Holy Dave’s News
I was born David Muthengi, now “Holy Dave is the name, Hip-hop is the game”. As a kid I spent a good number of years in Philadelphia and Chicago in the U.S.A where I developed the love for Hip-hop music. I started rapping at the tender age of 15. My first performance was at a ‘Word of Life camp’ during school holidays. I used to rap during camps, church concerts and school functions.
In 2004 I recorded my first solo single, ‘Even though I walk’ which did quite well on radio. I thereafter released the remix to this song, one of the first Crunk singles in Kenya. In 2005, I released, "Oh mighty God", with the lady group 'Bariki'. This song did even better and stayed on the gospel charts for more than 12 weeks. 2006 saw me collaborate with ‘Kisima’ nominated artist 'Webi' on the song ‘Free’.
In 2007 I co-founded the ‘Madlove Lounge’ monthly event to cater for the needs of the highly neglected and demanded urban arts (Hip-hop, Spoken Word, Poetry etc) in Kenya. I went on to become the host of the monthly event. Madlove Lounge has given upcoming artistes a platform to showcase their talent and an avenue to get a break in the industry. Madlove Lounge compiled the ‘Madlove Mixtape Volume 1’ which received very high ratings in the industry. The history making mixtape brought together more than 15 Christian rappers, poets and spoken word artistes.
At the end of 2009 I completed my debut album ‘I can do it’ at Fullhouse Music and hosted my listening party at the Kula Korner restaurant in Hurlingham. The album which was nominated in the ‘Album of the year’ category in the 2010 Groove Awards features hits like Niko na reason with Eko Dydda, It’s not a joke with Juliani, Bounce Back, Whatever Man, Superstar featuring Michelle and Time Yangu featuring Kamlesh among others.
I hold a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Applied Computer Science from Daystar University and I am currently pursuing my Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management at the United States International University (USIU). I am balancing music with school to the best of my ability, staying focused to attain the necessary education to be able to achieve my goals and be able to make a difference in Kenya, in Africa and in the world. I call it ‘Going for the big kill’.
My vision is to carry out the great commission through music (specifically through hip-hop). I want to reach the masses and change the masses. If I could attain the state of Holiness required by God, then I would be guaranteed to get me and as many people as possible to heaven. This brings us to my name 'Holy Dave', which originates from my desire to be different, unique and holy just as Christ is holy as commanded in 1 Peter 1:15.
• Appeared on the exclusive 2010 debut edition of Vibe City (KTN) on the 13th of February,2010 alongside Prezzo,Eve D’ Souza,Dj Stylez & Kaytrixx
• Performed at the December 2009 Annual Kenya Music Week at Sarit Centre alongside, Rabbit, Muthoni, Jemedari, Mr. T, Kamlesh, MC Dice and Ukoo Flani Mau Mau
• Performed at the Kirk Franklin Spread The Love Concert in April 2009 at the Carnivore Gardens alongside Kirk Franklin, Rufftone, Jimmy Gait, Eko Dydda & Allan Aaron
• Have been interviewed on numerous magazine TV and radio shows including ‘Straight-Up’ & ‘Vibe City’ on KTN, ‘Code 254’ & ‘Grape Vine’ on KBC, ‘The Re-Up’ on NTV, the ‘Hot Source’ on Kiss TV, the ‘Jump Off’ on Homeboyz Radio, ‘Hits Not Homework’ on Capital Fm, ‘Plug-in’ on Hope Fm, ‘The Break Off’ and ‘The Breakfast Show’ on Metro Fm
• Performed at the Groove Party on the 31st December 2009 at the K.I.C.C alongside Rose Muhando, DNA, Kambua & Emmy Kosgei
• Nominated in the Hip-hop category at the 2007 Kisima Awards for the song ‘It’s not a joke’ and in the Hip-hop category again in the 2008 Groove Awards for the song ‘It’s not a joke’
• Won the song the ‘Song of the year’ award for the song Niko Na Reason in the 8th Annual Chaguo La Teeniez Awards (2010) after being nominated in the Song of the year category, the Gospel song of the year category and the Collaboration of the year category.
• Won the ‘Hip-hop Song Of The Year’ award for the song Niko Na Reason in the 5th Annual Groove Awards (2010)
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