Yubu

Yubu’s style can be defined as fresh, nostalgic and electrifying -- fusing blues-rock, funk, afrobeat, and reggae, into a tasteful listening experience.
The energy and passion which resonates from Yubu’s music are sure to be felt by a global crowd. From the strum of the guitar and the conviction of his vocals, the catchy-nostalgic melodies, to the thought-provoking lyrics, Yubu aims to create an unforgettable live music experience for music lovers. His hope is to take them to a spiritual musical paradise. A little hip-shaking, finger snapping, head nodding never hurt anybody!

He is a singer-songwriter from Nairobi who calls Bob Marley, James Brown and Hugh Masekela his greatest influences.
He stands out from other artists because his musical origins were shaped not only from the traditional sounds of the vast Kenyan and African landscape but also from the gritty streets and neighborhoods of Memphis, TN.

Yubu is no stranger to the live music scene, having performed in Nairobi, Lagos and Accra (Afrima Awards) as well as at the New Daisy Theater and Hard Rock Café on Beale Street in Memphis. Yubu has managed to craft a tasteful and well-paced on-stage performance to big crowds and intimate settings alike.

PAST PROJECTS
Yubu has played for a number of groups in his musical career so far including:

The Three Kings – This was one of the more nuanced bands that Yubu was a part of. This group tackled a variety of Genres from Soul, Old school RnB, Rock, and Reggae. The group consisted of Memphis legend and Public Enemy guitar player; Khari Wynn. This is where Yubu matured his vocal performance and musical understanding of the guitar.

The Don’s Sax Therapy- This Nairobi based project featured a great deal on Jazz standards. The Don is a musical maestro who has performed alongside international stars like Jason Derulo, Victor Wooten, Eric Wainaina just to mention a few. While in this group Yubu performed plenty of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. inspired numbers.

RASH – RASH is a five-piece Swahili Hard Rock band hailing from Nairobi, Kenya. The band was a nominee in the 5th AFRIMA Award Ceremony in Ghana for Best Rock Band in Africa, as well as 2019’s Sondeka Awards.

CURRENT PROJECT
His debut album titled ‘On the Run’ offers something different: “Two sides of an artist’s musical journey”.
Side A; Reggae
This side features Yubu’s take on the Reggae music that he grew up within the streets of Nairobi.
Side B: Blues
This side features Yubu’s take on the Blues and Soul music that he encountered in the streets of Memphis.

Blues and Reggae have served as a tool for education and communication among the oppressed. These genres have also served as a vehicle of peace between different cultures and communities.
In today's day and age, we need more of this music to educate and unite us all.