Band's Hahe and Makmende. While not every video will go viral, it’s a great example of imagination and creativity in a Kenyan rock video. Of course there is the most important part: the music. The video is only an extension of the music. A great Kenyan rock video will do nothing for ear numbing noise. Otherwise have fun with it. And speaking of Kenyan rock videos check the recently released steal a beat by Murfy's Flaw.

What is your opinion of a great video?