Odidi is a hihop artist based in Nairobi, Kenya. Her pasion for music began at a very small age but it was through the Odinare Challenge courtesy of Khaligraph that got her into the music industry where afterwards she started writing and recording her freestyles on her social media pages. In this segment of Artist to Watch Odidi talks to us about her love for the creative space, her usheringin a new era of her career, her latest release with Yaro B and more.
Who is Odidi? Can you speak briefly about your upbringing and how you got into music?
Odidi is a Kenyan-based artist who has specialized in hip-hop. I was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and raised in Ngong. Apparently, I spent most of my childhood years in Ngong. The first time I ever sang was when I was six years old I remember we were in church and the choir was practicing for the next day’s session, my mum was part of the choir, so I sang with them and my mum said that I was actually so talented. But I just brushed it off, I didn’t take it seriously.
Then in primary school, I remember my headmaster would always put my name on the funky list reason being ‘You know how to sing, why aren’t you going?’, even if I wasn’t meant to go. Slowly my passion for music started growing, shoutout to him. Even in highschool as far as I can remember, people used to come to my cubical for entertainment. That is how I got into music.
What first got you into music? What was the first project you released?
What made me get into music seriously is the ‘Odinare challenge‘ courtesy of Khaligraph Jones and Odibets coz I was more into fine arts before. So after that challenge I just found myself writing and recording music and posting freestyles. From there so many doors were opened for me ever since and that’s how I knew that music is meant for me.
The first project I released was MSOALUS on the 16th of November…The song came from a perspective of learning how to set boundaries and self-love. Y’all should check it out. Odidi did it!
What artists have been essential to your creative development?
Khaligraph Jones, Nadia Nakai from South Africa Nicki Minaj definitely, she has influenced a lot of people in the world, Nasty C, Speedo from Sierra Leone(a very talented rapper) but generally, I’ve come across very many artists who have influenced my creativity. So it has just been influence on top of influence.
How did you come up with your brand name ‘Odidi Did It’?
I actually came up with it in a funny way. So you know how as a firstborn you’re expected to be responsible for nearly everything that happens at home. Everytime something happened I was always being asked about it and I remember I’d get angry as to why I was carrying everyone’s cross.
So one day I was in my room just crying and talking to myself like, ”Why is it that whenever anything happens it’s just Odidi did it, Something bad happens Odidi did it” Then it clicked and I was like damn these words really rhyme and I started laughing. That just showed me that even in life sometimes good things come from bad things and ever since that has been my thing. Odidi did it!
What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
The biggest highlight of my career was participating in the beat killer chronicles challenge this year. Big shout out to Vinc on the beat by the way for supporting upcoming artists. That challenge opened so many doors in my career and I’m so grateful I was part of it.
How would you describe 2022?
I would describe 2022 as a class, full of lessons. I have hit rock bottom and even discovered that rock bottom has a basement but I’ve still managed to come out strong, especially in my career.
Let’s talk about your latest release I Believe in Me remix which you were featured by Yaro B? How did that collaboration come about and how was it working together in the studio?
So I was just chilling in Kilimani at Moov cafe and Bistro. I actually didn’t know that there was an Unkut event taking place that day so when I found out it was all about hip hop, I decided to stay longer when Yaro B approached me and told me he knew me from Motif di Don and Vinconthebeat’s challenges, producers I yearn to work with. We talked a bit and at the end, he just said my phrase, Odidi did it! I was excited and stayed to watch him perform and what got my attention was the beat because the minute it started people were bumping into it. I took his number we talked for a while then I finally told him I wanted to hop on his song, ’I believe in me’ but as a remix. Honestly speaking working with Yaro B has been amazing. He’s a very humble guy and self-driven. He’s actually one person I would love to work with again and again.
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician?
My favorite part of being a musician is when I am making music. That moment when I’m writing and recording music then I discover something new about my craft literally makes me so happy. My least favorite part of being a musician is the fact that we rarely sleep, lol, and even when we’re sleeping ideas still flow through and you might find yourself awake again to make music. It’s that tough so before people should learn to respect our hustle mehn. Si rahisi.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I would change the fact that women are expected to be a certain way in order to achieve certain goals yet men aren’t being oppressed as much as women are. For example, women emulate nearly everything other big people have done forgetting that in order to be that dope they had to work on being their better selves. People should try and understand that in order to be the best you have to learn to accept yourself and thrive to be the best version of yourself. Authenticity!
What’s next for Odidi? What should we expect from you next year?
A wise man once said, ”Real G’s move in silence like lasagna” but just know that what’s coming is bigger than what has been this year. Odidi did it!
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