King Kaka reveals how he recorded his first album without paying
By William Muthama, June 27, 2026Rapper King Kaka has shared the story behind his debut album, Tales of Kaka Sungura, revealing that he recorded the project without paying studio fees.
In an Instagram video shared on Saturday, June 27, 2026, the award-winning rapper reflected on his journey in 2007 when he was still trying to establish himself in Nairobi’s music scene.
According to King Kaka, his breakthrough came after meeting renowned music producer DJ Loop at his Westlands studio. Rather than introducing himself as a rapper looking for a recording opportunity, he chose a different approach.
“I asked DJ Loop what he needed in his life. I told him he needed someone to run errands because he would always be sending people around,” King Kaka recalled.
Trust changed everything
King Kaka said the decision paid off, as DJ Loop gradually built trust in him and eventually handed him a key to the recording studio.
To the rapper, receiving the key symbolised more than just access to the studio.
“When someone gives you their keys, they are telling you two things. First, they trust you completely. Second, they are telling you that you can come to them anytime,” he said.
Besides trusting him with the studio, DJ Loop also taught him sound engineering, including how to mix and master songs, a skill that would later shape his music career.
Secret studio sessions
King Kaka revealed that every Sunday, he would visit the studio alone, record his own music and carefully hide the project files before leaving.
After months of working in secret, he completed his album and left it on a table in the studio for DJ Loop to discover.
“When he came in, he found my completed album. I told him he had inspired me because by then I had learned how to record myself,” he said.
Impressed by his commitment, DJ Loop offered to mix the entire album and produce some of its songs, allowing King Kaka to release his debut project without paying studio fees.
Reflecting on the experience, King Kaka encouraged aspiring creatives to invest in practical skills and never shy away from building genuine relationships.
He said learning sound engineering later enabled him to record his upcoming album, Year of the Pen, from home by sending vocals remotely for production.
The rapper also urged young people to take chances by reaching out to brands and industry players, saying opportunities often come from unexpected conversations.