Khaligraph Jones

Jones was born and raised in Kayole, a neighborhood of Nairobi, Kenya.{{Cite web|title=Khaligraph Jones opens up about making ends meet and his days as a bouncer – The Sauce|url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/thesauce/khaligraph-jones-opens-up-about-making-ends-meet-and-his-days-as-a-bouncer/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=www.capitalfm.co.ke}}{{Cite web|title=Khaligraph Jones {{!}} Biography & History|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/khaligraph-jones-mn0003965985/biography|access-date=2021-04-05|website=AllMusic|language=en}}

His mother gave him the name Ouko Robert in reference to the late Kenyan politician Robert Ouko, who was assassinated {{circa}} 13 February 1990.{{Cite web|title=Biography: Khaligraph Jones; Family, Wife, Music and Awards|url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/biography-khaligraph-jones-family-wife-music-and-awards/t9c523d.amp|access-date=2021-04-05|website=www.pulselive.co.ke|date=2 February 2021 }}{{Cite web|last=Enock|first=Sir|date=2021-02-08|title=Khaligraph Jones biography, age, family, hip hop songs, wife Georgina Muteti, awards, net worth|url=https://kisiifinest.co.ke/khaligraph-jones-biography|access-date=2021-04-05|website=KISII FINEST|language=en-US}}{{Citation|title=Khaligraph Jones Biography And Net Worth 2023|language=en-GB|work=TechBlogBase.com|url=https://techblogbase.com/khaligraph-jones-biography-and-net-worth-2023/|access-date=2023-07-20}}

He officially began his career in 2008 at a function called Words And Pictures.{{fact|date=November 2024}}

He won Channel O Music Video Awards's Emcee Africa in 2009, a highly visible competition that catapulted him to international acclaim almost instantly.{{Cite web|last=noraolagbaju|date=2021-02-11|title=Khaligraph – Passion over FAME|url=https://hiphopafrican.com/2021/02/10/kaligraph-jones-passion-over-fame/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=The Hip Hop African|language=en|archive-date=2021-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302093511/https://hiphopafrican.com/2021/02/10/kaligraph-jones-passion-over-fame/|url-status=dead}}

In June 2018, he released his debut full-length studio album dubbed Testimony 1990.{{Cite web|date=2018-06-12|title=Khaligraph unveils "Testimony 1990" album tracklist {{!}} Notjustok East Africa|url=https://notjustok.com/eastafrica/music/khaligraph-jones-unveils-testimony-1990-album-tracklist/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=Latest East African & Bongo Flava Music, Songs & Video - Notjustok|language=en-US}}

In 2018, he was crowned Best Rap Act of the Year at the fifth Annual AFRIMMA Awards held at House of Blues in Dallas, Texas in 2018.{{Cite web|title=Big win for Kenya as Khaligraph Jones grabs AFRIMMA Best Rap Act - The Sauce|url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/thesauce/big-win-for-kenya-as-khaligraph-jones-grabs-afrimma-best-rap-act/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=www.capitalfm.co.ke}}{{Cite web|last=Bwire|first=Dancan|title=2018 AFRIMMA Awards: Khaligraph, Papa Dennis win big|url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/local-news/2001298309/2018-afrimma-awards-khaligraph-papa-dennis-win-big?amp=1|access-date=2021-04-05|website=2018 AFRIMMA Awards: Khaligraph, Papa Dennis win big}}

He was named the best Hip Hop act at the Soundcity MVP Awards in January 2020.{{Cite web|title=Khaligraph Jones wins SoundCity MVP award for best hip hop act|url=https://kiss100.co.ke/entertainment/2020-01-12-khaligraph-jones-wins-soundcity-mvp-award-for-best-hip-hop-act/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=Kiss 100|language=en-KE}}{{Cite web|date=2020|title=The Standard - Kenya & World News | Latest and Breaking news|url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/local-news/2001360049/i-dropped-out-of-school-in-form-four-khaligraph-on-tough-childhood-depression}} The ceremony took place at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos, Nigeria.{{Cite web|last=Muli|first=Davis|title=MVP 2020 awards: Khaligraph crowned best hip-hop artiste in Africa|url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/local-news/2001356369/mvp-2020-awards-khaligraph-jones-crowned-best-hip-hop-artiste-in-africa?amp=1|access-date=2021-04-05|website=MVP 2020 awards: Khaligraph Jones crowned best hip-hop artiste in Africa}}{{Cite web|date=2020-01-12|title=Khaligraph Jones wins big at Sound City MVP Awards in Nigeria [Full list of winners]|url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/khaligraph-jones-wins-big-at-sound-city-mvp-awards-in-nigeria-full-list-of-winners/rxynngf|access-date=2021-04-05|website=Pulse Live Kenya|language=en-US}}

In 2020, he was nominated for the BET Awards.{{Cite web|title=Rapper Khaligraph nominated for 2020 BET Awards|url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/word-is/2020-09-30-rapper-khaligraph-nominated-for-2020-bet-awards/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=The Star|language=en-KE}}{{Cite web|title=Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones Scoops hiS first BET AWARD NOMINATION – Transafrica Radio|url=http://www.transafricaradio.net/kenyan-rapper-khaligraph-jones-scoops-his-first-bet-award-nomination/|access-date=2021-04-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-12-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205205157/http://www.transafricaradio.net/kenyan-rapper-khaligraph-jones-scoops-his-first-bet-award-nomination/|url-status=dead}} His nomination was for the Best International Flow category.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-06|title=Khaligraph Jones 2020 BET AWARDS – KAMATA SCHOOL OF MUSIC|url=https://www.kamataschool.com/khaligraph-jones-nominated-for-2020-bet-awards-nominees-list/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=www.kamataschool.com|language=en-US}} He was up against South Africa's Nasty C, Brazil's Djonga, Ivorian Kaaris and eventual winner, grime rapper Stormzy from the United Kingdom.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-28|title=Khaligraph Jones reaction after losing BET Award to UK's Stomzy|url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/khaligraph-jones-reaction-after-losing-bet-award-to-uks-stomzy-and-full-list-of/4s1c19b|access-date=2021-04-05|website=Pulse Live Kenya|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Khaligraph loses out to Stormzy at BET Awards|url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/word-is/2020-10-29-khaligraph-loses-out-to-stormzy-at-bet-awards/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=The Star|language=en-KE}} In May 2021, he was named the East African Rapper of the Year at MTN Uganda.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

In 2021, Jones partnered with Odibets, a sports betting company under their Odimtaani initiative to launch the OdiNare rap challenge. This challenge led to a collaboration between Jones and Kenyan rapper Chepkosgei that was executive produced by Riverstarz Music Entertainment.{{cite web |title=Odibets heeds to Khaligraph call, unveils rap challenge |url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/word-is/2021-07-19-odibets-heeds-to-khaligraph-jones-call-unveils-rap-challenge/ |website=The Star |language=en-KE}} In 2024, Jones released the "Khali Cartel 5", an installment of his Khlai Cartel cypher. {{Cite web |last=Indakwa |first=Felicia |date=2025-03-07 |title=Khaligraph Jones releases ‘Khali Cartel 5 |url=https://www.tv47.digital/khaligraph-jones-releases-khali-cartel-5-the-ultimate-kenyan-rap-cypher-89856/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=TV47 Digital |language=en}}

On 10 November 2015, musician Juliani posted a picture on his social media of fellow hip hop heavyweights Jones, Octopizzo and King Kaka. He captioned the photo with "The only one with more bars than the three combined is me!!". What initially started as friendly banter triggered an online argument between the musicians that went on for hours before Jones released a diss track meant to silence the rest. While Octopizzo chose to stay out of the disagrement both Juliani and King Kaka responded to the diss track with their own.{{Cite web |title=No Chills! Nameless Takes Shots At Juliani, Rabbit, Octopizzo And Khaligraph Amidst Their Beef |url=https://mpasho.co.ke/entertainment/2015-11-17-no-chills-nameless-takes-shots-at-juliani-rabbit-octopizzo-and-khaligraph-amidst-their-beef/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Mpasho |language=en-ZA}} Over a year later, King Kaka revealed during an interview that the feud was indeed very serious and that were it not for some external mediative interventions, it could have resulted in bloodshed.{{Cite web |last=Oduor |first=Martin |date=2017-02-08 |title="Ningekutana nao ningewapiga ngumi" King Kaka reveals how his beef with Khaligraph Jones, Octopizzo and Juliani ended amicably without bloodshed |url=https://www.ghafla.com/ningekutana-nao-ningewapiga-ngumi-king-kaka-reveals-beef-khaligraph-jones-octopizzo-juliani-ended-amicably-without-bloodshed/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Ghafla! |language=en-US}}

In January 2020, a feud broke out between Jones and Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez. This was after Jones won the Best Hip Hop Act ahead of him and others at the SoundCity MVP Awards 2020 held in Lagos, Nigeria.{{Cite web |last=Tomiwa |date=2020-01-14 |title=Kenya Rapper; Khaligraph Jones Drops Diss Track For Blaqbonez & Choco. City, Declares Himself "Best Rapper In Nigeria" {{!}} Listen!! |url=https://tooxclusive.com/kenya-rapper-khaligraph-jones-drops-diss-track-for-blaqbonez-chocolate-city-declares-himself-best-rapper-in-nigeria-listen/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=tooXclusive |language=en-US}} Blaqbonez released a video and a diss track complaining about Soundcity's decision while disregarding Jones. Hours later Jones responded with a diss track titled "Best rapper in Nigeria".{{Cite web |last=Classic |first=Mr |date=2023-09-11 |title=Khaligraph Jones – Best Rapper In Nigeria Mp3 Download « NaijaHits |url=https://www.naijahits.com/east-africa/khaligraph-jones-best-rapper-in-nigeria-blaqbonez-diss/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |language=en-GB}}

In August 2023, Jones sparked controversy by releasing a diss track targeting Tanzanian rappers. This led to backlash from Tanzanian rappers including Rosa Ree, Msodoki Young Killer, and Motra The Future.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-25 |title=Khaligraph Jones sparks fierce rap battle with Tanzanian rappers, several immediately react |url=https://www.citizen.digital/entertainment/khaligraph-jones-sparks-fierce-rap-battle-with-tanzanian-rappers-several-immediately-react-n326104 |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=Citizen Digital |language=en-KE}}{{Cite web |title=Why Khaligraph Jones is apologizing to Tanzanians after igniting a heated war |url=https://kiss100.co.ke/entertainment/2023-08-29-why-khaligraph-jones-is-apologizing-to-tanzanians-after-igniting-a-heated-war/ |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=Kiss 100 |language=en-KE}} Bongo musician Harmonize, with whom Jones has collaborated previously, condemned the disrespect on Tanzanian artists.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

In April 2021, Jones led a team of 30 artists from the Kenyan creative industry in a meeting with then Deputy President William Ruto.{{Cite web |last=Omondi |first=Asher |date=2021-04-24 |title=William Ruto hosts artistes following Khaligraph Jones's lockdown request |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/409779-william-ruto-hosts-local-artistes-following-request-by-rapper-khaligraph-jones.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. |language=en}} This was at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and at a time when the working relationship between then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy Ruto had deteriorated. Although it was confirmed that the main agenda was to discuss the concerns of the artists and to receive their suggestions and proposals, a notion was created that the artists who attended the meeting endorsed Ruto's candidacy for the upcoming 2022 Kenyan presidential election.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-24 |title=DP William Ruto met with Khaligraph Jones at his Karen home |url=https://biggestkaka.co.ke/dp-william-ruto-met-khaligraph-jones-karen-home/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Otengo |first=Victor |date=2021-04-26 |title=Khaligraph hilariously reacts to bashing from Octopizzo for meeting Ruto |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/409915-khaligraph-hits-back-king-kaka-octopizzo-they-criticised-his-meeting-with-ruto-machoss-tu.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. |language=en}} During the meeting, Jones made a passionate appeal to Ruto for a solution to the plight that faced "hustlers" who were hurting in the background with some struggling to afford food and ret. Jones went ahead to promise that if their concerns were addressed, he would campaign pro-bono for Ruto across the country. Prior to the meeting, Jones had initially reached out to both Ruto and Odinga via his Instagram and only the former had responded and later set up the meeting with the representatives from the creative industry.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-19 |title=#UnlockOurCountry: DP Ruto responds to rapper Khaligraph Jones' plea |url=https://nairobinews.nation.africa/unlockourcountry-dp-ruto-responds-to-rapper-khaligraph-jones-plea/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Nairobi News |language=en-US}} Musicians Octopizzo and King Kaka, who were not part of the delegation that met Ruto, took to their social media platforms to castigate Jones and the other artists for being "opportunistic" in using COVID-19 as a guise for their political affiliations.

Just a few days before Ruto assumed office as president, Jones released his song "Usiache Akemewe" ("Don't Let Him Be Scolded"). In the song, he urged the President-elect to protect his competitor Odinga, who had been facing increasing ridicule after he lost the election.{{Cite web |last=Aroko |first=Amondi |date=2022-09-09 |title="Usiache akemewe": Khaligraph pleads with Ruto to protect Raila in new rap song |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/472248-khaligraph-jones-pleads-william-ruto-protect-raila-odinga-hate-ridicule-usiwache-akemewe/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. |language=en}}

File:Testimony_1990.png

Jones released his debut studio album Testimony 1990 in June 2018. Testimony 1990 is a testimony of his life, his troubles and those of his country Kenya.{{Cite web|title=Hip hop futures in Kenya|url=https://africasacountry.com/2020/05/hip-hop-futures-in-kenya|access-date=2021-04-05|website=africasacountry.com|date=18 April 2019 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=says|first=June Josse|date=2018-06-16|title=Testimony 1990 – Khaligraph Jones (Album Review)|url=https://anyiko.blog/2018/06/16/testimony-1990-khaligraph-jones-album-review/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=Black Roses|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Jay|first=Ndungu|date=2020-11-07|title=Khaligraph Jones and Emerging Hip Hop Futures in Kenya|url=https://nairobitimes.co.ke/2020/11/07/khaligraph-jones-and-emerging-hip-hop-futures-in-kenya/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=Nairobi Times|language=en-US}}

• "Testimony" ft. Sagini
• "Blessings"
• "For Life"
• "G Like That"
• "Gwala" ft. YCEE
• "Making Babies"
• "Taking It All" ft. Timmy Blanco
• "Instagram Girls"
• "No Change" ft. Fena* "Aiseee" ft. Ray C
• "Superwoman" ft. Mr Eazi
• "All The Way Up"
• "Now You Know" ft. Rostam
• "Beat It"
• "Go Hard" ft. Esco
• "Don Know" ft. K.O
• "Complicated" ft Ria

Jones released his second album on 7 March 2022 exclusively on the Boomplay streaming service. It accumulated a total of 1 million streams in six days on the streaming platform. He later released it on other streaming platforms on 13 March 2022.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

• "Invisible Currency"
• "All I Need"
• "Ikechukwu"
• "Rada Safi"
• "Ateri Dala" ft. Prince Indah
• "Am on the Move" ft. Blackway
• "Maombi Ya Mama" ft. Adasa
• "Kamnyweso" ft. Mejja
• "Wanguvu" ft. Ali Kiba
• "Inner Peace" ft. Kev the Topic
• "Tsunami" ft. Scar
• "How We Do" ft. Xenia Manasseh
• "Ride for You" ft. Rudeboy
• "Bad Dreams"
• "Flee"
• "Hiroshima" ft. Dax
• "The Khali Chronicles"

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-45686245/khaligraph-jones-kenyan-hip-hop-artist-on-struggles-and-success Khaligraph Jones: How I made it in hip hop]

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Category:1990 births

Category:Living people

Category:Kenyan rappers

Category:Musicians from Nairobi