Redsan or (Swabri
Mohammed) was born 1 May 1981. He is a reggae and ragga
musician from Kenya.
He is one of the most well renowned ragga and dancehall
artists in East Africa. His popularity has extended to the rest of Africa,and
parts of Europe, United States, and the Middle East.
Personal life
Red San" was born Swabri
Mohammed in 1981. His was raised in the informal housing sector in Majengo
in Nairobi,
Kenya.
His first album, Seasons of the San was released in 2002 under Ogopa
DJ's label.Redsan's career propelled to higher heights with more
international shows after the release of his first album. His second album
"Red" (2004), and his third album "Pioneer" (2006) were
also big hits.
He is now married to Viverz in
2012.
Career
His music career began when he won
the Star Search challenge hosted at Carnivore discotheque in Nairobi in 1998.He
released his first album 'Seasons of the San (2002)' as part of the Ogopa
Djs unit. This album included hit songs "Julie" and
"Wanipa Raha" which propelled him to fame in Kenya, East Africa and
abroad. He then embarked on his solo career and released his second album under
Southwest Records. It also included hit song "Bageya", a
collaboration with Ugandan artist Chameleone.
His second album Red, was
released in 2004. It contained hit tracks "Chicken",
"Malaika" and "Apakatwe".
His third album, Pioneer,
was released in 2006 with hit singles such as "Kenyan" and
"Touch". His own music is currently being produced by Monalisa.As an
artist he continues to write all the songs sometimes with co-writers. He has
toured in several countries around the world. Redsan has earned the nickname
'Absentee Dance hall King" in Kenyan media as he is always on tour outside
the county.
Record Label
After release of his third album he
established his studio and label, Dutty Sounds. Redsan signed former
Southwest head Producer Maich Blaq
to head his record label. He has signed several artistes including Proff, whose debut single
'Nataka Nijue' ruled Kenyan charts for six weeks.Proff's second single,
"Data" was a commercial success and topped various charts across east
africa.
Hit Singles
His hit singles include
"Mikono Juu", "Chicken","unbreakable"
"Malaika", "Step on it" and "Julie".
Julie or (aka
"Julie, My Lover") One of his most popular songs is the single
"Julie". It is a remix of an old African classic love song,
"unirudie rumi wee"/"nihurumie wangu we" (Please have
mercy on me). It is both in English and Swahili. It delineates a
male-female relationship where the suitor is trying to court a girl named
Julie.
The Swahili Lyrics: "Oh Julie my lover, mbona we wanitesa?; wastuasiopapa,wapenzi wa rasta, sasa nifanye je?; rasta nitanyoa; Bima na nunua,Carnivore tutaenda..."
English Translation: "Oh
Julie My lover, why do you torture me?; If your father does not like dredocks
what do i do?; I will shave off the dredlocks; I will buy a BMW and then we can
go to 'Carnivore;".
The song is noted for both its lyrics, message and rhythms.The song expressing a desire to a single partner in a time of sexual promiscuity due to 'disease' and due to a desire to remain faithful to the woman he wants to marry.His lyrics are also noted for being simple and lyrical as witnessed in the opening lines which are in English:
"In your eyes, I saw my way; I was sure I'll get there; Now I feel a mile away,but I know I will get there; So much reasons and ways, why she still makes my day; when you show me the meanings, girl you show me the meanings; When you hurt me mama mammy, show me who will be my baby?, Show me who will take care of me, show me who to call darling."
Discography
Albums
- Seasons of the San (2002)
- Red (2004)
- Pioneer (2006)
- Versatility (2009)
Philanthropy
He is a member of the Musician’s
Community an organization that helps to eradicate poverty and create HIV/AIDS
awareness in Africa.
Awards
Won:
- 2005 Chaguo La Teeniez - Best Male Artiste
- 2005 Kisima Music Awards Best Reggae/Ragga
Nominated:
- 2003 Kora Awards - Most Promising African Male.
- 2004 Kora Awards - Best East African Male Artist
- 2006 Tanzania Music Awards - Best East African Album (Pioneer)
- 2006 Pearl of Africa Music Awards - Best Kenyan Male Artiste
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