Victoria Kimani. Chocolate City Music.
These two names have been in the news after the weekend expression of her intention to leave the record label that gave her a break into the African market.
The label’s most prized asset on the continent, Kimani has expressed her interest in leaving Chocolate City. The singer was signed with great fanfare and ceremony in 2012, and she has since dropped two projects – “Queen Victoria” mixtape (2013) and “Safari” album (2016).
But contrary to several reports, she has left. This is untrue. Kimani is still with Chocolate City, but she intends to leave. That’s after she is done pushing ‘Safari’
“Safari” the album was released in December 2017, and features high profile collaborations from stars across the continent. Sarkodie, Khuli Chana, Jesse Jagz, Phyno and Ice Prince. At the time of this story, three of those songs have music videos released for the project.
Pulse reviewed the project, scoring it high with the verdict: “Although she brands herself to appeal to the senses in a sexy way, her music does possess a knowledge, accuracy and skill which requires old-school wisdom and inclusiveness, the likes of which can be drawn African maternal knowledge.”
But she appears to be unhappy with the record label and it shows in her interview with Pulse. “Yes, “Safari” the album is the final project with them,” she said via email.
One of Chocolate City’s bragging credentials in the African music space rests on the fact that they have talents not just in Nigeria, but in other countries. But Kimani’s imminent exit threatens that. According to her, her contract with the record label expired two years ago.
“Contract has been expired since March 2015.” She explained. “Safari was given to Chocolate City in good faith, it’s just time. It has been 5 years. No contract is for life.”
The label, founded in 2005 by lawyer Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo and Yahaya Maikori has gone through several cycles in Nigerian music history, and enjoys the status as a top music company in Africa. Kimani was critical to their expansion into other parts of the continent. She was the flagship artist outside Nigeria, and she believes that they have accomplished much in the space.
“Overall, I believe we have accomplished everything we needed to together, broke down barriers and set trends. Now you see East African artists in Nigeria and Nigerians in East Africa and its normal now. In 2012, that was unheard of. My presence on the label has also shifted the industry in Kenya as well. Many people in Nigeria don’t get to see that effect. We accomplished many things together. Too many to list here.”
What Victoria Kimani offers Chocolate City isn’t just the music. She is the their strong candidate on the continent who serves as both a talent and a PR mascot for the face of the label. Without Kimani, Chocolate City their roster looks a little light. They still have another Kenyan artist signed – Qritical – but he appears to be a future project which is still being groomed.
But for now, Kimani is still with the label. And she confirms that it will be the case until promotion for “Safari” is concluded.
“I have the upmost respect and love for Audu (Maikori) and Moh who signed me to Chocolate City in 2012. We are still working together, the album still has many activations to roll out all year long. Every family has its disagreements, but the foundation is always respect.
“I will always consider them family and good friends. Sometimes family and good friends can’t carry you all the way, sometimes they can. Either way, I am gratetful to my Chocolate City family and all the staff, interns, producers and artists that have come and gone over the years.”