Radical Mwafreeka is no ordinary raiyaa

He has been in showbiz for a long time and has always tried to stay relevant. Unlike many artistes, Mwafreeka is diverse. He raps, hosts, acts, presents and he produces films. He’s the all-round MC. His comical TV show ‘Raiyaa’ which he co-hosts with comedian Rapcha  He’s also reputed for having a notorious stand on women and relationships. Most recently, he claimed to have a crush on popular singer Marya. What he says or does in the public is exactly who he is.

“The same way I’m serious on political issues in my rhymes and TV shows is the same way I am in real life. The same way I joke about women in my rhymes is the same way I joke with them in real life. I stand by my rhymes,” says Mwafreeka.

He has been successful on TV as he has been in Music and has appeared as a judge on two seasons of Channel O MC Africa. He was also a co-host with the gorgeous Kaz on the socio-political youth show- The Space. The show ‘Raiyaa’ has kept him on our TV screens for close to four years. He believes his music opened doors of opportunities for him and brought him where he is today. Born Makarios Ouma, he changed his name from Mwafrika to Mwafreeka in February because with his busy schedule and more opportunities he is ‘free’ to choose what he really wants to do.

Mwafreeka with US rapper Common

“I started rapping in 2003. I used to live in Eastleigh and was friends with Jua Cali. I used to listen to songs by Jua Cali and Nonini and felt I could do it. I recorded my first track at Calif records but it wasn’t good enough to be a hit so when I joined campus at UoN a few years back, I vowed to perfect my skill. Here I am now, the Mwafreeka that everybody respects.”

He’s the Executive producer of an animation TV show called Kuruu, a Kenyan version of the popular US animation series The Boondocks. It also includes vocals from his friend, comedian Rapcha. The series is set to debut on TV soon, promises Mwafreeka. Kuruu is produced under the film production company called ‘I am The Future.’ Under the same production house, he’s also working on an entertainment magazine show dubbed Iko Nini that is all about celebrities.

Mwafreeka (left), fan (middle) and Rapcha the Sayantist (right)

About dating and relationships, he has a rather unusual stand.

“I’ve met some great women in my life but I’m not the settling and getting married type. I date but I’m not dating. Show me a man who claims he has never cheated and I will show you a man who is full of crap. I rest my case.”

On the international scene, he has worked with K’Naan and Craig G and really appreciates them both. He sees himself working with Stephen Marley in future because of his political sense. Locally, he has worked with many artistes and appreciates them all too. His album ‘Akili ya Mwafreeka’ which already has two hit singles on the airwaves is currently in its completion stages. He promises his first tour soon after the release of the album will be in campuses across Kenya to spread the hip hop love just like Rabbit did.