Khaligraph Jones

Khaligraph Jones

Khaligraph in 2020
Background information
Birth name	Brian Ouko Omollo
Born	12 June 1990 (age 34) Kayole, Nairobi, Kenya
Genres	Kenyan hip hop Hip hop Ohangla
Occupations	Rapper Songwriter Emcee
Years active	2008–present
Labels	Blu Ink Corp

Khaligraph Jones (born Brian Ouko Omollo, 12 June 1990) is an award-winning Kenyan rapper, songwriter, and emcee, widely regarded as one of Kenya’s greatest rappers of all time. Known for his versatile flow, lyrical storytelling, and hit singles like “Mazishi,” “Yego,” and “On the Real,” he has become a cornerstone of East African hip-hop. His gritty depictions of life in Nairobi’s Kayole estate, blended with catchy hooks and social commentary, have earned him critical acclaim and a massive following. In 2023, he represented Kenya on Coke Studio Africa, recording a mashup with singer Nikita Kering, and in 2024, he won East Africa’s Artist of the Year at the East Africa Arts & Entertainment Awards. His 2025 album, The Book Of Jones (1st Chapter), marked a personal milestone, reflecting themes of fatherhood and legacy. Beyond music, Khaligraph’s entrepreneurial ventures, including Blu Ink Corp and OG Drip merchandise, and his mentorship of young artists through the Khali Cartel series, underscore his influence as a cultural and community leader.

Early Life

Khaligraph Jones was born Brian Ouko Omollo on June 12, 1990, in the Soweto section of Kayole, a low-income suburb of Nairobi known for its high crime rates and economic challenges. Raised by his single mother, a chang’aa (illicit brew) seller, after his father’s death when he was young, Khaligraph faced poverty and instability. “She hustled hard; I saw her cry when we had nothing,” he recalled, crediting her resilience as his inspiration. Growing up in a one-room home with his mother and siblings, he experienced hunger and eviction, shaping the raw honesty of his lyrics.

Khaligraph began rapping at age nine, inspired by American rappers Tupac Shakur and 50 Cent, practicing in front of a mirror with a borrowed radio. “I’d rap like I was on stage,” he said, mimicking their flows to escape his surroundings. At Kayole Primary School, he won a rap competition at 12, boosting his confidence despite bullying over his small stature and prominent lips, earning the nickname “Mdomo Baggy.” “I turned that pain into bars,” he noted. His early music told stories of Kayole’s power struggles, poverty, and respect, reflecting the realities of his environment.

Facing financial constraints, Khaligraph dropped out of secondary school in Form Two at Buruburu Institute of Fine Arts, unable to afford fees. He self-educated through library books and music, honing his craft in Kayole’s “Plot 10” street battles. “The streets taught me more than school,” he said. Early critics questioned his use of English and “Brooklyn” accent, claiming Kenyan rappers should stick to Swahili or Sheng, but he persisted through freestyle battles and rap competitions. His breakthrough came in 2009 as a teenager when he won the Channel O Emcee Africa competition, defeating regional rappers with a freestyle about Kayole life, earning Sh1 million and instant fame. “That win made me believe I could be somebody,” he reflected.

Career

Khaligraph Jones’s career is marked by acclaimed albums, strategic collaborations, and a commitment to elevating Kenyan hip-hop. His breakthrough came in 2009 as a teenager when he won the Channel O Emcee Africa competition, defeating regional rappers with a freestyle about life in Nairobi’s Kayole estate, earning Sh1 million and instant fame. “That Sh1 million changed everything,” he recalled, noting how he invested the prize money in studio equipment to record his debut mixtape, The Takeover (2009), which he distributed free in Kayole to build a local fanbase. “I wanted my hood to hear me first,” he said. Mentored by producer Motif Di Don and rapper DNA, he honed his studio discipline, learning to balance raw energy with technical precision. “They showed me rap is work, not just talent,” he noted.

He released his debut album, Point of No Return (2014), to establish credibility, followed by the chart-topping Testimony 1990 (2018), which critics praised for its warm, optimistic vibe and mix of rap verses with sung choruses, reflecting his Kayole roots. “Testimony was my story, raw and real,” he said, highlighting tracks like “Mazishi” and “Yego” that blended gritty storytelling with catchy hooks. Invisible Currency (2022) expanded his reach, incorporating trap and Afrobeat influences, with singles like “On the Real” gaining traction in Nigeria and South Africa. “I wanted Africa to feel me,” he explained, aiming for a global sound while staying true to his Kenyan identity. In April 2025, he dropped his third official album, The Book Of Jones (1st Chapter), his most personal project, addressing fatherhood, legacy, and resilience. Fans on X lauded its introspective depth, with @ntvkenya calling it “a masterpiece for the ages.”

Khaligraph is known for collaborating with other artists, regularly featuring Kenyan and African acts on his tracks. His Khali Cartel series, spanning Khali Cartel 1 to Khali Cartel 5 (2025), mentors emerging rappers like Rix Ronday, Rico Gang, and Wakadinali, fostering a new generation of Kenyan talent. “I’m building a movement, not just tracks,” he emphasized, using the platform to give exposure to up-and-coming artists. Notable collaborations include Nigerian rapper Sarkodie on “Wavy,” Kenyan singer Mejja on the Ohangla-infused “Kamnyweso,” and Nikita Kering on a 2023 Coke Studio Africa mashup that blended hip-hop and soul. “Sarkodie pushed me to level up; he’s a beast,” he said, crediting the collaboration for sharpening his craft. His 2020 single “Leave Me Alone” won Best Hip Hop Act in Africa at Nigeria’s Soundcity MVP Awards, while “On the Real” earned a BET Hip Hop Awards nomination for Best International Flow, solidifying his continental influence.

Early in his career, Khaligraph faced skepticism for his English-heavy rap and “Brooklyn” accent, with critics arguing Kenyan rappers should prioritize Swahili or Sheng. He countered by blending languages, proving his authenticity through street battles at Kayole’s “Plot 10” and regional competitions. “They said I wasn’t Kenyan enough; I proved them wrong,” he asserted. His persistence paid off with performances at major events, including South Africa’s Back to the City Festival (2023), Nairobi’s Umoja Splash Festival (2024), and Kenya’s Madaraka Festival (2024), where he headlined alongside Nyashinski. “Performing for my people is everything,” he said, noting the electric energy of Nairobi crowds.

Khaligraph’s steady output includes mixtapes like The Takeover (2009) and EPs like Khali Cartel 5 (2025), alongside guest features on tracks by artists like Diamond Platnumz and Burna Boy. His 2017 single “Omollo” paid homage to his Kayole roots, while “Superman” (2021) showcased his lyrical dexterity, earning airplay across East Africa. In 2023, he collaborated with South African rapper Cassper Nyovest on “No More,” a track addressing mental health, which resonated with fans on X for its vulnerability. He also ventured into production, co-producing tracks on Invisible Currency with Motif Di Don, refining his sound for international markets.

Looking ahead, Khaligraph announced plans for The Book Of Jones (2nd Chapter) in 2026, targeting a Grammy nomination to cement his global legacy. “I’m coming for that global stage,” he declared. He expressed interest in acting, eyeing a lead role in a Kenyan action film, drawing on his Kayole experiences. “I’d kill it as a gangster; I lived that life,” he joked, citing his supporting role in the 2022 crime-comedy Click Click Bang as a stepping stone. In 2024, he launched the Khali Cartel Tour, performing in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with plans to expand to Nigeria and Ghana in 2025, as reported by Pulse Live. His vision includes establishing a Blu Ink Corp recording academy in Kayole by 2026, offering free training to underprivileged youth, a goal he described as “giving back what I never had.” Khaligraph’s relentless work ethic and strategic collaborations have cemented him as a superstar of East African hip-hop, with a 2024 X post by @kayolefinest proclaiming, “Khali’s not just a rapper; he’s our voice.”

Personal Life

Khaligraph Jones, born Brian Ouko Omollo, married Georgina Muteti, a Kenyan hairdresser and entrepreneur, in a private ceremony in 2018. “She was there when I had nothing; that’s real love,” he said, praising her loyalty during his early struggles in Kayole, when he often relied on her support to cover basic expenses. The couple has two children: a daughter, Amali, born in 2019, and a son, Lu, born in 2021. Khaligraph also has a son, Xolani, from a previous relationship with singer Cashy Karimi, with whom he maintains a strained co-parenting relationship due to public disputes over custody and support. “I focus on my son, not drama,” he noted, emphasizing his commitment to Xolani’s well-being despite challenges. His children are a central motivation, with Khaligraph dedicating his 2025 album, The Book Of Jones (1st Chapter), to their future. “My kids are my why; I hustle for them,” he said.

Despite his fame, Khaligraph strives to maintain privacy, a choice he attributes to his desire to protect his family from media scrutiny. In a 2024 interview, he emphasized that each artist has a right to refuse media interviews, saying, “I don’t owe anyone my personal life; I share what I choose,” a stance he upheld after declining tabloid requests for home tours. He resides in Nairobi’s upscale Karen estate, where he is building a mansion equipped with a state-of-the-art home studio, a project he described as a legacy for his children. “I want my kids to grow up comfortable, not like I did,” he shared, reflecting on his impoverished childhood in Kayole. A 2024 Citizen Digital report noted the mansion’s modern design, featuring a gym and gaming room, aligning with his fitness and leisure interests.

Raised in a strict Christian household by his single mother, Khaligraph credits his church upbringing for instilling discipline and resilience, values he carries despite now leading a secular lifestyle. “God kept me alive in Kayole; I owe Him everything,” he said, revealing he attends church weekly and prays daily, often with his family. He frequently expresses pride in his Kenyan heritage and Kayole roots, regularly returning to Soweto, Kayole, to support community initiatives like youth football tournaments and music workshops. A 2024 X post by @kayolefinest praised his involvement: “Khali never forgets Soweto; he’s our hero.” His philanthropy, often unpublicized, includes funding school fees for underprivileged Kayole children, a gesture he described as “paying forward my mother’s sacrifices.”

Khaligraph maintains close relationships with industry peers, particularly producer Motif Di Don, whom he considers a mentor, and rapper Mejja, whom he views as family. “Motif taught me the game; Mejja’s my brother,” he said, crediting their support for his career longevity. His friendship with comedian Njugush, forged during the 2024 Mic Cheque Podcast, led to a humorous skit collaboration, showcasing his lighter side. He is a fitness enthusiast, training daily to maintain stage energy, a routine sparked by early career trolling about his slender frame. “I hit the gym to shut them up, and it changed my life,” he noted, inspiring his 2024 launch of the Khali Fit brand to promote health among fans.

His personal interests include gaming, frequently visiting his Kayole gaming lounges to connect with youth, and automotive culture, reflected in his luxury car collection, including a Mercedes GLC and BMW X6. Khaligraph’s tradition of gifting Georgina a car for each child born—starting with a Range Rover for Amali—underscores his gratitude for her role as his anchor. “She’s my strength; those cars are a thank-you,” he said. Despite his wealth, estimated between $100,000 and $2 million, he maintains a grounded lifestyle, avoiding flashy displays. “I’m still that Kayole kid; money doesn’t change me,” he told Pulse Live in 2024.

Khaligraph’s bond with his mother remains profound, often visiting her in Kayole and crediting her prayers for his survival through the estate’s dangers. “She’s my rock; I’d be nothing without her,” he said, revealing plans to build her a house in 2025. His commitment to family extends to his siblings, with whom he shares a close relationship, occasionally featuring his younger brother in Khali Cartel music videos. In 2024, he celebrated his sixth wedding anniversary with Georgina via an Instagram post, captioning a family photo: “From Soweto to Karen, you’re my constant,” a sentiment echoed by fans on X for its authenticity. Khaligraph’s personal life reflects a balance of fame, faith, and community, rooted in his journey from Kayole’s struggles to Kenya’s spotlight.

Musical Style

Khaligraph Jones is celebrated for his versatile flow, lyrical depth, and ability to blend gritty street rap with elements of pop, melody, and traditional Kenyan rhythms, creating a distinctly Kenyan sound that resonates across Africa and beyond. He raps primarily in English, Sheng (a Nairobi street slang blending Swahili and English), and Swahili, seamlessly switching languages and rhythms to reflect the multilingual vibrancy of Nairobi’s urban culture. “I want listeners to think and feel,” he said, emphasizing his balance of entertainment with social commentary. His music often combines honest reflections on struggle, ambition, and pride with catchy hooks, making it both introspective and accessible.

His 2018 album Testimony 1990 was noted for its warm, optimistic vibe, mixing hard-hitting rap verses with sung choruses, as seen in tracks like “Mazishi” and “Yego,” which narrate his Kayole upbringing with emotional clarity. Invisible Currency (2022) incorporated trap and Afrobeat influences, broadening his appeal with tracks like “On the Real,” which showcased technical precision and global sensibilities. His 2025 album, The Book Of Jones (1st Chapter), leaned into introspective storytelling, addressing fatherhood and legacy, with a richer production palette blending hip-hop with soulful undertones. “I study rap like a science,” he told Mic Cheque Podcast, highlighting his meticulous approach to crafting flows and lyrics.

Influenced by American rappers Tupac Shakur, 50 Cent, and Nas, as well as Kenyan pioneers like Bamboo and E-Sir, Khaligraph’s storytelling draws from personal experiences of poverty, bullying, and resilience, making his music relatable yet aspirational. “Tupac taught me to speak truth; Bamboo showed me it could be Kenyan,” he said, crediting these figures for shaping his narrative-driven style. His lyrics often explore Nairobi’s socio-economic challenges—crime, inequality, and youth ambition—while celebrating Kenyan pride, as in “Omollo” (2017), a tribute to his roots. He employs vivid imagery and wordplay, with lines like “I’m the king, no crown, just respect” in “Superman” (2021), showcasing his lyrical dexterity.

Khaligraph’s integration of traditional Kenyan sounds10 elements, particularly Ohangla—a Luo genre with upbeat rhythms—adds cultural depth, as heard in “Kamnyweso” with Mejja, which fuses Ohangla’s percussive energy with hip-hop beats. This blend reflects his commitment to cultural authenticity, a trait critics praise for grounding his music in East African identity. His 2023 Coke Studio Africa collaboration with Nikita Kering, “Sina,” merged hip-hop with soulful melodies, showcasing his versatility in balancing street grit with mainstream appeal. He also experiments with dancehall and reggae influences, as in “Wavy” with Sarkodie, which pairs rapid-fire flows with Caribbean-inspired rhythms.

His technical prowess shines in his cadence and delivery, often alternating between rapid, double-time flows and slower, deliberate bars to emphasize emotional weight. In “Leave Me Alone” (2020), which won Best Hip Hop Act in Africa at Nigeria’s Soundcity MVP Awards, he uses a staccato flow to assert dominance, while “No More” (2023) with Cassper Nyovest adopts a conversational tone to address mental health, a topic rarely tackled in African hip-hop. Critics on X, like @hiphopke in 2024, have lauded his ability to “switch flows like gears,” noting his influence on younger rappers like Wakadinali.

Khaligraph’s production choices, often in collaboration with Motif Di Don, emphasize booming basslines, crisp snares, and atmospheric synths, creating a cinematic quality that enhances his storytelling. He co-produced tracks on Invisible Currency, experimenting with layered instrumentation to appeal to international audiences while retaining Nairobi’s sonic edge. His live performances, such as at the 2024 Umoja Splash Festival, are high-energy, with choreographed stage movements and call-and-response chants that engage crowds, cementing his reputation as a dynamic showman. Khaligraph’s style—rooted in authenticity, technical skill, and cultural pride—positions him as a trailblazer, with OkayAfrica noting in 2024 that he “redefines what Kenyan hip-hop can be.”

Controversies

Khaligraph Jones’s outspoken persona, competitive lyrical style, and bold social media presence have frequently placed him at the center of controversies, ranging from high-profile rap beefs to personal and political disputes. His provocative approach, often blending humor and bravado, has sparked debates across East Africa and beyond, with fans and critics alike engaging passionately on platforms like X. While Khaligraph often dismisses detractors with wit, describing controversies as “fuel for my fire,” these incidents have shaped his public image as both a trailblazer and a polarizing figure.

Rap Beefs

Khaligraph’s career is punctuated by rap beefs, a hallmark of hip-hop culture, which he views as competitive sparring to elevate the genre. “Beefs keep rap alive; I’m built for this,” he said in 2024, framing disputes as artistic challenges.

Nigeria Beef with Blaqbonez (2020)

In January 2020, Khaligraph ignited a high-profile feud with Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez after winning the Best Hip Hop Act at the Soundcity MVP Awards in Lagos, beating nominees like Blaqbonez, Falz, Sarkodie, and Kwesta. Blaqbonez, dismissing the win, posted a video on Instagram claiming he was “still the best rapper in Africa” and announced a diss track, prompting Khaligraph to respond within hours with “Best Rapper in Nigeria,” produced by Motif Di Don. The track, which trended in Nigeria, featured biting lines like, “I’m the best rapper in Nigeria right now / They already crowned the king, you should wait for the next season,” and mocked Blaqbonez’s relevance, comparing him to “Bow Wow in 2002.” Khaligraph also praised Nigerian OGs like M.I, Ice Prince, and Vector while criticizing newer rappers for “chasing fame.” Blaqbonez retaliated with “Green Blaq Green” on January 15, 2020, delivering punchlines like, “Clout-chasing agbaya, you should look at yourself / This Nigerian hype juice got this nigga obsessed,” and referencing Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge to taunt Khaligraph’s legacy. Initially, Blaqbonez apologized, claiming his diss was a joke, but fan pressure and Khaligraph’s unrelenting bars prolonged the feud. The beef escalated when Blaqbonez arrived in Kenya on August 16, 2021, for a media tour promoting his album *Sex Over Love*, challenging Khaligraph to a fistfight via Instagram: “Khaligraph Jones, I’m challenging you to a fistfight; I don’t want music anymore.” The two later reconciled, with Blaqbonez posting a video captioned, “We settled the beef THE ONLY WAY I know how,” suggesting a mutual respect. X users like @kenyanvibe in 2020 called it “the beef that woke up African rap,” crediting it for sparking continental interest.

Tanzanian Rap Beef (2023)

In August 2023, Khaligraph sparked a major controversy by releasing a diss track and posting on social media, claiming he could “take over the whole Tanzanian music industry” and become “the best rapper in Tanzania, just like I am in Nigeria and Kenya” if Tanzanian rappers failed to respond. Intended as a promotional stunt for his single “Minimal Pressure,” the move drew backlash from Tanzanian artists, including Harmonize (a prior collaborator), Rosa Ree, Msodoki Young Killer, and Motra The Future, who accused him of disrespecting their industry. Harmonize, on Instagram, called the remarks “a grave form of disrespect,” referencing their past collaboration, while Rosa Ree responded with a diss track asserting her dominance. Kenyan rapper Octopizzo labeled it a “cry for help.” Khaligraph apologized on Tanzania’s Wasafi TV, admitting his comments were misinterpreted as an attack rather than a call for a friendly rap battle. “I regret any offense; it was just bars,” he said, acknowledging Tanzania’s chart dominance. The controversy boosted “Minimal Pressure” to 2 million YouTube views in weeks, a point Khaligraph noted with pride.

Octopizzo Rivalry (2015–Present)

Khaligraph’s longest-running feud is with Kenyan rapper Octopizzo, sparked in 2015 when Juliani posted a photo of Khaligraph, Octopizzo, and King Kaka, captioned, “The only one with more bars than the three combined is me!!” Khaligraph released “Khali Vibe,” targeting his peers, prompting Octopizzo’s “No Signal.” King Kaka later revealed the feud risked violence, requiring mediation. In 2024, Khaligraph described it as professional rivalry, stating, “He’s talented, but I’m the king; we push each other,” though fan tensions persist. A 2024 X post by @hiphopke noted, “Khali vs. Octo is good for Kenyan rap; it keeps the scene alive.”[](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaligraph_Jones)[](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaligraph_Jones)

Stoopid Boy Clash (2024)

In July 2024, rising Kenyan rapper Stoopid Boy accused Khaligraph in interviews of remixing young artists’ songs to stay relevant, prompting a sharp response. Khaligraph called Stoopid Boy “an upcoming artist” he respects but hinted at addressing detractors in his next album, saying, “Sensitive people should avoid it.” Reported by Mpasho, the clash fueled X debates, with @kenyanvibe stating, “Stoopid Boy’s just chasing clout; Khali’s untouchable.”

Diamond Platnumz Accusation (2023)

In 2023, Khaligraph accused Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz of copying his coffin-themed performance for “Yego” during a concert, posting the claim on Instagram. Fans dismissed it as a publicity stunt, and Diamond did not respond, rendering it a minor dispute.

Political Controversies

In April 2021, Khaligraph led 30 Kenyan artists to meet then-Deputy President William Ruto during the COVID-19 pandemic, amid tensions between Ruto and President Uhuru Kenyatta. The meeting, focused on artists’ economic struggles, was misinterpreted as endorsing Ruto’s 2022 presidential candidacy, especially after Khaligraph’s Instagram appeals to Ruto and Raila Odinga, with only Ruto responding. His offer to campaign “pro-bono” for Ruto if concerns were addressed fueled speculation. “I was pushing for hustlers, not politics,” he clarified, distancing himself from endorsements. Octopizzo and King Kaka criticized the meeting as “opportunistic,” leading Khaligraph to release “Usiache Akemewe” before Ruto’s 2022 inauguration, perceived as a jab at detractors.

Personal Disputes

Khaligraph’s strained relationship with ex-girlfriend Cashy Karimi, mother of his son Xolani, has been a public controversy. From 2021–2023, Cashy accused him of being an absentee father and providing inadequate support, airing grievances on Instagram and in Tuko.co.ke interviews. Khaligraph refuted this, stating, “I provide for my son; I won’t air private matters,” and threatened legal action in 2023 if disputes continued. Tensions peaked when Cashy criticized a birthday message from Khaligraph’s wife, Georgina Muteti, to Xolani, calling it insincere.

Public Image Controversies

In 2024, Khaligraph’s unveiling of his Karen mansion on Instagram drew mixed reactions, with some praising its grandeur and others mocking its size, likening it to a “Level 4 hospital” or “Zetech College campus.” A Kisii contractor, Afande Moses, claimed it cost over KSh 100 million, fueling debates about extravagance. Khaligraph responded, “Hamjazoea hizi settings,” comparing his home to Rick Ross’s estate.

In 2017, The Standard falsely suggested Khaligraph bleached his skin, which he debunked, saying, “I’m proud of my dark skin; that’s nonsense.” In 2021, Instagrammer Wizzotanonane mocked his fashion, alleging “fake” clothes, prompting Khaligraph to retort, “I’m too big for that noise; my slang makes bangers.” These incidents underscore his resilience, as he noted in 2024: “Talk is cheap; my music speaks.”

Political Views

Khaligraph focuses on social issues over partisan politics, using his music and platform to address poverty, unemployment, and youth empowerment. During the COVID-19 economic crisis in 2020, he appealed to Kenyan leaders for aid, writing to then-Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga to tackle hunger and joblessness. “I offered to campaign for Ruto for free if he helped,” he said, clarifying it was a call to action, not an endorsement. In 2024, he reiterated his non-partisan stance, prioritizing community aid. “I’d rather feed Kayole than campaign for anyone,” he said, supporting food drives and youth programs in his hometown.

His 2024 backing of Gen Z protests highlighted his alignment with youth activism, advocating for better governance without aligning with any political faction. “I speak for the streets, not the suits,” he told Mic Cheque Podcast, earning praise from fans on X for his authenticity. He continues to fund scholarships and sports initiatives in Kayole, emphasizing grassroots change over political rhetoric.

Discography

Khaligraph Jones has built an extensive discography since his 2009 breakthrough, encompassing studio albums, mixtapes, EPs, and a prolific run of singles and collaborations that blend hip-hop, trap, Afrobeat, and Kenyan musical influences. His output, characterized by raw lyricism and cultural storytelling, has solidified his status as a leading figure in East African rap. “I make music for the streets and the world,” he said, reflecting his aim to resonate locally and globally. His discography includes three studio albums, multiple mixtapes, five *Khali Cartel* cypher EPs, and over 120 singles, with notable hits like “Mazishi,” “Yego,” and “Wavy.”

Studio Albums

Khaligraph’s albums showcase his evolution from Kayole’s street poet to a continental rap icon, blending personal narratives with universal themes.

• Point of No Return (2014) – His debut album, independently released, established his lyrical prowess with tracks like “Embesha” and “I Am King.” Recorded with limited resources, it was a raw reflection of his early hustle. “I had to prove I wasn’t a one-hit wonder,” he noted.
• Testimony 1990 (June 12, 2018) – A critically acclaimed project detailing his Kayole upbringing, poverty, and resilience. Featuring tracks like “Mazishi,” “Yego,” and “Testimony” with Sagini, it mixed gritty rap with melodic hooks. The album, executive-produced by Motif Di Don, garnered 1.5 million streams on Boomplay in its first month. Khaligraph called it “my life on wax.”
• Invisible Currency (March 7, 2022) – Released exclusively on Boomplay, this sophomore album incorporated trap and Afrobeat, with singles like “On the Real” and “Gwala” (featuring YCEE). It amassed 1 million streams in six days, reflecting his growing international appeal. “I wanted Africa to vibe with me,” he said.
• The Book Of Jones (1st Chapter) (April 4, 2025) – His most introspective work, addressing fatherhood, legacy, and Kenyan identity. Featuring Nyashinski, Falz, Mordecai Dex, Timmy Blanco, Teya Ticasso, and Silverstone, tracks like “Crashout” (with Teya Ticasso) gained traction. X posts by @NairobiGossips praised its depth, calling it “a game-changer.”

Mixtapes

Khaligraph’s mixtapes, often distributed free to build his fanbase, highlight his freestyle roots and street credibility.

• Khaligraph Jones Chronicles Part 1 (2004) – Released at age 14, this debut mixtape, recorded in Kayole’s Big Beats Studio, featured raw freestyles. “I was just a kid spitting bars,” he recalled.
• Khaligraph Jones Chronicles Part 2 (2006) – A follow-up showcasing improved lyricism, circulated locally in Nairobi.
• The Takeover (2009) – Released after his Channel O win, it was distributed free in Kayole to cement his local following. Tracks like “How It Go Iyeee” gained underground buzz. Re-released digitally in 2020, Khaligraph announced it on X (@KHALIGRAPH).
• Tema ma Verse (2012, with Abbas Kubaff) – A collaborative mixtape emphasizing freestyle cyphers, marking his early industry connections.

EPs

The *Khali Cartel* series, a platform for mentoring emerging rappers, is a cornerstone of Khaligraph’s discography, showcasing his commitment to Kenyan hip-hop’s growth.

• Khali Cartel 1 (March 12, 2018) – Featuring Span K.O.B, Don Jowlz, Petra, and Sagini, this cypher EP introduced his Blu Ink Corp label.
• Khali Cartel 2 (September 2018) – Expanded the roster with new talent, maintaining raw rap energy.
• Khali Cartel 3 (2019) – Included “Khali Cartel 3” (single), one of his most streamed tracks with 21.3 million Genius views.
• Khali Cartel 4 (2021) – Featured Rix Ronday and Rico Gang, blending Sheng and English flows.
• Khali Cartel 5 (March 6, 2025) – An 11-minute, chorus-free cypher with Fresh Like UHH, Mex Cortez, Ruyonga, Dyana Cods, Abbas Kubaff, and Jakk Quill from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. X posts by @BaboonForestEnt and @IAMartin_ hailed its “pure rap greatness.” A companion single, “Khali Cartel 5 (Missing Verse)” with VINC ON THE BEAT, was released concurrently.

Selected Singles

Khaligraph’s singles, often collaborative, reflect his versatility across genres and languages. Below is a curated list of notable releases, with full discography exceeding 127 songs per Genius.

• 2013: “How It Go Iyeee,” “Dedication”
• 2014: “Embesha,” “Fly,” “I Am King” (with Dj Dela Creme)
• 2015: “Yego,” “Songea,” “Natesa,” “Open Doors Refix,” “King Khali”
• 2016: “Mazishi,” “Ting Badi Malo” (with Chris Kantai), “Chizi,” “Wanjiru & Akinyi,” “So Gone,” “Micasa Sucasa” (with Cashy)
• 2017: “Omollo,” “Naked,” “Toa Tint” (Mask Off freestyle), “Gaza,” “Nataka Iyo Doh”
• 2018: “Rider” (with Petra), “Watajua Hawajui” (with Msupa S), “Work” (with Donn J), “Juu ya Ngori,” “Stick Miti,” “Coming Thru”
• 2019: “Superman,” “Leave Me Alone,” “Ruby,” “Me Siogopi”
• 2020: “Best Rapper in Nigeria” (Blaqbonez diss), “Yes Bana” (with Bien), “Roll With You,” “Hao” (with Masauti), “I Still Will,” “Tuma Kitu,” “Lwanda Magere Legacy,” “Kwendaa!!”
• 2021: “Wavy” (with Sarkodie), “Punguza Kasheshe,” “CHAMPEZ,” “Kamnyweso” (with Mejja)
• 2022: “Gwala” (with YCEE), “Bongo Favour”
• 2023: “Sina” (with Nikita Kering, Coke Studio Africa), “Minimal Pressure”
• 2024: “Kwame” (with Harmonize)
• 2025: “Crashout” (with Teya Ticasso, from *The Book Of Jones*)

Notable Collaborations

Khaligraph frequently collaborates with African and international artists, elevating his global profile. Key features include:

• “Sawa Sawa” (2021, with Susumila), “Ex (Remix)” (2023, Coke Studio with Nikita Kering), “In the City” (2020, with Ice Prince), “Tesa” (2020, with Fena Gitu), “Superwoman” (with Mr Eazi), “Now You Know” (with Rostam), “Sifu Bwana” (with Nyashinski), “Asante” (with Kusah), “Jack (Remix)” (with Nasty C, Dababy, Drake, Blueface).

Notes

Khaligraph’s discography is dynamic, with frequent single releases and collaborations. His *Khali Cartel* series continues to evolve, with plans for *Khali Cartel 6* teased in 2025, as seen in a diss track by @IamCliffMark. His work is available on platforms like Boomplay, Apple Music, Spotify, and Deezer, with vinyl releases gaining traction among collectors, per Vinyl Me, Please.

Filmography

• Click Click Bang (2022) – Crime-comedy film (supporting role)

Awards and Recognition

• Channel O Emcee Africa Champion (2009)
• Best Rap Act – AFRIMMA Awards (2018)
• Best Hip Hop Act in Africa – Soundcity MVP Awards (2020)
• BET Hip Hop Awards Nominee – Best International Flow (2020)
• Artist of the Year – East Africa Arts & Entertainment Awards (2024)
• Multiple Kenyan awards (e.g., Chaguo La Teeniez, Pulse Music Awards)

Other Ventures

Khaligraph Jones founded Blu Ink Corp, an independent Nairobi-based label managing his releases and mentoring artists like Rix Ronday. The label sells OG Drip merchandise, including hoodies, tees, and caps with slogans like “Respect the OGs,” popular among Kenyan youth. He plans to expand Blu Ink with a recording academy in Kayole by 2026, offering free training to underprivileged youth. “I want to give back what I never had,” he said.

He co-owns Omollo Customz, a custom car shop with rapper Lamaz Span K.O., specializing in luxury vehicle modifications. His car collection, including a Mercedes GLC and BMW X6, reflects his passion for automotive culture. Khaligraph operates gaming lounges in Kayole, providing safe spaces for youth, and is building a mansion in Karen with a state-of-the-art studio. His entrepreneurial ethos extends to gifting his wife a car for each child born, a tradition he calls “a thank-you for her strength.”

Khaligraph mentors young artists and DJs through Khali Cartel and community workshops, emphasizing discipline and hustle. His philanthropy includes funding scholarships, food drives, and sports programs in Kayole, often unpublicized. “I don’t do it for clout; it’s for my people,” he said. In 2024, he launched a fitness brand, Khali Fit, promoting health among fans, inspired by his daily gym routine.

External Links

• Blu Ink Corp Official Website
• Khaligraph Jones’s Instagram
• Khaligraph Jones’s YouTube