How Jaaz Odongo Became One Of The Go-To Music Producers In Kenya

Piece by: Harun Momanyi
Lifestyle

We normally sway to groovy jams in the club without thinking much about the work that goes into a track before it comes out sounding catchy to your ears. Having worked with several music producers on features, I can attest that there’s more than just making beats.

There’s a wild thought process involved; seeking inspiration from the most unexpected places. Think of an art piece, an experience with a matatu tout or even that TV series episode. Great producers try their best to make their work different...they create a masterpiece each time they make the bars.

That’s what Jaaz Odongo - a young music producer and sound engineer from Nairobi Kenya - has managed to achieve: creating a brand that is well respected in the Kenyan music and entertainment scene.

Having been exposed to music and recording studios from a young age, Jaaz developed his passion for the guitar and musical performance.

His father Jack Odongo is a renowned keyboard player and producer in Kenya and played with the band African heritage in the 70’s & early 80’s.

Jaaz picked up the guitar at the tender age of 12 and went on to form the rock band Ueta at 16, wining numerous “battle of the bands” competitions and forming the Rock Society of Kenya, before joining university where he studied Business and I.T.

He started producing music for young upcoming artists before finishing university. One of these artists was Fena Gitu (Fenomenal Woman) and together they became a formidable force and Fena’s career was launched.

At 27 years of age, Jaaz has gone on to work with many top acts and artists such as Eric Wainaina, Kagwe Mungai, Taio (Camp Mulla) Rigga, Electrique Dj’s and his cousin Kato Change to mention but a few.

In 2013 after the online reality series, the Lady Bug Project featuring Karun Mungai, Jaaz Odongo and his closest associate Ndohho Wohoro formed Motion Image & Sound Ltd. MIS is a boutique production house, record label and events company focused on music-centric productions that bring together talented creatives to work on various projects both in the entertainment & corporate world.

In 2015 Jaaz release the first single “Pale Pale” off his up-coming EP ft. Trina Mungai.

He will be working with Navio and G2 on Season 3 of Coke Studio Africa. This year he will also be one of the judges on The Search!

The Search seeks to find the next big musical talent in Kenya. To audition, just call 0711 046 777 and sing your heart out! You stand to win 1M shillings and a sick music & video recording deal! The reality show is brought to you by Kiss TV and Johari Records in collaboration with Kiss FM.