The 30 Percent Podcast

Episode 185 | Love and Yearning 11.06.2026 1godz 10min

We begin the episode talking about our experiences at Blankets and Wine over the weekend breaking down some of the things that went well, as well as what we feel could improve (6:11). Next following Nikita Kering's appearance on Mic Cheque, we talk about the pitfalls of child stars and being in the public light early (32:29), then we talk about new music that was released this week (49:51). Intro: Ally Fresh, Braines, DJ IV - "Kadenge" Pick of the Week: Jua, ISAT IRAT, MR. LU*, Silayio - "Mass High" To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 184 | Millennial Bonanza 04.06.2026 1godz 9min

We begin this episode with some shows Afam attended, leading to a conversation about artist development, and when it should stop (4:18), Next, Fathermoh is suing his label Black Market records for 87 Million (14:02). Following that, we talk about Spotify teaming up with UMG to allow Users to create AI covers and remixes on their platform (33:14), and then we discuss the KULTURE show that took place over the weekend at Carnivore (40:58). We then wrap up the episode with new music reviews (46:02)Intro: King Kaka, Iyanii - "Braggadocios" produced by WakaWakaPick of the Week: Fena Gitu, Ariel Wayz - "Call Me" produced by Wuod Omollo To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 183 | Bums on Seats (with Muthoni Drummer Queen) 28.05.2026 1godz 45min

To commence our shift into video episodes, we sit down with Muthoni Drummer Queen, the artist and visionary behind the cultural staple festival, Blankets & Wine. Bringing 17 years of experience in curating the culture, Muthoni breaks down exactly who Blankets & Wine was originally built for and how Kenyan tastes have matured over nearly two decades. We look ahead at what’s next for the region's live event scene, tackle the role of artists using their platforms for political activism, and get an inside look at the making of her collaborative new album with Blinky Bill, “Now It’s Experience Talking.” Finally, we wrap up with a preview of what to expect at Blankets & Wine’s upcoming June edition.Intro: Muthoni Drummer Queen - "Suzie Noma" produced by Hook, GR!Pick of the Week: Muthoni Drummer Queen - "Niko Hype" produced by Blinky BillTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 182 | Business at the Top, Party at the Bottom 20.05.2026 1godz 15min

We begin today's episode by talking about We are Nubia and Xenia's new snippet (7:01), next, an announcement about the podcast (15:53). After that, Bien came under fire for his appearance at the African Forward Concert during President Macron’s visit to Kenya (23:37), then we talk about new music releases (55:47). Intro: Jovie Jovv - "Gwangi Freestyle" produced by LemarioPick of the Week: Sabbiti - "Intro H.O.M.S" produced by WOLVETo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 181 | Peak Music Value 13.05.2026 54min

Today's episode begins with a conversation on longevity in music, and what it takes to remain at the top (6:46), then, is music discovery on social media today better than the older discovery channels? (19:28). Next, Spotify has begun rolling out verification for artists on their platform (41:00), and Finally, we wrap the episode up with a review of some music that was released recently (43:43). Intro: Thirtyfourbrick, Mauru Gwash, OnlyMoh, Unclean, Jaylo - "Kigonyi"Pick of the Week: Mau from nowhere - "moccasins" To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 180 | Kenya is not a Slouch 06.05.2026 59min

We begin the 180th episode with with a recap of Afams experience at the Rituals show at Covo Nairobi, as well as Hildah Watiri's listening party (4:00). We then talk about Ongeza Volume's The Set List event that we attended (24:16). Then onto some news, Grammy president Panos Panay will be visiting Kenya to talk with the government about Kenya's potential hosting of the African Grammy's (31:19), also, The president was at the Kalasha Awards ceremony promising the creative economy many things (40:30). We then wrap up the episode with new music reviews (43:36). Intro: Sean MMG, Fathermoh - "Kakizoza" Pick of the Week: Ila Nia, Ywaya Tajiri - "Weche Hera" produced by RunTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 179 | Poy Boys 29.04.2026 1godz 4min

The episode begins with a discussion on rollouts, do we need to bring back the old school way of marketing music? (9:28) One RPM recently started distribution of plaques, beginning with to Vijana Barubaru, what will that do for the industry? (15:46). Next, Spotify is testing a feature that indicates AI involvement in music (34:20). We then talk about what it takes to be successful in music (42:46), wrapping up the episode with new music reviews (46:17).Intro: NIGGA SHAWN, 4Mr Frank White - ""BIDHAA" produced by Fyat BeatsPick of the Week: GTB EMZEE, 30 - "Last Night" To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 178 | Two Pack of Class 22.04.2026 1godz 4min

We begin today's episode with a discussion about whether artists releasing old music is good for their career or not (9:45). Next, is it profitable to make music that does not appeal to the local music scene and contain parts of its culture? Does it matter at all for an artists success? (15:48) Then an update on the Ongeza Volume setlist show, and the Blankets and Wine artist line up was released (46:44). We then wrap up the episode with a review of new music (48:47). Intro: Jovie Jovv - "Trap Harakati" produced by AfamefunaPick of the Week: Bensoul - "Last Night" produced by Hendrick Sam, Trevor MagakTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 177 | Room Temperature Take 15.04.2026 1godz 1min

Black Market Records were in the news recently a with talks about the label and its artist being sued for $1M, leading us to talk about music labels and the ways they take advantage of artists plus the importance of contracts (14:44). Comedian Eddie Butita met with the president to discuss matters of copyright and Octopizzo had something to say about it (27:03), finally, We review new music including an EP from Andia Sande and more (42:17). Intro: Rispek Ngoma, NDOVU KUU - "Tuma Pin" Pick of the Week: Andia Sande - "J'adore" produced by LilsirrTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 176 | Arrows in My Quiver 08.04.2026 1godz 4min

We begin todays episode talking about Nyashinski's Showman residency at Canivore, and what goes into making a residency successful (15:36). Next, the Base to billboardz initiative announced its six finalists (28:23), we then wrap up the episode with a review of Bridget Blue's lates album "RNB" and more releases of the week (40:42).Intro: 4Mr Frank White - "Tranquillo" produced by FyattPick of the Week: IKeN - "Favourite" produced by IKeNTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 175 | The F is for Photography 01.04.2026 1godz 4min

A week of being outside leads us to talk about Odunsi the Engines visual screening, his performance and what makes Kenya a good hub for artists debuting music (5:42), Then a recap of the Industry Social Event (24:03). Finally, a suggestion was made to label Kenyan music across genres as "Genge" music (33:12). We then wrap up the episode with new music review (48:45).Intro: Caleb Awiti - "I Can't Change Time" produced by Caleb AwitiPick of the Week: Bien, Alikiba - "Finale" produced by Hendrick Sam, AbbahTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 174 | Boots on the Ground Journalism 25.03.2026 1godz 2min

We begin todays episode breaking down the most recent IFPI music report. Is the African music industry doomed to play catchup to the rest of the world? We discuss this and more (10:39), Then get into a review of Ochiko's recent project Indie Deep, as well as more music (45:16). Intro: JIVU, Khaligraph Jones - "Anitah" produced by DilliePick of the Week: The Babaz - "Salaale" produced by Ras Amor, Hendrick SamTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 172 | Couch Coaches 11.03.2026 1godz 5min

We begin todays episode attempting to answer - Are we too harsh on KE artists or are we not critical enough? (12:03), Then, a US ruling on a copyright case against AI art could have implications on creatives Intellectual Property (39:44). Next, CEO of Universal Lucian Grainge tells us where the music industry is headed (47:14). Finally, we review some new music that was released this week (51:07).Intro: 4MR Frank White - "Dancehall Pele" produced by Ee LaiPick of the Week: Mejja, Jay Melody - "Ntampata Wapi" produced by KromeTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 171 | Blue Collar Monkeys 04.03.2026 1godz 8min

We begin with a brief recap from one of the Kilele Summit sessions, and talk about what success looks like for an artist in 2026 (10:42). Next, a recent X post about a few hard to believe things about the KE music industry does rounds and we go over some of the responses (31:17). A brief Kunye review (48:20), and then wrap up with new music (50:11). Intro: Watendawili - "Naogelea" produced by RunPick of the Week: Kayrop, Chemutai Sage - "Mei Muche" To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 170 | We Are Living In Beefy Times 25.02.2026 1godz 12min

Toxic Lyrikali and Buruklyn Boys beef escalated with more tracks dropped aimed at each other. Who do we think is winning (9:00). Next, Spotify released their 5 year anniversary list, why aren't any Kenyan artists on there? (29:00) Then we talk about EVEN, a direct to consumer platform partnering with music giant UMG, leading to a discussion about how artists can benefit from selling directly to fans (45:33), wrapping up the episode with new music, album artwork reviews, and is Tesla and Black Market records doing it wrong? (55:52)Intro: Ochungulo Family - "Daniel" Pick of the Week: Wendy Kay, Sanaipei Tande - "Sina Raha" produced by DillieTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 169 | 2 V 1 18.02.2026 1godz 10min

We begin this weeks episode with a recap of We are Nubia's listening party, which leads to a conversation about how to predict a hit, (7:57). After that, more on the Toxic Lyrikali and Buruklyn Boyz beef (22:40), then onto some news. Tiktok thinks of changing their payout model for artists music (36:07), Spotify may begin using AI to pay artists (41:51). Also, Distrokid may be selling, what does that mean for the indie artists and the rest of the distribution field (49:07)? Then some new music reviews and our Pick of the Week (54:20)Intro: Kinoti, Myx Quest - "Unlove You" Pick of the Week: Crystal Asige, Okello Max- "Sema" produced by Wuod OmolloTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 168 | It's Over for the Z's 11.02.2026 1godz 13min

We begin today's episode by talking about the Base to Billboardz programme that is underway. Are these types of opportunities beneficial for artists or is it all for show? (10:20), Toxic Lyrikali is in another beef, this time accusing other artists of stealing his style (43:59), and then review some new music including albums from Mutoriah and Muthaka (52:29). Intro: Mr. Right - "Shillings" produced by Enock58Pick of the Week: Muthaka - "Reasons" produced by Martin GwandhoTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 167 | We’ve Lost the Recipes 03.02.2026 1godz 19min

Afam's interaction with an artist recently inspires a conversation on artistry and the use of AI to create (10:26). After that, we go through the 2026 Grammy ceremony winners and talk about the controversy surrounding Tyla's win (39:18) We then review new music (1:02:11) Intro: Caleb Awiti - "HYPNOTIC" produced by Paya BeatsPick of the Week: Mordecai Dex - "Kichapo" produced by Mordecai DexTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 166 | Quintuple Gang 27.01.2026 52min

Nonini sat down with Chaxy for a conversation and said some interesting things, we begin the episode by talking about some of them (9:22). Next, an article highlighting Luminate's music report proposed that there is a fundamental shift happening in the music industry (28:24), the Kilele Summit is set to happen in February (40:00). We then wrap up the music with new music reviews (42:36).Intro: 40 FOO, 4Mr Frank White, BigMan- "Kalibar" produced by Ee LaiPick of the Week: Kaa la Moto, Double Gang- "Shamba" To bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.

Episode 165 | Vitamin O 21.01.2026 57min

On today's episode, we address music blogger and critique John Muchiris's statement about wanting to see some of our legacy artists go International, why we think they won't, and then try to answer why the industry seems to be obsessed with our artists going international. Is it necessary? (8:38), then review some new music (47:04).Intro: Savara - "Farova Forever" produced by Savara, Hendrick Sam, Trvor MagakPick of the Week: Buruklyn Boyz, Ajay- "Game" produced by jk be4tsTo bring more awareness to the different genres of music within the industry we hope to see the artists & songs discussed in the podcast receive the recognition they deserve.