Nonini

Nonini who's real names are Hubert Mbuku Nakitare, is a Kenyan Hip Hop recording artiste, entertainer, radio presenter, businessman, philanthropist and founder of Mgenge2RU brand.

He recently started a One Day Riddim Challenge and we decided to reach out to him and talk to him about it, his music career and what he has been up to of late in America.

Tell us briefly, Who is Nonini?

Nonini ni Mgenge2ru, a brand, a father and an entrepreneur.

The main reason for this interview is that we want to talk to you about your most recent project, One Day Riddim, what was the inspiration behind it?

The objective of the One Day Riddim was born from my original reggae single inspired by my late brother who was the biggest roots Reggae fan. I honored his name by doing a Genge/ Reggae song #OneDay which got a life of its own and grew to become the One Day Riddim.

How did you meet AlekiBoom & Kevin Brown and why did you decide to settle to work with them on this track?

AlekiBoom is my US manager and a good friend. I have never met Kevin Brown. My producer Ondiko got Kevin to do the BVGs (back ground vocals) on the track and they sent it to me with a sample of his verse and I liked it and got him on the song.

How did you come up with the idea of coming up with One Day riddim challenge?

I think it's my late brother’s spirit talking to me. I was driving along the highway listening to the original song I had done and the idea of sharing the wonderful track with other artists just came to me. I also wanted to brag that Kenya has great talented musicians and kill this nonsense that KE musicians have zero talent.

What was the process of selecting the participants and also coming up with the list of finalists?

I simply did a post on social media and requested anybody who was interested in being on the Riddim to send me a DM. A lot of artists responded and a lot of main stream artists ignored me. But hey, we have a whole One Day Riddim Album out thanks to JAH.

Voting process is underway, how do fans get to vote and when is the deadline?

All the songs are amazing and I have a mix on my YouTube channel for the one day Reggae Riddim. Fans should just comment below the video mix with name & song of who they think killed the Riddim and why.

What is the prize that the winner takes home?

The winner walks away with $1300

We all understand you are one of the pioneers of Genge that is Kenyan Hip Hop version, why did you decide to go the reggae way on this very project?

I think I have explained it's to honor my late brother but still my Gengeness in in the song. Good vibes combined Genge + Reggea ina lipua jaba.

What have you discovered since you started One Day Riddim Challenge, are we sleeping on our reggae artistes as Kenyans? I’m asking this because I’m impressed with what I have heard so far and this Riddim has introduced me to some new faces.

What I have discovered is Kenya has a huge and madly talented Reggae scene just waiting to explode with exceptional artists who can sing and write…Kenyan Reggae will blow up!

Currently you reside in the States, what have you learnt when it comes to music? What are the Americans doing differently that we should perhaps emulate?

The American market is what every other musicians wants to be at. It takes a lot of hard work but most importantly they need to feel the backing coming from your country. Only way to enter is creating your own buzz and numbers with your own people.

Tell us about your brand Mgenge2RU, how did it come about and how has it been received by the fans so far? Where can your East African fans get your merchandise?

Mgenge2ru is an attitude that anyone can own and it is coming from my never undying hustle spirit for my music and my apparel. We have an IG shop and WhatsApp shop where you just send a DM we sort you.

What’s your take on the current state of Kenyan music?

We still need to keep pushing, never let anyone put us down since we have a long way to go still but let us keep our eyes on the ball. We just request our people to back us up 100%.

Sometimes last year you terminated your membership from MCSK, for those who don’t know, why did you decide to make that move?

CMOs are not bringing any value to musicians in Kenya, the value is going to cartels and members of staff in these organization. I opted out and joined American ASCAP which has better structures and more organization and it goes in line with my world music expansion.

You have been so consistent in the industry, what’s your secret behind this successive run?

Consistency is God just for giving us the gift of life then always re-inventing but remaining authentic to one self #Mgenge2ru.

After 'One Day' riddim, what’s next for Nonini 2023?

I always have tricks up my sleeve my second name is Rabbit hehehe!

Advise to the upcoming?

Stay humble and look for mentors and follow their footsteps don't be afraid to ask questions. Most importantly never give up on your dreams.

Word to your fans?

I appreciate them always, the new ones and the old ones for sticking with me. I never take them for granted.

Anybody you want to shout out?

Shout out to all my people who work behind the scenes and ensure my business and brand stay relevant…Wanajijua wote!

Parting shot?

2023 is the Year or the JORDAN 23! Nothing but WINS.

Follow Nonini on his social media handles

Facebook: Nonini Mgenge2ru
Instagram: noninimgengetrue
Twitter: Noninimgenge2ru
TikTok: noninimgenge2ru