Bila Baba

Romantico, Samaki Mkuu, Jabali Afrika

The Romantico, whose real names are Edgar Manuel Vargas Gallegos, is a reggaeton artist based in Nairobi Kenya and originating from Latin America, more precisely Mexico. He is part of the rap duo Romantico & Samaki Mkuu, which has popularized the novel genre of African Latin Urban Music. Samaki Mkuu is the artist formerly known as Jason Dunford, famous for his exploits as an Olympic swimmer. Samaki Mkuu's first single, Mbaya, was a collaboration with Romantico, and together as Romantico & Samaki Mkuu, they completed their first album together, One. The album includes collaborations with Munju Reh, Phoebe Alice-Ritchie, Peter Mwangangi, Sheeba Marie and Prince Amani. Romantico & Samaki Mkuu also collaborated on the hit single, Baila Baila, a collaboration with the King of Genge, Jua Cali, which was nominated for Collabo of the Year in the 2019 NMAs. Samaki Mkuu's second album, Unified: Un Ultimo Ulimwengu, is a collaboration with Jabali Afrika featuring guest artists Romantico, Yawezekana Strong, Daktare Dan and Achieng Guyo. The track Covid-19 has been recognized by UNESCO and i4Policy as part of the #DontGoViral campaign, as culturally important in combating the spread of disinformation and promoting healthy behaviors during the coronavirus pandemic. Samaki Mkuu is currently working on his third album, Usiende Mbali, which will be again as part of the duo Romantico & Samaki Mkuu and include collaborations with Sanaipei Tande, Antonio Carmona of Ketama, Dufla, Nazizi, Roberto, Jabali Afrika, Joy Birech, Dinah Ndombi and Barrio. Jabali Afrika is an Afro-Rock jam band, formed by former members of the Kenyan National Theatre. The band currently consists of original members, the brothers Justo and Joseck Asikoye, as well as Dumisizwe Bhembe, who joined the band "mid-stream."

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