Yaro B
Jeremiah Abuga, professionally known as Yaro B or Yaro is a Kenyan Hip Hop artist and performer. Born in Mathare North, Nairobi and has spent most of his life in Nairobi, Kenya. At the age of 13 he realized he had the talent to rap. He took this with all his passion until he joined high school, where he wrote his first song in 2019.
His sound is influenced by 90s, 2000s and late 2010s Hip Hop and is inspired by artists such as Eminem, Jay-Z, Nas, Octopizzo, K-Dot, Joyner, the list goes on...
Yaro, currently has a couple of singles and his debut EP, #ABUGAS (Always Believe U Good At Something). He's also featured in a song by Kasarani Artists "AMANI". His music can be described as catchy, with an on-beat rhythm and also a free tempo. Generally, he is more into rap and Trap and tries to make music that is relatable to the person listening to him in whichever part of the world. Even though he raps in English, he also tries to make music in the local language, Swahili. As much as he is targeting a worldwide audience he wants to make sure that people in Timbuktu (Mali) who are not fluent in English also get to enjoy his music.
Yaro B been quite busy in the public eye too. He has performed in events across the country, yeah you heard that right. From performing at the Launch of Xiaomi Redmi Phone Launch at Ole Sereni, to Shabiki launch in the heart of Nairobi, Kenyan National Archives. He has also performed with heavyweights such as Octopizzo during his album launch Fuego at the Alchemist, to performing at the Alliance Francaise, during the Break Battle challenge, Kenya where Octopizzo said and I quote "Yaro B is one of the most promising rappers in Kenya".
Yaro B has actually been on tour with the IEBC, EU and Octopizzo Foundation during the #UMECHUKUA campaign where he performed in Eldoret and Thika sharing the stage with artists like Mercy Masika, Octopizzo and Sylvia Ssaru. He has also performed as a guest artist during the internet sensation, Azziad Nasenya’s 22nd birthday party.
Some of his achievements are; recently crowned winner of EAICS Talent Show in the rap category which was held in Nairobi Cinema, Nairobi, Kenya. Apart from that he has also performed at a College Edition of Mr and Mrs Valentine/ICS at the Saraskasi Dome. Yaro B has also leveraged Spotify Editorial Playlist, New Music Friday.
Check out on the Interview he had with Musiq Jared.
Welcome to Micshariki Africa, first things first. Who is Yaro B?
Jeremiah Abuga Osoro, professionally known as Yaro B or Yaro, is an Independent Kenyan rapper, songwriter and a performing artist who started his music career in 2019.
What's the inspiration behind your artistic name, Yaro B?
Yaro B originated from the name Yaro Baba or Baba Yaro, which was my childhood nickname. But the name Baba Yaro is derived from a former Nigerian footballer Celestine Babayaro. As a kid, I was always playful so my aunt decided to give me that name.
Let's talk about your latest EP, ABUGAS, give us a breakdown how the process of coming up with it was like?
Well, for those who don't know, ABUGAS is actually a self-titled EP from the name Abuga which in full means "Always Believe U Good At Something". So I was just sitting at my workplace one day, and I felt like I'm so focused with work that I haven't been doing music for a while and so it hit me that I need to give my fans or bless the Hip Hop culture with a masterpiece of work.
The making of the EP was the best thing in my music career. I have worked so hard, to make it a reality. The lyricism, the different flows, the delivery and the message all the tracks come with. It was the best experience for me. Of course there were some few challenges here and there but I managed to overcome them.
What's your favorite track off ABUGAS?
My favorite track is No Pressure on which I featured a very talented lady, called Ivoni. In that song, I tried to make a song that is very relatable with our day to day life experiences and the pressures of life like trying to live a life beyond your means so as to please some people.
What is that one thing that makes you feel ABUGAS is a one of a kind project, and it sets you apart from your peers?
ABUGAS for me is one of the the best Rap project in Kenya, 2022. For me, it’s something that I expressed myself the most. It is different from the projects released by my peers, but I'm not going to try and downplay anyone's hard work. If you feel your project is better, that's okay. As they always say, your favorite rapper is just your favorite rapper, not the Greatest Of All Time.
How do you describe the music that you do?
I can describe my music as catchy, with an on-beat rhythm with a free tempo.
Name your top 5 all-time rappers in Kenya
Octopizzo, Prezzo, Timmy Blanco, Silverstone Bars, Khaligraph Jones, but the list goes on and on. Kenya has a lot of talented rappers by the way.
How's your creative process like?
I don't have a specific creative process, it goes from some real life situations, to just waking and feeling like I want to spit some bars, so I get a beat from my producer. Other times I'll just be watching something or hear a certain phrase from a song and from that I just to write a song. But I don't wait for inspiration so as to write. You can be waiting for a very long time if that's how you write your songs.
Since you started music, what can you say you have achieved under the name, Yaro B. as a brand?
I have achieved a lot of things man, from winning the Best Rap act category during a college talent competition, to going on a tour with the Don, Octopizzo, to performing during Azziad's birthday party. Dropping my EP, is an achievement to me also. Man, if I can list them all, we'll have to do another interview on the same. Hahaha!
What's your take on the current state of Kenyan Hip Hop?
We are heading in the right direction. Gone are the days when artists were dropping singles. You can actually see even underground rappers investing on EPs, mixtapes and albums. We are on the right track.
Apart from music what else do you do?
Well, I'm still a student majoring in Catering and Accommodation.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
That's a very good question. But you never know what the future holds. But what I know is I'm heading in the right direction and if I play my cards right Yaro B, will be more than an underground rapper, but an international star, enjoying life like these rappers do. Music is going to change my life and the life of the people around me.
Word to your believers, who have been there for you since day one?
I treasure you all cause without you there can't be a Yaro B. If it was possible you all could be enjoying new music every day.
After ABUGAS, What's next for you?
ABUGAS, was a very big step in my career. But from it, I have learned a lot too. New music will be out soon because my aim is not to be a Kenyan underground rapper but an International super star. New music from ABUGAS is on the way too.
What are your thought on blogs such as Musiq Jared and Micshariki Africa?
My personal opinion, is that you are the best because you are really putting on artists on to the Door Knockers Cypher having artists and also on your podcasts and written interviews. You are the people that the music industry needs. You make an artist dreams come to reality.
Word to Kenyan Media?
Support Kenyan artists, play our songs and stop playing games. There is more core talent in the underground scene. The same way you pay attention to Amapiano and Afrotunes, do the same here.
Who would you like to shout out and why?
Man, I wanna give a big shout out to everyone out here who has been supporting and playing my music. But there are people whom I would love to give a special shout out for having given me a platform, or supported my musical career in one way or another; Jared,Agnes, Octopizzo, Epic Pulse Magazine, Azziad and my family.
Your official social media handles and music platforms?
On all digital music platforms, the name is Yaro B.
Facebook: Yaro B
Twitter: @Yaro_b_
Instagram: yaro_b_official
TikTok: @Yaro_b_
Parting Shot?
Always Believe U Good At Something.