Henry Ohanga, popularly known as “Octopizzo” came into the limelight barely ten years ago.
He used to perform spoken word and engage in rap battles during art events organized by Kwani? Trust at the British council grounds. It was not until 2008 when he released his first mix tape titled, “Strugglers of Nairobi.”
After releasing two other mixtapes,” Young, Gifted and Black” and “The White Shadow” two years later, word started going round that he is the best rapper in Kenya. But it was too early to judge. Hip-hop lovers wanted to see him produce albums. They wanted him to prove himself. And indeed he did not disappoint.
His Chocolate City and LDPC studio albums made him win the Best Hip Hop artist in Kenya, 2015.
But despite all these achievements, many Kenyan hip-hop lovers were still reluctant to name him the best rapper in Kenya.
This was because he was not the only rapper hitting headlines. There was Rabbit (King Kaka) and Kayole finest Khaligraph Jones, also known as Baba Yao.
King KaKa was producing hit after hit and Khaligraph was making heads bang with his fast-paced rapping style.
Fast forward to 2018, the battle still continues. Octopizzo has released his fifth studio album titled,” Next Year.”
The album is really doing well. His song,” Noma ni” found in the “Next Year” album has already hit 1 Million views on YouTube.
He seems to have cemented his name in Kenya’s hip-hop scenes. He has a huge following on social media and whenever he visits his old ghetto hood, Kibera, he gets a warm welcome.
Thousands of people assemble to see him and hear him speak. Going by these latest achievements, is Octopizzo the best rapper in Kenya?