Ukoo Flani: Radical Kenyan group seeks comeback

The group of 15 rappers fell out a decade ago. Some members became drug addicts, some faced financial problems, and others left the country. But, lately, members of the group have been posting photos with the hashtag #HakiYetu, keeping many guessing.

The group’s manager Patrick Sampao spoke about development to a local newspaper, saying, “The album recording is on less than a month after our first meeting in 10 years. We haven’t decided on the album title yet. [But] we wanted to get the vibe going, the more they record the more we feel the vibe, which will go a long way in deciding what the album title will be.”

According to him, 11 members have recorded their songs “Every voice and face Kenyans saw in Ukoo Flani videos in the past will also be on this one too,” Sampao said. “Ukoo Flani Mau Mau could have done this much earlier, but getting more than 15 artists together was a logistical challenge."

Sampao also said that all members are commited in seeing this project through. "Juliani, is currently recording his album and working on the launch. Despite that, he is in on the project full-swing. Heshall record his parts and send in the work."

After the group went under, Juliani who was then an apprentice in the group turned to gospel music. His songs also tackled socio-political issues and many have come to categorize his solo work as part of Ukoo Flani’s legacy, as the group was known for releasing protest songs that highlighted the state of corruption in Kenya, police brutality, street life and poverty in the ghetto.

Juliani told Music in Africa that being a member of the Mau Mau camp was a privilege. “Back then it was the royal family of Kenyan hip hop” he said. “We sat down and realized that our relationship and legacy is much bigger than whatever may tempt to separate us. I am glad that we are making great music together once more since we are all mature enough to manage any situation.”

He added that he is pleased to share his experience and expertise with the group since he is the only member who has actively been doing music. “I love them like my brothers even though we have no blood relations,” he said. “So nothing prevents me from doing music with them even though everybody knows I am a gospel artist.”

According to Juliani, the timing of the reunion is right since protest music has not been fully embraced by Kenyan artists despite the many issues to address. Apart from ensuring the continuity of protest music in Kenya, Juliani also plans to hold a tribute concert for Kalamashaka, as members of the hip hop pioneering group are living in poverty. He also wishes to buy and repackage songs produced by the group.