The 30 Percent Podcast

We begin today's episode with a recap of Afam's talk on music business, music law and IP at Homeboyz Institute (9:33), next, commentary on X leads us to a conversation about the value of “monoculture” in our industry (21:47). Bien announces his upcoming project “Alusa Continua” with a tracklist (42:40), then some international music business news with YouTube joining streaming services with AI det...

This week we're Kickin’ It with Abigael Diana of Ongeza Volume! We start the episode by talking about the Martell Swift Academy that we were a part of (6:11), then recap the different shows we attended recently including Tina Ardor's “Adorn”, DJ Mura's 'Murata' listening party, Mordecai Dex's “Dexclusives” and more (13:39). South Africa's Prince Kaybee had some things to say about the Kenyan Oontz...

This week, we're sitting down with singer, songwriter, and hitmaker Mordecai Dex for for a conversation. We discuss about his songwriting process (8:51), the process of working inside inside super group Kodong Klan (31:00), we also talk about sampling culture in Kenya’s music industry (51:24). Also, he lets us know what to expect at his upcoming show, Dexclusives (1:04:25), a special performan...

For our milestone 200th episode we sit down with Joey Akan, one of the most prominent, and influential music journalists in the African music scene. He talks to us about his start in journalism (5:33), outside labels coming into Africa (27:50), the growth of the Nigerian music Industry (41:55), artists losing their hunger (58:10), the importance of owning your masters as an artist (1:06:24), and m...

This week we sit with Artist, A&R, and label owner Tina Ardor to talk her start in deejaying (13:00), running her label Migati Music with her brothers (36:32), difficulties working with foreign producers in the Afro House scene (1:12:21). She also talks to us about her upcoming EP “NDETO” and her ARDORN Live Show at Masshouse (1:17:57) and much more! Intro: Ally Fresh, Mura, Tina Ardor - "Sumbua"...

In this episode we sit down with A&R, Artist Manager, and show curator Faiza Hersi to talk about the origins of her career managing Karun (7:03), music rollouts & working with Altair Said and Xenia Manasseh (26:37), her copyright battle with Anastasia Kirathe (57:53), the upcoming show featuring Yussef Dayes (1:05:50) and more! Pick of the Week: Xenia Manasseh, Ywaya Tajiri - "Aje" produced by Ukw...

We begin today's episode with a recap of Watendawili's Wozaa World, and a few observations from the show (7:39). Following that, a live event app, Aluta, was announced, will it change how we experience live shows? (24:22). We then mention the passing of Stoopid Boy, and some of the internets reactions to it (44:10), and finally, we review music that was released this week (47:04). Intro: HOOD BOYZ...

This weeks episode begins with a recap of Both Zaituni and Stacy Kamatu's shows that we attended (7:55). After that we debate some hot takes about the Kenyan music scene starting off with Sofiya Nzau’s teased collaboration with Chloe Bailey and Skyla Tylaa. We highlight a claim on Twitter that says Sofiya bypassed all the local gatekeepers (16:50). Following that we tackle whether Millennials are...

This week, Faiza Hersi accused Anastasia Kirathe of copying Xenia Manasseh's "Rudia" for her video "Karma" with both Anastasia and the music director denying the claims (16:28), after that, another Jakes Nyanjom of Homeboyz Radio accuses our artists of not creating songs good enough for the International market, is he right? (37:03). we then review new music that came out this week (56:50). Intro:...

We start todays episode with a recap of Sam's CBDeep experience and Xenia Manasseh's Album listening (9:11). After that, we get into a conversation on artists and try to answer the question, “What is a performance worth?” (21:16). Next, is CMO news where there is a proposal to collect royalties through the eCitizen platform (43:50). We then wrap up the episode with new music reviews (47:39). Intro...

Today's episode begins with a recap of the Safari Oontz Rituals show (1:00), after that, Ywaya Tajiri was the subject of some tweets leading us to talk about artists visibility and vulnerability (15:48). Next, super producer Kenny Beats questions producers (and artists) letting people into their creative process (35:48). We then wrap up the episode with new music reviews (56:46). Intro: Kaa La Mot...

We begin with a recap of The Spotify Greasy Tunes event, and the recent shows we went for (13:20), then we talk about The Recording Industry of Kenya (RIKE) being unveiled as Kenya’s National Agency for the ISRC and news of other Labels planning to join UMG with headquarters in Kenya ( 28:00). After that we discuss the natural progression of artists and the shifting landscape in the culture (38:37...

We begin the episode with a recap of our Spotify Greasy Tunes Live show (8:50). After that, we have a conversation guided by entertainment journalist Claris Khalayi about albums and their relevance in todays music scene (15:10) which leads to a conversation about the importance of digital marketing (34:00). We then wrap up the episode with new music releases and our pick of the week (54:52). Intro...

We begin with an update on the upcoming live show with Spotify Greasy Tunes (15:18), then an update on the ongoing CMO drama with KAMP and the Recording Industry of Kenya (RIKE) clapping back at KECOBO after their accusations (18:30). After that, another update on AI, as a new labeling system is proposed for songs made with it (29:20), then a review of music that came out this week (42:12). Intro:...

We begin the episode with a recap of Savinnah's listening party at the Purple Onion, leading to a conversation about alternative music and how to make it successful (17:27), Next The CMOs are fighting again. KECOBO strips KAMP of their right to collect royalties after they were accused of misusing artist royalties and Afam has a theory that may explain why (37:38). We then wrap up the episode...

We begin the episode with a recap of the Celebrity Fight Night we attended (3:33), leading to a conversation about artists pivoting to other businesses to make money (16:05). Next, SUNO is paying grants to artists, but should artists give up their rights for the opportunity? (34:19). After that, we go through the week's music releases (50:31). Intro: Teekvy - "WHOAMI" produced by Ben...

We begin this episode with a conversation ignited by Mbarathi, a sound engineer in the Kenyan Music Scene, who talked on artists skipping the process, putting optics over development (13:19), then, you can now check if your music is being used to train AI using AI Watchdog (37:32), and finally we wrap up the episode with new music reviews (46:25) and a special announcement! (1:03:48). Intro: GTB E...

We begin today's episode with a recap of We Are Nubia & Cruel Santino at the Jameson Hangout Nairobi Event that Afam was out for (11:20) which leads into a conversation about artists managing other artists (21:37). Next, we talk about the artists not caring about their music releases (36:28), and then wrap up the episode with new music reviews (46:53). Intro: Keemlyf - "In Love" produced by MP Jaz...

We begin the episode talking about our experiences at Blankets and Wine over the weekend breaking down some of the things that went well, as well as what we feel could improve (6:11). Next following Nikita Kering's appearance on Mic Cheque, we talk about the pitfalls of child stars and being in the public light early (32:29), then we talk about new music that was released this week (49:51). In...

We begin this episode with some shows Afam attended, leading to a conversation about artist development, and when it should stop (4:18), Next, Fathermoh is suing his label Black Market records for 87 Million (14:02). Following that, we talk about Spotify teaming up with UMG to allow Users to create AI covers and remixes on their platform (33:14), and then we discuss the KULTURE show that took plac...

To commence our shift into video episodes, we sit down with Muthoni Drummer Queen, the artist and visionary behind the cultural staple festival, Blankets & Wine. Bringing 17 years of experience in curating the culture, Muthoni breaks down exactly who Blankets & Wine was originally built for and how Kenyan tastes have matured over nearly two decades. We look ahead at what’s next for the region's li...

We begin today's episode by talking about We are Nubia and Xenia's new snippet (7:01), next, an announcement about the podcast (15:53). After that, Bien came under fire for his appearance at the African Forward Concert during President Macron’s visit to Kenya (23:37), then we talk about new music releases (55:47). Intro: Jovie Jovv - "Gwangi Freestyle" produced by Lemario Pick of the Week: Sabbiti...

Today's episode begins with a conversation on longevity in music, and what it takes to remain at the top (6:46), then, is music discovery on social media today better than the older discovery channels? (19:28). Next, Spotify has begun rolling out verification for artists on their platform (41:00), and Finally, we wrap the episode up with a review of some music that was released recently (43:43...

We begin the 180th episode with with a recap of Afams experience at the Rituals show at Covo Nairobi, as well as Hildah Watiri's listening party (4:00). We then talk about Ongeza Volume's The Set List event that we attended (24:16). Then onto some news, Grammy president Panos Panay will be visiting Kenya to talk with the government about Kenya's potential hosting of the African Grammy's (31:19), a...

The episode begins with a discussion on rollouts, do we need to bring back the old school way of marketing music? (9:28) One RPM recently started distribution of plaques, beginning with to Vijana Barubaru, what will that do for the industry? (15:46). Next, Spotify is testing a feature that indicates AI involvement in music (34:20). We then talk about what it takes to be successful in music (42:46)...