Meet Kevin Ridiq” Kaburu | The Kenyan Dancehall Guru”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin “Ridiq” Kaburu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin “Ridiq”, why did you pursue a creative career?
Im Kenyan Born, Dallas based now for 2years and I chose to pursue a Musical career because Music, for me, is not just a passion but a fundamental part of who I am. From the time I Heard music, I discovered it’s a unique and powerful way to communicate and connect with any one in different parts of the world. There’s also a certain magic in the process of music creating to something from nothing, and that magic has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

One pivotal moment in my journey was when I saw performances on Tv by Jamaican artists such as Sizzla, Anthony B, Capleton, Bob Marley and many more. It made me realize the transformative potential of how music can evoke emotions, tell stories, and provoke thought in ways that nothing else alone often cannot. This revelation fueled my determination to delve deeper into the world of Music and its where I got to discover and mold talents Such as Khaligraph Jones, Wakadinali, Young haze and more from this new generation making an impactful wave in African music scene

To me Music allows me to explore the depths of my creativity and express complex ideas in a rhythmic captivating compelling way. It’s not just about creating aesthetically pleasing pieces but about conveying messages, sparking conversations, and leaving a lasting impact. The process of turning a blank canvas into a meaningful work of art is a journey of self-discovery and constant growth.

Over the years, I’ve developed skills in Creating rhymes, Melodies, understanding harmonics and a few more that I believe are crucial for success in this artistic field. These skills, combined with my passion, have become the driving force behind my decision to pursue a career in music. I am constantly seeking new challenges and pushing my musical boundaries because I believe that growth and learning are integral to the creative process.

Looking forward, my goal is to spread Kenya’s Culture and stamp of energy into the world, contributing my unique perspective to the art world and making a positive impact. Music has the power to inspire, provoke, and bring people together, and I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of that transformative process.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My music is a dynamic blend that cuts through genres, seamlessly moving from dancehall to pop music. What sets me apart is not just my versatility, but my journey that intertwines with the vibrant music scene in Nairobi. I take pride in having contributed to the development of one of the greatest rappers in Africa, Khaligraph Jones, and together with my brother from another mother, Ares-66, we’ve co-founded the powerhouse recording company, Big Beats Afriq.

The professional journey hasn’t been a smooth ride. It’s been a hustle from day one, starting with the challenge of getting heard on the radio to securing live performances, dealing with financial constraints, stuck projects, and the constant struggle for promotional material and marketing strategies. However, every obstacle has been a stepping stone, and I’ve learned that hard work and perseverance are non-negotiable. It’s about constantly sharpening myself mentally and embracing change, challenges, and growth.

Through it all, my music serves as a reflection of Nairobi itself. I believe I am not just a product of Nairobi culture; I am Nairobi culture. And Nairobi culture, in turn, is an integral part of the broader Kenyan culture. This synergy is what fuels my creative spirit, and my music is a testament to the rich tapestry of sounds and stories that make up the heartbeat of Nairobi and, by extension, Kenya

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
when we going Doja i.e. Painting the Town red, would start off with a blend of Mexican food at OMG tacos in Richardson, then Head down to the Dallas mesum of Illusions, then to start off the night try catch a Mavericks game see if we get lucky and catch a t-shirt from Dj Poison Ivy. then visit deep ellum for a little liquor and Pizaa at serious pizza later hit up Soho hookah lounge in Irving for some hookah and afterparty.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Keja ya Capo has been a big supporter of the vision to put Kenyan Music culture to a podium where the world can see its elevation and also the Fans whom have been there along the journey in sharing the vision

Website: https://www.ridiqofficial.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridiqofficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ridiqofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiDiQKingShatta/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiDiQOfficial/videos

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TgICkzacRzKdR5YxOu36V?si=xtimExLySqmEHczpeSH-bA I-Tunes: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/ridiq/862887304 Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/5560118