Robert Limoli

Age

24

Your talent

Artist and musician.

Where you're from?

Nairobi.

Why did you get interested in art & music?

I've always had an interest in art and music, especially hip-hop - there's a thriving community dedicated to this musical genre in Nairobi - so that's definitely influenced me in terms of the path I've taken. It has been a long journey for hip-hop to be recognised as a positive culture for change, but it has revolutionised people's view of life in good way. I want to get the message out there, raise the profile of hip-hop culture and bring about that change.

What are you up to now?

I'm an event organizer of hip-hop shows. With my boyz, we source fresh hidden talent including young hip-hop artists and dancers. Me and my team players, organised a talent search in October 2007, dubbed the "Tukuze Talanta Initiative," (T-Skweyad) meaning "Let's Nurture Talent," with several young and talented MC's and dancers coming on board. We took them to the BOMA Records recording studio and produced various tracks. I'm also a designer of cribs, and graffiti clothes and have my own business called "Red Hillz Deez". It's a one-stop design house.

Do you feel that Kenya is part of your music & art?

Without a doubt! Art and hip-hop are one, and the presence of this music genre in Kenya has inspired not only artists like myself, but also the everyday people - this comes across when you see how they decorate their cars, homes and even their clothes. Our transport system has been the most affected by the hip-hop culture. Graffiti can be seen in many of the "mathrees" a.k.a. buses. Some play loud, thumping Kenyan and international hip-hop tracks. It depends what ride you take, but many of the mathrees have 50" LCD Screens and they're a key tourist attraction.

What was your best art exhibition or gig and why?

I've not stepped into the limelight yet, as I'm still working things out, including a big gig, incorporating major artists and musicians. I'm the man working behind the scenes for the moment.

Is there any place in Kenya that inspires you in terms of your music?

The streets of Nairobi - I like to keep it real - Ukoo Flani Mau Mau, is one of my favourite bands. Their music is about life, the good and bad, which we see on the streets of Nairobi everyday.

If you could pick your dream wildlife destination in Kenya - where would it be and what would you get up to there?

It has to be Maasai Mara. I would simply chill out, check out the Big Five and I'd have to camp - that's the best way to experience the parks, as you feel you're at one with the wilderness.

What do you love about the Kenyan people?

They're very hardworking and adaptive - they get along to any tune of life - that's what makes Kenya such an amazing country.

Who out of your musical/artistic influences would make the best game viewing partner?

Kalamashaka of the Ukoo Flani Mau Mau camp. They are the reason and inspiration behind my hip-hop life and work. We'd have a wild time and we'd play some happening beats, out on the game drive.

Your best piece of art and why?

A piece of graffiti art, with the word "Nairobi" as the focus. It's a piece about daily life in the capital.

How does it feel to be in Kenya now - what are travellers missing out on?

It's always felt good to be in Kenya. I could write a list for travellers, but it probably wouldn't fit on this Q&A - the main thing they are missing out on is the lifestyle and the warm heart of the Kenyan people - that's a memory which will last a lot longer than any holiday - it will stay with you for a lifetime.

Can you give adventurers the inside track on travel in your home destination - what should they bring to Kenya?

A really big smile, the right mood and the time to party, as the music never stops in Nairobi.

What would be the first words you'd utter to a tourist if you hooked up with them on the street, and where's the first place you'd take them to in downtown Nairobi?

First of all I'd welcome them to my home, and the capital. I'd show them around the downtown area and we'd probably soak up the local coffee bar culture and mix with the Kenyan people. Then we'd head off to experience WAPI just five minutes from the centre - peace, poetry and hip-hop - finishing with a blitz on the Nairobi nightlife.

"Must have" phrases for adventurers in Kenya?

"Habari?" (How are you?)
"Mzuri" (I'm fine)

You can contact Robert Limoli at:
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