Rapper Prezzo Reflects on His Influence in Kenyan Hip-Hop

Kenyan rapper, Jackson Ngechu Makini, also known by his stage name Prezzo, has highlighted his significant contribution to the country’s hip-hop culture.

He talked about his early career, the beef he faced among his colleagues faced in the past, and his accomplishments.

He also highlighted that he is most proud to be one of Kenya’s most admired hip-hop godfathers, 20 years after he debuted the timeless hit “Mafans.”

CMB Prezzo has had a unique charisma and a dominating presence throughout his career, from his early breakthrough to his current artistic endeavors.

CMB Prezzo is the founder of the Cash Money Brother (CMB) alongside Nazizi and his late brother Feroze Hirji.

He is known for his extravagant lifestyle, which gained him notoriety in 2006 after spending almost half a million dollars on the “PREZZO” music video in an era where music video production would cost less than 50,000 shillings.

Thanks to his extravagant lifestyle, which also gave him an enormous fan base in the nation, in 2012, Prezzo was chosen to represent Kenya in the season 7 Big Brother edition.

He ended the show as a first runner-up, gaining more fanbase as his popularity extended throughout the continent.

He also expanded his fanbase and popularity when he became a prominent cast member in 2016 on season 3 of the Kenyan TV show “Nairobi Diaries.”

His Hip-Hop Career and Influence

Prezzo purposefully launched his career in 2006 with an audacious marketing strategy, which made his song almost impossible to ignore.

In an interview, he said, “When I released the song “Prezzo,” I had all the Kenyan TV stations and radio stations play the song at 6 pm all at the same time.”

“You just couldn’t ignore Prezzo. I was in everyone’s face. I was on every channel, either radio or TV, all at the same time.” he added.

He knew the power of smart marketing and gave the industry no choice but to respect his moves.

The rapper also expressed concern about the current generation of Kenyan rappers and rap styles, particularly Arbantone.

He claims that even though their music is successful, it won’t be as timeless as some of his earlier songs, which are still played in clubs years later.

“Our current music just cannot measure up to the level of what we used to do back then. It’s been 20 years now, and what we created back in the early 2000s still resonates with fans to this day. Sadly, the current Kenyan music just doesn’t have that shelf life,” he said.

Prezzo also noted that he thought it was important to give people their flowers while they were still living.

He acknowledged performers like Nyashinski and Bien Aime-Baraza who were still holding down the industry.

Prezzo is presently signed to CMG Records, from where he has released his collaboration with Otile Brown and contributed to the amazing song “Exceptional” by Control Bwoy.