#Dreams2Beats

Most Kenyan rappers owe their success to WAPI (Words and Pictures), a free monthly forum held at the British Council offices in Upper Hill and later at Sarakasi Dome, Ngara, in the mid-to-late 2000s. WAPI was essentially the breeding ground for famous rappers like @RabbitTheKing, @OCTOPIZZO, @KHALIGRAPH, Eko Dida (he used to move the crowds with his unique stammering style), @JulianiKenya, Camp Mulla, Point Blank (the event MC). Phase 1: British Council, Upper Hill (2007–2009), where it all started. The last Saturday of every month at the British Council offices. Phase 2: Sarakasi Dome, Ngara Road (2009/2010 onwards) The move to Sarakasi gave WAPI a bigger, more dedicated creative space that suited the growing energy of the event. The Ngara era was actually when some of the biggest names came through. It was at Sarakasi Dome Ngara that @Octopizzo, who used to walk all the way from Kibera in slippers, kept showing up and eventually caught the eye of @DjPinye, which launched his career. Jamaa alikua consistent mbaya! He first picked up a microphone at WAPI and had never been on stage before that. FUN Fact: It was more fun experiencing them during that era before fame. Raw talent. In his 1st rap battle at WAPI, Khali went all the way to the finals: Watch it here: youtube.com/watch?v=GwVWbFGW…