This archive report was first published on 24 July 2021.
On July 19, Khaligraph Jones launched the Odinare rap challenge, a competition that aims to elevate the local music industry and nurture upcoming talent.
The challenge has seen rappers from all walks of life submit videos rhyming to the phrase Odinare, with the grand prize being Sh1 million.
According to Khaligraph Jones, the first winner will take home Sh1 million, the second one Sh500,000, and the third Sh300,000. The three winners will also have an opportunity to sign a record deal with his label, BlueInk.
“The initiative is about elevating the local music industry and nurturing upcoming talent. Being at the forefront of the whole movement, I felt like it is my responsibility to push this agenda,” said Khaligraph Jones.
The rap challenge was made possible through a partnership with betting firm Odibets, who injected a cool Sh4, 500,000 into the initiative.
So far, the Odinare challenge has had more than 2000 videos across social media platforms from both renowned and upcoming rappers.
To participate, one has to rap to the "Odinare" instrumental uploaded on Khaligraph Jones' YouTube channel, fill in the missing verse of 16 bars (40 secs), and mention "ODINARE" and "ODIBETS" on their verse.
