On 19th July, 2021, the Odinare Challenge was launched by rapper Brian Ouko Omollo, better known as Khaligraph Jones. The competition received a boost from betting firm Odibets, through the Odimtaani initiative.
Odinare Challenge was aimed at motivating Kenyan rappers, who often find it hard coming up in the Kenyan music industry.
Odinare Challenge Finalists
As announced on Monday 17th August 2021 the winner of the Odinare Challenge is rapper Katapilla. He walks away with the grand prize of Ksh. 1 Million. Katapilla thanked his fans for their support.
“Sina Mengi ya Kusema leo but God Bless Everybody who voted, Nashukuru sana, Hii ni life changing kwangu. Na muendelea kuskiza Kenyan Hip Hop. God Bless You”
(Thank you to the fans who voted for me. This is a life-changing achievement and I would urge Kenyans to continue listening to hip-hop)
Ben C came in second while Real Elai was third, bagging Ksh.500,000 and Ksh. 300,000 respectively. All top 3 finalists receive a recording deal with Blu Ink Corp.
Also in the top 6 and giving serious competition were Sharon Keya a.k.a Achicho Software, Susan Wanjiru a.k.a Murasta and Shekina Karen. They each received Ksh. 50,000.
Brief Description of the Finalists
Hailing from Kibera, rapper Katapilla is associated with the rap group Afrocentric. He has also featured in Khali Cartel 2.
1st runner up Ben C is also not new to the Kenyan music scene. He also hosts an art show on GBS TV.
Representing Dandora, Elisha Elai, a.k.a Real Elai, has also released various songs on his YouTube Channel.
Femcee Achicho Software started her music career in 2010 while in Mombasa, where she would later be signed by Stantmastaz Records.
Though not much is known about Shekina Karen, her fast flow and talent is exceptional. It is therefore no surprise she made it to the finals.
Hailing from Nairobi’s Dagoretti, Murasta got her name from the dreadlocks she previously used to have. Her fast rhymes and talent saw her joining Jamdown Shaflas after being spotted by Selector Denno.
About Odimtaani By Odibets
Odibets, the title sponsor of the challenge, is involved in other activities involving the youth, via their Odimtaani initiative. This is therefore not the first time the company is involved in sponsoring outstanding events and individuals.
Earlier this year, Odibets reached out to Charles Odongo, better known as “Ugaliman”. This was after videos of his “ugali man challenge” became popular on social media. Odongo was made an Odibets ambassador.
His gym received an upgrade with new equipment as he also got a new van.
Odibets also came through for Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, paying for his family’s medical bills following a road accident. They also assisted in AFC Leopards striker Ezekial Otuoma’s medical bills after he was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease.
Lastly, the company launched a kitting program that saw over 10,000 football teams in county leagues receive jerseys.
Khaligraph Jones and the Odinare Challenge
As mentioned, the competition was launched by rapper Khaligraph Jones, with Odibets committing Ksh. 4.5 Million to the competition.
“I am unhappy with the way we are being treated as an industry, and we have to rectify that.”
The rapper, who is arguably the best in Kenya, has since been updating fans on who the finalists are.
The Odinare Challenge Judges
Judges of the competition were Mwafreeka, Scar, Ondu StreetLawyer and Miss Ruby.
Mwafreeka is a veteran hip hop star in Kenya whose hard-hitting lyrics talk about politics and issues affecting ordinary Kenyans. He has previously been a judge on Channel O MC africa and co-hosted the “Raiyaa” comical TV show with Rapcha.
Scar is a member of the Hip Hop group Wakadinali. He is arguably the most vocal member of the group on social media and has branched out to do his own projects.
Self-defined as a hip-hop scholar and enthusiast, MC Ondu StreetLawyer has made his mark on Kenyan hip hop. His Soundcloud features various hip hop works by different Kenyan artists.
Miss Ruby was previously the host of Homeboyz Radio’s Weekend Breakfast show. She is also the founder of Unkut Africa, an entertainment and events management company that focuses on hip hop culture.
At C.O.K we celebrate such efforts that seek to promote Kenyan Hip Hop and music.
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