The 30 Percent Podcast

In this episode, we start with yet another concert gone wrong. Shenseea had to cut her show short after teargas started flying in the crowd (6:10). Then, we get into some drama we didn't see coming—Arbantone and Gengetone are clashing, all sparked by Ethic Entertainment's recent release (11:26). We also talk about how music labels are trying to take back control with something they’re calling  Str...

Final Episode of 2024! We kick things off by catching up, before diving into the drama-filled headlines. The disgraced People's Choice Awards found themselves under fire this week after failing to show up for their own event, sparking heated reactions from those impacted (7:47). This weekend was packed with action as two major events took center stage. First, we review  Sol Fest (17:49), then dive...

This week, we start with an update on last week’s story—Diamond says he’s not paying back the money despite not performing (4:19). We then talk about the recent news that 500 million shillings was spent on a bid to host the African Grammys. Was it worth it? We don’t think so, and we explain why (12:07). Sony Music pulling their music from Boomplay raises questions about the platform’s future, and...

This week, we unpack the drama between Willy Paul and Diamond, diving into the Furaha City Festival controversy that’s got everyone talking and taking sides (7:14). Spotify’s annual Wrapped dropped to mixed reviews—while some celebrated, others slammed it as inaccurate and a step down from previous years. We explore what might have gone wrong before breaking down our own Wrapped stats (35:08). The...

We start with a major story in the music world—Drake is suing UMG, making some serious accusations that could have big implications for the industry. We break down the case and discuss what it could mean for Kenyan artists, including tips on how they can gain more leverage (5:44). Next, we cover South African DJ Uncle Waffles’ Nairobi show, which faced challenges to say the least due to disorganis...

Today's episode kicks off with a dive into the ongoing drama between artist and Senator Crystal Asige and her former label, Sol Generation. With her court testimony making waves, we unpack the case and her accusations against the label (14:40). Next, we turn to the latest developments in the Foi Wambui vs. Mutoriah saga, including some leaked figures flying around (26:01). Lupita Nyong’o’s recent...

Today’s episode kicks off with the chaos of the Mike Tyson vs. Logan Paul fight (5:42). Then, we dive into what really makes an award show legit, breaking down the Radio TV 2024 Online Award nominees and spilling over into the People's Choice Awards and award shows as a whole (8:26). Later, we tackle a vital conversation about the realities women face in the music industry, and what we can do to c...

Musician, producer, and artist manager M. Rumbi graces our podcast today for a lively conversation spanning a wide range of topics. He shares his journey into music, from his roots as a musician to his evolution into producing. We dive into the story behind his band, BasicCity, and explore his unique music showcase platform, Sonnets on a Sofa. We also discuss comparisons between the Kenyan and Sou...

In today’s episode, we dive into Boomplay’s top 20 streaming artists in Kenya (12:34). Then, we break down the 2025 Grammy nominees and explore what we think Kenyan artists can do to get noticed in the Recording Academy's yearly award ceremony (25:40). Finally, Sam gives us an in-depth look at Afro-pop group Watendawili’s latest album,  En Route  (50:12). We also review new music that dropped last...

This week, we start with news on Trio Mio’s father’s new record (2:15), followed by accusations against Mugithi star Samidoh's former manager, leading to a discussion on artist protection in the music business (6:21). We then cover Bien’s sold-out Koko Arena show in London and who benefits from the industry's growth (21:40). Later, we touch on upcoming shows (34:24) and explore how artists can tra...

This week kicks off with a recap of Collo's recent listening party (8:54). We then dive into UMG East Africa's signing of Producer Vic West and consider its impact on Black Market Records (17:55). Next up, we discuss Sol Fest’s earnings and their choice to spotlight Kenyan artists over international acts (28:30). CMB Prezzo's shift to gospel with a debut at Rev. Natasha's Church is up for debate a...

For our 100th Episode, our listeners sent in some questions covering various topics, we answered them! We also want to thank you all for listening and sticking with the podcast for 100 episodes! Song Picks: We are Nubia - "AIBU," (Produced by Wuod Omolo) & Zowie Kengocha - "LAST ONE, I PROMISE!" To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the art...

We kick off with a discussion on the 2025 Grammy Awards and Kenyan artists submitting their work for nominations, transitioning into a conversation on the classification of African art in the music industry (07:00). A dispute between Dyana Cods and Ajay over the removal of their hit "Set It" from YouTube followed, causing some tension (16:01). Finally, we provide an update on the Nonini vs. Brian...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the various steps required for a local artist to make it to the international stage and achieve lasting success. We also explore the different types of artists within the industry and why some may find it easier to reach global recognition compared to others (7:35). Following that discussion, we turn to AI for a blueprint on how to successfully break a Ken...

In today’s episode, we kick things off by diving into the recent wave of high-profile layoffs in the music industry and explore the shifting landscape from the perspective of an entertainment lawyer (3:44). Next, we break down what went wrong at the Walker Town show this past weekend which fell short of many expectations (8:21). We also tackle Steph Kapela’s hot take on paying massive fees to inte...

Afam starts us off by declaring the music industry is dying, leading to a discussion about sudden executive exits and music mogul Diddy's arrest (6:25). We then revisit the ongoing case where Mutoriah rejects Foi Wambui & Oppo’s 50,000K offer for his song in their ad (14:57). Afterward, we review Gorilla Academy's first season, with Stinger taking the win, and share what we hope to see...

This week, Afam recaps a Playboi Carti show he almost attended (6:37), leading to a conversation on how music is more than just the music. Then, Foi Wambui and Oppo face scrutiny for using Mutoriah's song without proper clearance, sparking a discussion on brands' responsibility when working with artists (19:33). They also dive into Njerae's rumored UMG contract and debate the pros and...

This week, Afam was out linking and building at a music event while Sam attended a Goethe-Institut curated panel that featured Chimano, Mike Mutenyo, and Angela Mwandanda, moderated by Agnes Nonsizi. He breaks down his experience as well as the artist performances after (8:09). They then get into a Gorilla Academy Episode 3 recap (12:09). KAMP gets a win over KECOBO as the CMO battle continues (22...

This weeks episode begins with what Sam and Afam have been up to. They start with Afam's outing leading to a conversation about today's modern marketing trends for artists, what the experts say works and what doesn't (07:43). The boys then get into a review of a recently created talent competition show by rap veteran King Kaka's music label, Kaka Empire, highlighting the good and b...

This weeks episode begins with what Sam and Afam have been up to. Afam was out networking while Sam released some music. He also was at M.Rumbi's live show at Moov Cafe. He breaks down the show, and the performances (07:07). UMG East Africa announced Njerae as their latest signing. The boys talk about the signing in light of UMGs reputation from their past signings (11:54). That leads into a c...

This weeks episode begins with what Sam and Afam have been up to. They then get into a conversation about nostalgia in music, our reliance on the old hits and stars, and why they feel like there are no new geniuses in the industry (11:24). Kenyan hit maker Bensoul has revised his rate card and the boys discuss his new prices. That leads into a conversation about he Kenyan music economy, the reason...

Today we sit down with the multi-talented Elsy Wameyo and begin by talking about her upbringing and early influences (07:53). Following that, she talks about getting a Sync placement on the popular sports game eFootball and the making of the Nilotic Ep that birthed that opportunity and led to a new phase in her career (25:47). We then get into her latest album Saint Sinner, the story behind it, fa...

This week Sam and Afam start the episode with some CMO news, PAVRISK retain the right to collect royalties, again. they also try to answer whether Kenyan art is important to its people and what they feel it will take for us to get positive news in this area (12:13). They then speculate on the whereabouts of rapper Kahu$h, and talk about his previous releases and influence on the Kenyan hiphop scen...

This week Sam and Afam get right into conversation about music nostalgia (07:07), they then discuss the ongoing squabble between two Kenyan music heavyweights Otile Brown and Bien with the latter apologising for some of his earlier comments aimed at Otile, or did he? (14:38). Chimano announces a new single and say he will be focusing on his solo career from now on (24:30). The boys then briefly ta...

Sam and Afam get into their weeks and what they have been up to. Afam moved to New York, and Sam has been busy with remixes. Afam then brings up an interesting article on music trends that we could see in 2024, and they both go through them and apply that to what they see in the Kenyan music industry (17:35). Some anticipated albums dropped from Bensoul and Elsy Wameyo, Fancy Fingers and friends a...