Octopizzo Has Released His Eighth Album ‘Kich Ka’ Liech’
Octopizzo has released his eighth album, Kich Ka’ Liech. Coming weeks after its initial release date, the album follows October 2022’s Lamu Nights.
He teased the album through August 2024, leaving fans yearning for it.
The album’s private listening party was held on the eve of the release (August 27, 2024), similar to what he did for his last album, Lamu Nights.
Initial Announcement, Postponement and Release Date
On May 27, Octo posted on his Instagram stories that he would release his 8th studio album once Lamu Nights hit 8 million total streams. This was followed by a cryptic post on new music on July 17th, further raising speculations.
Initially set for release on August 8th, it was postponed following the “Nane Nane” (8/8) march, which took place in Nairobi and other towns in Kenya.
The symbolic 8, which stems from 8town (Kibera’s area code), was symbolic because it was the planned release date for the album.
A month prior, on June 18th, Octopizzo—who is not shy about expressing his disdain for the current regime—took to the streets to protest the finance bill.
Following the postponement, he revealed the new release date on August 16, 2024, on his social media, to much excitement from fans.
Interestingly, unlike most artists, who reveal the album cover and tracklist before the release date, he concealed the details until the release date. This helped build the buzz and kept fans eager ☺️.
“Mtume”
Octopizzo released the album’s lead single, “MTUME” (Swahili for prophet), on July 17, 2024. The song samples the iconic “Barua” by Les Wanyika.
The music video was shot in the streets of New York.
Since he began incorporating folk sounds and cultural raps in his music on Jungle Fever, fans have become accustomed to his newfound sound.
On his last album, Lamu Nights, 8town’s finest also embraced his culture, giving his music a taste of that traditional touch.
He collaborated with Coaster Ojwang, Okello Max, Tito Wagithomo, and Lisa Oduor Noah, who belted out rhythms in their native dialects.
Kich Ka’ Liech First Listen
The album has twelve songs and features some new names. The feature list includes Akoth Jumadi, Fanisi Band (twice), Magaa, Makadem, and ACH13NG.
Octopizzo previously collaborated with Magaa on the song “Swaga Za Wapi” from Jungle Fever.
Sonically, the album borrows mostly from classic Congolese Soukus and Rhumba music. On “Zoea,” he samples Kanda Bongo Man’s 1991 hit “Monie.”
On “Mtume,” he samples “Barua” by Les Wanyika and many more samples throughout the album.
“Kich Ka’ Liech” features a mix of hard-hitting 808s and Bass instrumentation (reminiscent of his hip-hop roots) and predominantly Dhuluo and Swahili vocals.
On the title track, he pays homage to his late dad. He said his dad used the phrase “Kich Ka Liech” very frequently.
The album features the “Dhiang interlude ” in the middle, which provides a refreshing break.
Overall, the album is well-curated and will leave you wanting more in the 35 minutes and 35 seconds you play it. The duration also makes it easy to listen.
This piece of work puts Octo in a different musical stratosphere. Aside from his rap side, he has found himself in the broader category of a full-fledged “musician.” He owes this to his flexible musical nature and embrace of his culture and art.
DON 🐐
Listen to the album on DSPs below
Kich Ka’ Liech Album Cover and Tracklist
- Donnie Yen Intro
- Kich Ka’ Liech
- Wiya Moko
- Zoea
- Mayienga
- Giga
- Dhiang’ Interlude
- Ler
- Simba Bonga
- Sinibuje
- Okombe
- Mtume
FAQ
What does Kich Ka’ Liech mean?
Kich means Bees, and Liech means Elephant. “Kich ka Liech” translates to “Bees stinging an elephant.”
Given the size difference, an animal as small as a bee can take down a giant like an elephant.
How many albums does Octopizzo have?
Eight. The albums include Chocolate City, Next Year, Jungle Fever, Fuego, Lamu Nights, Kich Ka Liech and more.
How long has Octopizzo been in the game?
Seventeen. Octopizzo released his debut project in 2007. In 2011, he broke through the mainstream with his song “On Top,” making it 13 years commercially.
How long is the album?
35 minutes and 35 seconds
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