The 30 Percent Podcast

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)...

We begin today's episode with a discussion about whether artists releasing old music is good for their career or not (9:45). Next, is it profitable to make music that does not appeal to the local music scene and contain parts of its culture? Does it matter at all for an artists success? (15:48) Then an update on the Ongeza Volume setlist show, and the Blankets and Wine artist line up was relea...

Black Market Records were in the news recently a with talks about the label and its artist being sued for $1M, leading us to talk about music labels and the ways they take advantage of artists plus the importance of contracts (14:44). Comedian Eddie Butita met with the president to discuss matters of copyright and Octopizzo had something to say about it (27:03), finally, We review new music includ...

We begin todays episode talking about Nyashinski's Showman residency at Canivore, and what goes into making a residency successful (15:36). Next, the Base to billboardz initiative announced its six finalists (28:23), we then wrap up the episode with a review of Bridget Blue's lates album "RNB" and more releases of the week (40:42). Intro: 4Mr Frank White - "Tranquillo"...

A week of being outside leads us to talk about Odunsi the Engines visual screening, his performance and what makes Kenya a good hub for artists debuting music (5:42), Then a recap of the Industry Social Event (24:03). Finally, a suggestion was made to label Kenyan music across genres as "Genge" music (33:12). We then wrap up the episode with new music review (48:45). Intro: Caleb Awiti -...

We begin todays episode breaking down the most recent IFPI music report. Is the African music industry doomed to play catchup to the rest of the world? We discuss this and more (10:39), Then get into a review of Ochiko's recent project Indie Deep, as well as more music (45:16). Intro: JIVU, Khaligraph Jones - "Anitah" produced by Dillie Pick of the Week: The Babaz - "Salaale" produced by Ras Amor,...

We begin todays episode attempting to answer - Are we too harsh on KE artists or are we not critical enough? (12:03), Then, a US ruling on a copyright case against AI art could have implications on creatives Intellectual Property (39:44). Next, CEO of Universal Lucian Grainge tells us where the music industry is headed (47:14). Finally, we review some new music that was released this week (51:07)....

We begin with a brief recap from one of the Kilele Summit sessions, and talk about what success looks like for an artist in 2026 (10:42). Next, a recent X post about a few hard to believe things about the KE music industry does rounds and we go over some of the responses (31:17). A brief Kunye review (48:20), and then wrap up with new music (50:11). Intro: Watendawili - "Naogelea" produc...

Toxic Lyrikali and Buruklyn Boys beef escalated with more tracks dropped aimed at each other. Who do we think is winning (9:00). Next, Spotify released their 5 year anniversary list, why aren't any Kenyan artists on there? (29:00) Then we talk about EVEN, a direct to consumer platform partnering with music giant UMG, leading to a discussion about how artists can benefit from selling directly t...

We begin this weeks episode with a recap of We are Nubia's listening party, which leads to a conversation about how to predict a hit, (7:57). After that, more on the Toxic Lyrikali and Buruklyn Boyz beef (22:40), then onto some news. Tiktok thinks of changing their payout model for artists music (36:07), Spotify may begin using AI to pay artists (41:51). Also, Distrokid may be selling, what do...

We begin today's episode by talking about the Base to Billboardz programme that is underway. Are these types of opportunities beneficial for artists or is it all for show? (10:20), Toxic Lyrikali is in another beef, this time accusing other artists of stealing his style (43:59), and then review some new music including albums from Mutoriah and Muthaka (52:29). Intro: Mr. Right - "Shilling...

Afam's interaction with an artist recently inspires a conversation on artistry and the use of AI to create (10:26). After that, we go through the 2026 Grammy ceremony winners and talk about the controversy surrounding Tyla's win (39:18) We then review new music (1:02:11) Intro: Caleb Awiti - "HYPNOTIC" produced by Paya Beats Pick of the Week: Mordecai Dex - "Kichapo" pr...

Nonini sat down with Chaxy for a conversation and said some interesting things, we begin the episode by talking about some of them (9:22). Next, an article highlighting Luminate's music report proposed that there is a fundamental shift happening in the music industry (28:24), the Kilele Summit is set to happen in February (40:00). We then wrap up the music with new music reviews (42:36). Intro: 40...

On today's episode, we address music blogger and critique John Muchiris's statement about wanting to see some of our legacy artists go International, why we think they won't, and then try to answer why the industry seems to be obsessed with our artists going international. Is it necessary? (8:38), then review some new music (47:04). Intro: Savara - "Farova Forever" produced b...

We begin this weeks episode with a discussion on artists and industry professionals holding each other back (15:08). We then talk about popular American streamer IShowSpeed touring the country (32:06) and then mention Hybe and the moves they are making in the African scene (44:06). We then wrap up the episode with new music reviews (46:34). Intro: AMYRA, Foozak, KUZO (KE)- " Prophecy" pr...