Necessary Noize
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Necessary Noize is Kenyan hip hop group originally composed of female MC/singer Nazizi Hirji, singer Kevin Wyre and rapper Bamzigi, though Bamzigi later left due to personal and label disputes. The group was formed in October 2000 and released their self-titled debut album in 2000 under Audio Vault Studios (now Blu Zebra). They steadily grew in popularity and were later to release a sophomore album "Necessary Noize II: Kenyan Gal,Kenyan Boy" in 2004 which included popular regional hits such as "Kenyan Gal, Kenyan Boy" and "Bless My Room" . Although mainly hip hop based, the group also does some reggae and R&B tracks. They are appreciated for their socially conscious lyrics that deal with issues affecting youth such as AIDS, drugs, politics etc. They are seen as an antidote to the over-commercialization of urban music in Kenya.
Together with Ugandan ragga musician Bebe Cool, they have released music under the name East Africa Bashment Crew. They also have collaborated with Tanzanian hip hop group Gangwe Mobb with "Tunajirusha" hit. Mizchif from Zimbabwe is a guest on Necessary Noize debut album.
Nazizi and Wyre also have done solo productions, before and during the existence of the group.