Who Am I? – The Vedette, A Rap Knight

Ian Kafuna Known by his stage name as The Vedette, is a Kenyan rapper based in Mombasa. He has dropped a 4 track EP dubbed Who Am I? And it’s currently doing very well across the streaming platforms. In case you never had an idea, The Vedette is the founder of a Hip Hop platform known as Rap Knights. The platform started by only supporting the Coast based artists but later expanded to focusing on Hip Hop across the country.

Micshariki Africa caught up with The Vedette So that he can take us through on his recently collective project 'Who Am I'. His take on the current state of Kenyan Hip Hop. Check out on this interview he had with Musiq Jared.

Give us a brief history about The Vedette, your real names and how did it all start both as a Hip Hop artiste & activist?

My name is Ian Kafuna. I can’t really recall when I started rapping. It’s something I’ve been doing for a very long time. In primary school, I was part of a 3 guy rap crew, we called ourselves Mission Boys. In high school, I went to Thika High by the way, I was part of yet another rap group. We made quite a name for ourselves back then.

But to get to your question I officially recorded my first track in 2013 while in Campus. Two years later I dropped out of the game. I guess that’s why you can say the “activism” started, though I have never really viewed myself as an activist. I had a drive to do things, and speak my mind and I guess that’s how it’s been.

Before we talk about the 'Who Am I?' EP, do you have any collective project you did previously before you took a break from music?

Yeah, I did a couple of singles. I’ve worked with producer Emmy Dee, he recorded like the first track 4 songs I ever did. I’ve worked with Teknixx, and my long term friend Petrooz, who produced my new EP. Most of the songs disappeared through time, but some are on Spotify and Apple Music.

What was the main reason that made you take a break, was it a personal decision or it's due to people/circles?

Honestly, there are a lot of factors. We can do a whole interview just based on that. But I’ll keep that brief. First off, I didn’t have money. I was still in campus, getting support from my parents. I could not afford studio time, let alone promotion and marketing. But this has a lot to do with the structure of our music system in Kenya.

Looking at it from a business angle, it was a bad investment. The amount of time and resources I put in did not give me the results I wanted. So I took it upon myself to study the industry and figure out how it works and that’s where I stared uncovering issues that were setting me back, and not just me, so many artists in this country. The second thing that made me step back, I touched on it in my second verse of Who Am I? track. You have to listen to find out.

You are the founder of Rap Knights, a blog focusing on Kenyan Hip Hop. Lately it hasn't been available, what really happened taking in mind it was one of the fastest growing platform in Kenya?

Rap Knights started out just as a small blog focusing on artist at the Coast (of Kenya), but I quickly realized there was demand for legitimate Hip Hop articles and stories across the country. And I mean actual news, constructive articles, not the regular gossip we get from other blogs. The image I had for Rap Knights was bigger than just a blog, I wanted it to actually make an impact, and elevate people’s careers.

It became too overwhelming to run along, considering my really tight schedule. I knew I needed help. Some people came in aboard and really helped to push the agenda, the likes of Musiq Jared and Kev The Deejay. But I knew for me to fully realize my dreams, I needed to stop doing it as a side show. I pulled the website down so that I could restructure it, and make it work as I wanted it to. At the same time I want everyone contributing to be compensated monetarily for dedicating their time to the course. There have been a lot of setbacks, but I have been making moves behind the scenes and soon enough we will be live again. I was hoping this year would be the year, but circumstances have forced me to postpone the launch dates to sometime early next year.

Let's talk about your latest project, 'Who Am I?’ Take us through the process of making it, the inspiration behind it and all those behind the scenes that made it possible.

The EP was a birthday present to celebrate 30 years of existence. Throughout my 20s, I did so many things, I wore so many hats. I’ve been a blogger, event’s organizer, MC, travel planner, marketing strategist, and professional photographer. I’ve had so many identities but the one I never really got to explore was my Hip Hop identity.

A lot of people were shocked when I dropped the EP because they had no idea I could rap. The title of the EP, Who Am I? is really a question to address my identity crisis. I wanted people to see that side of me they had never seen. At the same time, I wanted to remind those who knew me from back then who I was. I wanted to express my growth lyrically, even though I was sitting on the sidelines. Again, more of this is addressed on the first track of the EP Who Am I?

Out of the four tracks, which is your favorite, and the reason why?

That’s gotta be Lord Forgive Me. It talks about a traumatic event in my life that changed my views on religion and God.

'Lord Forgive Me' is my favorite joint from the EP. I love the chemistry you have with Viquee Ofula, how did it all start? Have you guys worked together previously?

Viquee is actually someone I have known for a long time. I jammed with her couple of times before, with her band, Juukua Band. She is a very gifted singer and someone I respect so much. To be honest, I had no idea she was going to be on the EP. I was struggling with the hook for that song, and Crush also (the second track on the EP). My producer told me not to worry, he’ll sort it out. Little did I know he’d put Viquee on.

When I heard the final version, I was beyond impressed. It’s like she knew exactly what I wanted. Like I said, we had not discussed anything concerning the track. Actually the whole EP I was recording it secretly. I wasn’t sure I going to put it out. So when I heard the track, I called her. It was in late at night, I wasn’t sure she was awake, oh be it I just wanted to let her know how grateful I was.

Word of advice to the upcoming artists struggling real hard to a point of giving up.

Music takes a lot of time and money before you can even start getting your revenue back. It can take you years before you break even. Don’t believe the hype. My best advice would be to have at least a source of income that will help you finance your projects.

After 'Who Am I?’ what's next for The Vedette?

Honestly I don’t know. I feel like I have just scratched the surface of my creativity. I have a lot more to offer. And, as I say in the first track of the EP, I never wanted the industry to dictate what I do or say, I’ll only do it if I feel it.

Word to your fans?

LOL. I have fans now? Well, MY FANS, lol, thanks for streaming. I really never expected such a great response, considering I’ve been out for a long time. Very few artists have been able to pull that. So thanks for making me feel like Nyashinski, Lol.

What's your take on the current state Of Kenyan Hip Hop?

There is a lot of work that needs to be done. There are a lot of people who have taken upon themselves to push and promote the culture without getting anything in return. We need to show more support to these guys.

Your official social media handles?

Facebook: The Vedette
Twitter: The_Vedette
Instagram: The.vedette

Your parting shot?

Again, thanks a lot for streaming my music. That’s all I ever wanted. Much appreciated.