Kalamashaka | en

Kalamashaka (aka K-Shaka) is a hip hop group based in Dandora, a ghetto estate in Nairobi, Kenya. It comprises three members: Oteraw, Kama and Johny. The group was formed in the mid 90's.

They became popular with the hit 'Tafsiri Hii' in 1997. The group curtain raised for several international rap stars among them Coolio and Lost Boyz. They have performed in several countries like Nigeria, Sweden, Holland, South Africa, Norway among others.

Kalamashaka crucially paved the way for swahili hip hop to become mainstream in Kenya. The group is popular with hardcore rap fans for their socially and politically conscious lyrics. Their first album 'Ni Wakati' released in 2001 was a hit with South Africa's Channel O playing one of the videos 'Fanya Mambo' from the album. The album addressed street crime, tribalism, politics and Africa's conflicts. Their popularity started to wane with the rise of Kapuka and Genge which were dancable and raunchy which a huge percentage of the youth prefer to the to listen to other than philosophical music. FM radio stations are reluctant to play socially conscious music typical of Kalamashaka leading to their fall from fame. However, the group has remained active and refuses to change with times and do commercial music. The group influenced others like Mashifta, Gidi Gidi Maji Maji, K-South, Necessary Noize and a horde of other artists. .