KOKAYI (ne’ Carl Walker) was born and raised in the Southwest quadrant of Washington DC. He cites that the study of music and improvisation began at his father’s feet. KOKAYI’s name is Swahili for “ to summon the peopleâ€. It’s a title given to an artist who holds true to the spirit of hip hop. And how appropriate for an artist whose been known to move everyone from a group of songwriters to a house of spiritual leaders in Saudi Arabia. “Honestly I pour everything out on a song. It allows me to free myself from any inhibitions. If I can move people that say they don’t like hip hop, than I know my job is done.†KOKAYI’s solo debut album Mass Instructions (Pho13music) was released November 1, 2007 and he’s received great reviews from peers and fans alike who appreciate the diversity of the record. KOKAYI who self-produced and wrote all 12 tracks on the album describes Mass Instructions as eclectic, honest, and accessible to everyone. “I want to speak to all the artists and everyday people who still believe in their dreams,†says KOKAYI who himself has managed to balance his family and musical career while maintaining a regular 9-5.
Kokayi has toured 25 countries with ecelectic Mbase saxist Steve Coleman and has appeared on six of his albums. Kokayi formed the fusion group Opus Akoben with longtime friend Sub-Z. To date the group released two records in Europe under French Labels (BMG/France-Art of War and Label-Bleu-Raw Life). In February 2006 Kokayi, along with his band Opus Akoben, toured the Middle East as part of the “Rhythm Roads†program where they performed and facilitated workshops in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Israel and Palestine as United States Hip Hop Ambassadors. Recently, the group traveled to China, Mongolia and Russia. In 2007 KOKAYI also collaborated with DJ/Producer Sharkey and C-Rayz Walz for their release “Monster Maker†(Babygrande Records) in which he appears on five tracks. In December 2007 he joined Monster Maker as a the opening act for Bone Thugs and Harmony at the 9:30 club in Washington DC.
In 2008 KOKAYI continues to bring his live show and Mass Instructions to the people throughout the US, Europe, and the world. In February 2008 KOKAYI inked a two-year licensing deal with French label Just Like Hip Hop. The label will release “Mass Instructions†throughout France and digitally worldwide. KOKAYI has also been busy in the studio recording and producing his first mixtape the Misadventures of Korky Kalhoun featuring artists from the US and abroad. designated for a Spring/Summer 08’ release in London and the US in mid summer. He also plans to officially release his rock/electronica project The Caezars. KOKAYI continues to produce for various artists including upcoming projects by Wayna and Tamara Wellons(Ocha Records). Kokayi believes “ that if people want to hear good music then that’s what they’re going to get.†Currently the Kokayi produced single “Midnight Rendezvous†from Ethiopian singer Wayna’s forthcoming release Higher Ground has charted at Number 5 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles Sales (up from number 10) and Number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Sales charts (up from 41). Listeners need to take heed. KOKAYI is an artist and producer who not only pushes the envelope but deconstructs it and turns it into something else
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production credits and discography-www.kokayi202.com
