Funk Avenue is a fast-rising music duo consisting of Simz and Twist from 115 Limuru. Deeply rooted in the Kenyan hip hop scene, the music duo made their musical debut in 2017. Regarded as one of the most versatile and unique artists in Kenyan right now, Funk Avenue has released several musical projects with ‘NGORI’ being their most notable project. We caught up with the music duo via mail to get to know how their musical journey has been;
Tell us something about Funk Avenue?
Funk Avenue is a music duo consisting of Simz & Twist from 115 (Limuru) and we are Kenyan rappers & entrepreneurs deeply rooted in the Kenyan hip hop scene. We started our musical journey in 2017 and we are regarded as one of the most versatile & unique artists in the Kenyan music industry. We have done several projects which are available on digital streaming platforms. Most notably, our latest project is called NGORI which is getting massive airplay thanks to our fans and the DJs who push our music to the limit. Furthermore, we are on course to release our debut album by the name NOW WE BREAK BREAD which is eagerly anticipated by the fans.
How did you two meet and what made you decide to become a duo?
We basically met at Twist’s birthday party when we started freestyling to pound cake instrumental by Drake and jay z. From that moment on we knew we were destined to make music together because we have great chemistry while creating music.
What got you into music?
We are huge fans of hip hop and alternative music. This was an inspiration in writing and composing music. Even when we were not yet in the music game we were writing, freestyling, and rapping on beats until the moment we decided to actually take music seriously.
What is the story behind your stage name Funk Avenue?
With all honesty, funk avenue was just a random name that we came up with. Also, our close friends liked the name because it was unique but while evolving in the industry, we found a deeper meaning to it. FUNK means a vibe and AVENUE means where the sound originated from & that’s Limuru.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
We believe our music stands out from the rest because it has a different sound, feel, well written, composed, articulated, and definitely DIFFERENT which separates us from the rest of the artists in the country. Our sound is Authentic, wavy, genre-bending, awe-inspiring, a VIBE.
What is your creative process like?
Every creative process starts with brainstorming, what do we want to achieve? ie in terms of sound, lyrics, moral of the song, etc. our brains work differently so we have to find the best way to fuse the different frequencies and ideas including that of the producer as well. You should see us create! Its starts with chaos and madness then we flip it to a masterpiece.
What is your main inspiration?
Our main source of inspiration is our hood and most of the things that are happening in our society. msanii ni kioo cha jamii.
What do you enjoy most about being musicians?
Tapping into our creativity, introducing a new sound in the industry & the love we receive from our fans whenever we release or perform our tracks. Last but not least the doors music opens are major and life-changing and we’re here for all that.
How long have you guys been in the music industry?
It’s one thing to be an artist, and another to be an artist in the industry, miaka mbili if not three in the industry but we’ve been making music for quite some time now.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
The gatekeepers. sometimes you can’t get a gig just because so and so doesn’t know you, you cant get airplay just because so and so isn’t familiar with your music. we believe everyone deserves a chance, the cake is big enough for every. we all have our own uniqueness.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
Well, it’s helping artists to reach out to their fans without the need of a middle man, and that’s something that wasn’t there before
You guys recently performed at Jiweke Tavern courtesy of Industry Nite. How would you describe the experience?
First and foremost, we’d like to thank the industry nite team for the opportunity, that team is amazing! ni wasee wa nguvu. It was a really dope experience and it really prepared us for the greater things to come.
Do you have any other upcoming shows?
We definitely are working on getting more shows and we are also open to anyone who wants us to perform at their events. We are manifesting bigger stages/Events this year!
Let’s talk about your songs especially the latest one Ngori, what inspired the song?
Ngori was us out of our comfort zone, our sound before that was different but we wanted to show our fans how versatile we can be, anyone who want it can get it, kaa ni ngori bas come, also we’ve touched on some of the things happening in our lives at the time.
Who would you most like to collaborate with whether local or international?
Nyashinski, Khaligraph Jones, Harmonize, Cruel Santino, the list is endless. Our peers as well, surprises are on the way!
If you can have your fans remember one thing about you guys, what would it be?
Authenticity
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
Follow your heart and be yourself.
Describe how 2021 was for you guys in one word for you guys?
BLESSINGS
What’s next for you guys?
Album, NOW WE BREAK BREAD is almost done and that’s going to change the game.
Lastly, your social media handles, where can people find you and also get to listen to your music?
@_xtwist on IG & Twitter
@ItsimzOfficial on IG & Twitter
@Funkavenue on every social & streaming platform
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