The Rise Of King Kaka: How He Made It

By Lisa Osiako

I first heard of Rabbit in 2012, and have seen him quite literally start from the bottom, to where he is now. He presents a myriad of titles under his belt: a musician, businessman, and producer among others.

His is a story of desire, mentorship and like he says in his own words, “keeping it real.” Poverty he says is what inspired him.

Born the last born in a family of three boys, King Kaka was raised by his mother after his father died while he was still young. She sold fruits to put bread on the table. To date, Kaka holds her in such high regard, as the most important person in his life.

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“I was asked who my role model is, I said my mother. I mean who else is a hustler like her, she raised 3 boys with a fruit business and most times would be arrested by the city officials but managed. Let alone those who tell me I am the ultimate hustler. I mean Mandela was great with the Leadership, Biko was Wise, Luther King was firm with his leadership, Obama with his words, Maathai with her vision, Ali with his confidence but No One Beats My Mother. And she raised a King. I salute You, Mama. Queen Elizabeth. The Real Legend,” he once said about his mom.

King Kaka attended Eastleigh High School where he rose to be the senior entertainment prefect. During his tenure, he organized numerous high school events that many would not have thought of.

Music Career

A year after completing high school, he decided to venture into music. It is then that he signed a two-year recording contract that saw him release songs such as ‘Niko Kwa jam Nakam’ and ‘Dodoma’ ft Harry Kimani. His music success pushed him to release more music (nine albums and 37 videos), eventually rising to be one of the most sought after artists in the country.

Business Venture

Not being one to stay in a comfort zone, Kaka decided to substitute his music career with business, something that to date, separates him from many of his peers. Even without music, he is therefore still able to maintain relevance.

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He launched his own clothing line dubbed Kaka Klothing. Apart from that, he is also a video director and an executive producer, even landing acting roles on various local television shows such as Machachari, Higher Learning, Mali, and a comical sitcom comedy show on NTV. He has also made appearances on several reality television shows that include Matatu, Maisha Superstars and Coke Studio.

He runs a talent management company known as Kaka Empire that seeks to promote the local Kenyan talent by helping talented youth make a living off their gifts. The talent management firm has signed some of the greatest rising stars.

Recently, he ventured into writing, and as such has a column every Wednesday, on The Standard pullout, Hustle.

How has he, therefore, ensured that he remains relevant in this ever-changing industry? His answer is simple: “Companies have a hard time understanding youth brands because they don’t study them. I just keep it real and people get me. My greatest secret is that I am me.”

Advice

“Follow your heart so that you don’t have any regret when you grow older.”