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Iconic Music Duo Nazizi & Wyre: Over 20 Years Down the Line


Necessary Noize was a dynamic duo in Kenya’s music industry in the early 2000s. Initially, the group, which was comprised of Kelvin Wyre, Bamzigi and Hirji Nazizi, dominated at a time when the music industry in Kenya was in a transition. Their unique style blended with the urban Kenyan culture and Jamaican accent. As a result, this resonated with many youths at the time. With due time, Necessary Noize became a big name in the country.

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Wyre and Nazizi, founding members of Necessary Noize: PHOTO COURTESY

The group is well known for several hit songs, such as ‘Kenyan Boy, Kenyan Girl’ and ‘Bless My Room’. However, after over 20 years, Wyre, Nazizi, and Bamzigi are not active anymore in music. What might be the reason?

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Times Digital Kenya takes a closer look at Necessary Noize’s journey in music and their split after years of success.

Background

Necessary Noize’s foundation was based on rap and reggae music. This group was formed (in October 2000) by three different artists who specialized in reggae, rap, and dancehall. The founding members include Nazizi, Wyre, and Bamzigi, although the latter left the group earlier due to differences. 

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Necessary Noize album poster: PHOTO COURTESY

They released their debut album in the same year. The album entailed a few hit songs, which include ‘LA DI DA’ and ‘Clang Clang’. Kenyan youths jammed to these songs, thus forcing Necessary Noize to release a second album, ‘Necessary Noize 2: Kenyan Boy, Kenya Girl’. This album was a pure success, as ‘Kenyan Boy Kenyan Girl’ is one of the most well-done songs in Kenya’s music industry. Wyre and Nazizi, who had become household names in the country, continued to release hits year after year. 

Awards and Recognition

At their peak, Necessary Noize was a force to reckon with in the Kenyan music industry, hence being nominated for several awards. You would even struggle to name a more successful music group in Kenya. The awards that they won for several years are an indication of their impact on Kenyan and African music at large. 

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Wyre and Nazizi back in the days: PHOTO COURTESY

Some of the awards that the group has won and nominated are as follows:

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  • Kisima Music Awards (2004)- emerged victorious as the Best Group, Best Ragga Group, and Best Music Video (for Kenyan Boy, Kenyan Girl hit-song).
  • In 2005, they were nominated for best East African album for their album ‘Necessary Noize 2’ at the Tanzania music awards.
  • In 2006, Necessary Noize won best reggae video for ‘Kenyan Boy, Kenyan Girl’ at the Channel O music video awards.
  • A year later, the duo won best Kenyan group at the Pearl of Africa Music Awards.

Challenges and Milestones

Necessary Noize had now become an established group beyond Kenya, hence getting recognition from musicians outside the country. For instance, they collaborated with celebrated Ugandan ragga singer Bebe Cool in another hit song that took the waves by storm.

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Nazizi just recently: PHOTO COURTESY

Their collaboration led to the formation of another group, the East African Bashment Crew. It was at this moment that Necessary Noize struggled to be relevant. As a result, Kelvin Wyre and Nazizi went separate ways. They focused on solo projects. 

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Wyre shifted his efforts to work with international artists, including Alaine and Cecile. These songs became instant hits, and the Necessary Noize founder made a name for himself as a solo artist. On the other hand, Nazizi ventured into something different. She worked as a journalist at Vybez Radio.

Necessary Noize Comeback

Wyre and Hirji Nazizi announced their comeback back in 2022. This was nearly 10 years after their split. They later dropped new songs such as ‘Bring Back the Noize’ and ‘Reality’. They not only enjoyed a good reception from their fans but also the new generation.

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The comeback of Wyre and Nazizi in 2022: PHOTO COURTESY

Present Day

The two veteran musicians are now more focused on solo projects and different businesses. 

  • Kelvin Wyre

Wyre, who has over 25 years experience in music, is the CEO of BLOOW (a music tech entrepreneur). BLOOW, which was founded in 2021, helps musicians (upcoming and established) monetize their content. Additionally, Wyre is the founder of Love Child Records, a music company. Here, he serves as the CEO and producer.

    • Nazizi Hirji

    The founding member of Necessary Noize is now a well-established radio presenter. She worked at Vybez Radio for 3 years until she recently quit due to personal issues. Nazizi also runs a nail business, which serves as a side hustle.

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    Nazizi participating in a recent media event: PHOTO COURTESY

    author

    Alexandre Kimanzi

    A professional & passionate writer with over four years of experience in the industry. My career has been shaped by my work with opera news and scooper platforms, where I’ve honed my skills in crafting engaging, insightful, and timely content. My writing journey is driven by a deep interest in storytelling, as well as a commitment to keeping audiences informed and engaged with fresh perspectives. These background complements my professional work, enabling me to approach writing with a strategic mindset and an understanding of diverse audiences.

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