Bamboo is recognized as one of the most talented rappers on the African hiphop circuit. His song, ‘Bumaye’, highlights the life of Muhammed Ali, and another song made it into the soundtrack of the movie, ‘Primeval’.

Jamati: Your music has been very popular in the East African circuit and your song, ‘Bumaye’, is a popular ITunes purchase. How does it feel to be recognized as a phenomenal hiphop artist both in Africa and the Diaspora?

Well its good to see that you’ve done your homework! Well of course its an amazing feeling to see that people recognise your efforts and appreciate your talents. Naturally Im honored. And of course the money dosn’t hurt!

Jamati: You have been performing all over the United States and Europe. What do you see as the biggest challenges for you as an African hiphop artist trying to break into the western hiphop market? Have there been opportunities presented to you to perform with western hiphop artists?

Well some of the obstacles I face is from africans who think I should stick to swahilli but don’t know that swahilli is a 2nd language which I learned when I first went to Kenya and I was about 17. All that time before thatI had been in Inglewood, Califonia where I grew up so naturally, I have a lot of english rap which I use to describe my upbringing in the hood and Africa.There are some doubts by people who don’t know anything about me but have opinions that are made from assumptions other people had, so I’m happy to do interviews so people can understand exactly where I’m coming from. Yes, I know plenty of artists here, and most artists are actually more than willing to collaborate with international artists.

Jamati: Your parents sent you to Kenya to get you away from the gang activity in Inglewood, California. In retrospect, do you think that it helped develop your interest in a musical career? How have they helped influence your lyrics and outlook?

Well I definitely think my parents sending me to Kenya played a huge role in my career since I may never have found music the way I did and, most importantly, it saved me from maybe a life in prison or worse. My mother was very strict with me and my little brother and my dad was always gone so I was always into something crazy, plus my neighbor’s kids were badboys so, of course ,I was influenced. All of this can be heard in a lot of the music I put out.

Jamati: You have collaborated with Akon and gotten some work done with his producer, Benny D; have you been approached by any of the western rappers to work on collaborations or even sign on a label?

Well I am working with artists born and raised here in the States, mainly in Atlanta, Georgia, and New York…I am actually in negotiations with a label here in Atlanta, and things are looking very good. I’m so amped right now…hot music on the way!

Jamati: You have been criticised for sounding too ‘American’, how do you balance the American and African sides so that both are happy, or do you? Do you think that it works against you to sound too African?

Well I do Swahilli music for Kenyans, and English music for my western fanbase. If it’s not in swahilli they should understand that its not really for them its for an audience which only understands english..I don’t have an african accent so if I tried it would be fake and sound funny as hell! lol.

Jamati: What projects are you currently working on? Any tours in the horizon on the African continent?

I’m working on my album right now and I have a new producer whom I am very excited about, so the sound is going to be a lot bigger than before…The music keeps getting better and better! As far as an african tour, it looks like that will be going down in 2008 for sure so peeps need to get ready for real! Be sure to check me out at . Thanks again for the love!!

Jamati: You are going to be traveling with Eldee and Krukid (two of the hottest up-and-coming African rappers in the diaspora) in the spring. How did you get connected with them and where can we expect to see you three?
Do you think that you will be collaborating with them on any songs in the near future?

Well I met Eldee thru Krukid and I met Krukid online and we just exchanged each other’s numbers and hit it off from that time onward. There are several songs lined up for us to collaborate on so I’ll definitely let you know as soon as those are ready. The tour we are planning will cover Atlanta, Chicago, and NYC as well as a few other cities, not yet confirmed.

Yes, Bamboo is definitely going places and Jamati is looking forward to watching this rising star reach his pinnacle of success.