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BIOGRAPHY AND BACKGROUND
I was born David Muthengi, now “Holy Dave is the name, Hip-hop is the game”. As a kid I spent a good number of years in Philadelphia and Chicago in the U.S.A where I developed the love for Hip-hop music. I started rapping at the tender age of 15. My first performance was at a ‘Word of Life camp’ during school holidays. I used to rap during camps, church concerts and school functions.
In 2004 I recorded my first solo single, ‘Even though I walk’ which did quite well on radio. I thereafter released the remix to this song, one of the first Crunk singles in Kenya. In 2005, I released, "Oh mighty God", with the lady group 'Bariki'. This song did even better and stayed on the gospel charts for more than 12 weeks. 2006 saw me collaborate with ‘Kisima’ nominated artist 'Webi' on the song ‘Free’.
It’s at this point that I co-founded the ‘Madlove Lounge’ monthly event to cater for the needs of the highly neglected and demanded urban arts (Hip-hop, Spoken Word, Poetry etc) in Kenya. I went on to become the host of the monthly event. Madlove Lounge has grown from a 100 member event to a 1000 + movement in less than two years. Madlove Lounge has given upcoming artistes a platform to showcase their talent and an avenue to get a break in the industry. Madlove Lounge has recently compiled the ‘Madlove Mixtape Volume 1’ and it has received a very good response and very high ratings in the country. We have made history by bringing together more than 15 Christian rappers, poets and spoken word artistes to work together on a mixtape.
At the end of 2009 I completed my debut album ‘I can do it’ at Fullhouse Music and hosted my listening party at the Kula Korner restaurant in Hurlingham. The album features hits like Niko na reason with Eko Dydda, It’s not a joke with Juliani, Bounce Back, Whatever Man, Superstar featuring Michelle and Time Yangu featuring Kamlesh among others.
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Computer Science from Daystar University and I am currently pursuing my MBA in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management at the United States International University (USIU). I am balancing music with school to the best of my ability, staying focused to attain the necessary education to be able to achieve my goals and be able to make a difference in Kenya, in Africa and in the world. I call it ‘Going for the big kill’.
My vision is to carry out the great commission through music (specifically through hip-hop). I want to reach the masses and change the masses. If I could attain the state of Holiness required by God, then I would be guaranteed to get me and as many people as possible to heaven. This brings us to my name 'Holy Dave', which originates from my desire to be different, unique and holy just as Christ is holy as commanded in 1 Peter 1:15.
MAJOR APPEARANCES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Performed at the 2008 Groove Awards at K.I.C.C alongside Daddy Owen, Kanji Mbugua, Astar, Juliani, Mercy Masika and Jemimah Thiong’o
Performed at the Totally sold Out Concert on the 31st December 2008 at Parklands Baptist alongside Zaidi Ya Mziki, M.O.G, Daddy Owen, Chizi and Juliani
Performed at the Kirk Franklin Spread The Love Concert at the Carnivore Gardens alongside Kirk Franklin, Rufftone, Jimmy Gait, Eko Dydda and Allan Aaron M.O.G
Performed at the 2009 Annual Kenya Music Week at Sarit Centre alongside, Rabbit, Muthoni, Jemedari, Mr. T, X-po, Kamlesh, MC Dice, Eko Dydda and Ukoo Flani Mau Mau
DISCOGRAPHY
Not a joke - Which features Juliani and Ken G3 was a big hit. It did very well in the gospel and secular industries. It stayed on the ‘HOT 96’ countdown for 3 weeks. ‘Not a joke’ also did well on the ‘Hope fm’ International countdown. The song
Whatever Man - Validated my position in Kenya’s hip-hop scene after being hugely successful. I cannot forget to mention my Kisima Award and Groove Award nominations (2007) in the Hip-hop category.
Nikona Reason - Has topped charts on various radio shows around the country including the ‘Top 9 at 9’ on the ‘Hits not homework’ show on Capital fm, The ‘Mwamba’ countdown on Homeboyz Radio and the ‘Power Hour’ countdown on Homeboyz Radio. The video was not only ‘Beat of the week’ on ‘The Beat’ on NTV but it also made it to the ‘Top 10’ countdown on ‘The Re-up’ on NTV and the ‘Rush Live’ countdown on NTV. The song which combines Eko Dydda’s signature stammering style and Holy Dave’s Hip-hop/Crunk influence is definitely one of the biggest Kenyan tunes for 2009.
PRESS REVIEW
Daily Nation’s Zuqka Magazine
Daily Nation’s Buzz Magazine
The Standard Pulse Magazine
The People Magazine
CONTACTS
PETER K. NJERU
swahilientertainmenteurope@gmail.com
0734 886 812
FRANK OCHIENG
0737394334