GANJOR

Ganjor is a rising Kenyan rapper/singer blending hiphop, dancehall and his Kenyan roots to create an international hybrid sound. Growing up in the vibrant city of Nairobi, he was inspired by the sounds of hip hop and dancehall legends Ukoo Flani and Necessary Noize. He also pays homage to current Kenyan stars Nyashinski, Khaligraph and Chris Kaiga and looks up to Popcaan, Big Zulu and Burna Boy internationally. 

Ganjor's journey to becoming a musician began when he was just 15 years old. As a high school student, he seized an opportunity to perform in front of his entire school, and his electrifying performance left his schoolmates cheering and throwing books in the air. From that moment on, he knew music was his destiny.

In 2010, he became the lead singer of a high school group called Mist. They recorded a dancehall and  reggae mixtape in university, and through that experience he learnt how to rap and sing himself. When everyone else left the group to pursue other passions, Ganjor stayed true to the music. 

Despite having new material, he did not have the resources to record music and shoot videos. After a lot of struggle, he finally released his first solo mixtape in 2017. His versatile sound blended dancehall, reggae and African beats. This earned him recognition and his song "Trouble" received massive radio play on NRG Radio and Vibez Radio. He also recalls performing to Nairobi students in Mount Kenya University and Kenya Methodist University as his highlights. 

In September 2022, a chance encounter changed the rest of this music career. While working at Village Market Mall in Nairobi, his colleague introduced his music to a friend. Turns out the friend was an international music producer who early in his career had worked with African legends such as Fela Kuti, Segun Adewale, Kanda Bongo Man, Four Brothers, Salif Kieta and Manu Dibango. On the first day they met, they made a song together in Gary's studio. Afterwards, he decided let’s make an album. And they quickly hatched a plan to create a hybrid album that would appeal to both African and international music lovers. 

In just 3 months, "The Great Son of McBeth" album was born. McBeth is his mother's nickname which he grew up hearing and he loved it. He chose to honor his mother through the album who is supportive of his music career. 

This debut album is Ganjor presenting himself to the world. "I'm telling the world who I am, what I'm about, my mission. You will get to know me through the album."

With its unique blend of Afro, Latin and Hip Hop beats, a musical journey from the streets of Nairobi to the plains of Africa, Ganjor has created a truly hybrid album. The album features a range of tracks, from the hypnotic "Rambo" and "For Da Streets" to the beautiful "Bless Me". There are more commercial tracks like "Nairobi Love," "Wedding Song," "Party," and "Gangster Love" that will get fans going."Greatest Love" has a timeless quality, and Ganjor's vocal delivery produces a juxtaposing position to the music.

The first release from the album "Nairobi Love"  is dedicated to what he calls the capital of Africa. Riding on danceable beats and a catchy hook, the video is a visual treat showcasing Nairobi’s Central Business District both at day and night, the new express highway and the green suburb of Nairobi. It also includes footage from the Mukuru Kwa Ruben slum where Ganjor did a radio interview on Ruben FM radio station which reaches over 350,000 listeners. The release includes “Freestylie” not on the album and a remix titled “Nairobi Love Big Band Remix.”

What makes Ganjor unique? Whereas most Kenyan artists make songs for the local market, his music is universal and can be listened to by anybody anywhere, all over the world. His unique blend of languages - Kikuyu for cultural roots, Swahili for Kenyan identity and English to reach everybody out there - gives it a global appeal. "It's like a cake, everybody gets a piece."

His goal is to make music of substance that changes people's lives and inspire young people. He's also a champion for the environment. You could say green is his favorite colour.

While gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated debut album, Ganjor continues to write more music as well as getting ready to perform live. Under his producer's pupillage, he's also learning the business side of music and playing the guitar. "I want to stop being an artist and start being a musician." His dream is to learn how to record and produce his own music at a home studio for whenever inspiration strikes.