Nonini

Hubert Nakitare
Birth name Hubert Kavaluku Nakitare
Also known as Nonini
Born 2 October 1982
Eastlands, Nairobi
Origin Nairobi, Kenya
Genres
Occupation(s) Singer, radio personality
Years active 2002 – present
Labels Prohabo Entertainment
Associated acts P-Unit, Jua Cali

Hubert Nakitare popularly known by his stage name Nonini is a Kenyan hip hop recording artist, entertainer, radio presenter and businessman. He is often referred to as "the Godfather of Genge" and is well known for his controversial and sexually explicit lyrics.[1]

Personal life

Nonini was born Hubert Kavaluku (Nakitare) in October 1982 in California Estate in the Eastlands constituency of Nairobi, Kenya.[2] He is of Kamba origin.[3] Nonini became a dad to a male child late 2012

Biography

Nonini originally signed to Calif Records, but later joined Homeboyz Productions. He was introduced to the Kenyan urban music scene through his debut single "Nonini ni Nani?" He achieved national and regional recognition with his 2002 track "Manzi wa Nairobi," a song which praised the beauty of Kenyan women and a follow-up single "Weh Kamu". He went on to release his debut album Hanyaring Game in late 2004 which included the hit "Keroro" a Kenyan slang (sheng) term for beer.Nonini is famed for releasing the first Genge hit early in his career.[4]

He runs a video production company named "Pro Habo" which successfully gave rise to P Unit. He is also a radio presenter.

Collaborations and affiliated acts

Later, Nani Mwenza, his collaboration track with Tanzanian musician Juma Nature, became a regional hit. In addition, he has collaborated with local artist Nameless to create a Friday anthem appropriately titled "furahi-day". Both songs are on his second album Mwisho Ya Mawazo, released in 2007. The album features several guest musicians, including Nyota Ndogo, Mercy Myra, Professor Jay and Q-Chief.[5]

P-Unit

He is the founder of P-Unit (Pro-Habo Unit) that consists of rappers Bonnie, Frasha, Gabu and himself. The crew has produced several songs most notably "Si Lazima" a Swahili phrase which literally translates to "it's not a must" . The song talks of times in a relationship where a couple does not need to have sex – they can just go home and relax. People have found the song quite contradictory to the messages he communicated in previous songs. At the 2007 Kisima Music Awards P-Unit won the Boomba Group category.[6] It was the first time Nonini won a Kisima Award. Their second single is known as "Kushoto-Kulia"; meaning "Left-Right". Both songs are on Nonini's "Mwisho ya Mawazo" album.[5]

Recognition and awards

In August 2007, Nonini was selected as one of the 100 most influential Kenyans by The Standard newspaper.[7][8] In 2009 he was named International Lifestyle Ambassador by the Limkokwing University in Malaysia.[9]

MCSK 2012 Cross Over Artiste Award 2012

Best Hip-Hop Song (Colour Kwa Face) at the Kisima Awards 2012

Best Director Music Video Kisima Awards 2012 with the same song

2 time Top Earner MCSK Royalties Artiste 2013,

In 2013 Nonini has been elected as a director representing the Audio Visual Sector at the Performance Rights Society of Kenya (PRSK) where he expects to help in consolidating efforts towards royalties' collections and represents the plight of artistes in the entertainment industry.

Discography

Albums:

Awards

Won:

Nominated:

References

  1. http://www.wasanii.com/index.php/item/nonini
  2. http://www.noninimusic.com/mgenge/bio/
  3. The Standard, Pulse Magazine, 18 June 2009: Nonini: Toto to Genge godpapa
  4. 4.0 4.1 "NONINI THE GODFATHER – Kenya Celebrities | Premier Kenyan Website for Entertainment News, Gossip, Music, Movies, Fashion & Lifestyle – Kenya Celebrities | Premier Kenyan Website for Entertainment News, Gossip, Music, Movies, Fashion & Lifestyle". kenyacelebrities.com. 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Mwisho ya Mawazo liner notes
  6. 6.0 6.1 Kisima Awards winners 2007
  7. The Standard, 21 August 2007: 100 most influential Kenyans
  8. The East African Standard, 21 August 2007: 100 most influential Kenyans – Entertainment
  9. The Standard, 19 November 2009: Nonini honoured
  10. 10.0 10.1 Nonini – Biography
  11. 11.0 11.1 The Standard, Pulse Magazine, 20 June 2008: "Chaguo La Teeniez" awards
  12. Kisima Music Awards: 2008 Kisima Music Awards winners
  13. "Standard Digital News : Magazines : Nonini honoured". standardmedia.co.ke. Standard Digital. 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
  14. "NONINI's Page – ROCKSTAR4000". rockstar4000.com. ROCKSTAR4000. 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
  15. "Mcsk Gala Information, Videos, Pictures and News". rtbot.net. RTBot. 012. Retrieved 12 October 2012. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. Museke: MTV Africa Music Awards 2008
  17. PAM Awards
  18. "BEFFTA AWARDS". beffta.com. 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012.

External links