Jemedari

Jemedari started pursuing music professionally in 2004 by taking part in several battles and showcases. At the time he was based in Nakuru. He moved to Nairobi in 2006 to pursue a degree at JKUAT. He got signed to Delite Studios where he produced his first tracks, notably “Tell Me”, a collaboration with the Eclipse Dancers which enjoyed wide airplay in EATV, K24 and several stations in Uganda.

In 2007 he made the move from Delite Studios and started experimenting with different sounds and producers. He also fully launched his professional songwriting by penning down a few songs for the Eclipse Dancers on their debut singles. He also made the cover of the entertainment segment of Taifa Leo on October 27th.

In 2008 he got involved in the NACADA Drug Campaign. This included the artist retreat at Simba Lodge, Naivasha. Also notable at this time was the versatile venture of taking on spoken word poetry. This culminated in being the KWANI? Open Mic featured poet in April 2009. He also featured as an artist in the Kenya Music Week, held at the Sarit Center in December 2008. It is also in this year that he teamed up with producer Voodoo and started several project in a bid to change the industry and the perception of underground artists in the mainstream world.

This year, Jemedari has graced several stages including showcase performances for the MTV ROAD TO MAMAs, NTV Viewerthon (which he was also the host), The Underground Festival hosted by Big Kev. He is also credited with being the first artist to fuse classical and traditional elements into a hiphop environment and this is widely evident in his music. His performances always include at least two live instruments and his energy and stage presence is appealing.

His notable Achievements are:

- Releasing Resurrection (Debut Album) & @ War Vol. 1 & 2 ( mixtape albums)
- A poetry collection
- Numerous performances on different platforms
- Several mainstream singles that have received several acclaim both locally and internationally, thanks to the internet.
- A steady online following, evident by the number of views, online plays, downloads and music streams on both his featured pages. [facebook group: JEMEDARI], [www.igrooves.net/jemedari]
- Television appearances and interviews including the MTV Road to MAMAs, NTV Viewerthon, The RE-UP, The Citizen Breakfast Show and Grapevine.
- Radio interviews including My Block with Jack Omamo (Homeboyz Radio)

Jemedari will release his second album NUMERO UNO this December.

In conclusion, it is quite evident that this highly talented individual is going places and I am confident that he is the next big thing in the music industry.


© james wamathai 2009