Videographer: Natasha Ayoo @directedbynatashaayo
Nothing about Boutross is easy to explain.
His reclusive nature does not make it easier; his friends call him “Roach” because of his persistent nature. He, however, reiterates that Boutross the artist does not differ from Boutross, born and raised in Nairobi, who started out competing in local competitions at 12 years. Since then, he has released six solo projects and two collaborative projects, his most recent achievement being listed as one of Empawa’s Top 100 Artists. He describes himself as “smart, a go-getter, and persistent”, although no amount of hearing his delight in his successes can paint a picture of how impressive it is to hear his music. He briefly hinted at a comedy career during our interview with a joke that ended with us in stitches- the consensus was that music was a better career path. . His latest record Yea Yea Yea balances a fresh and urban sound with his playful play on words to create a soundtrack worthy of being a feel-good anthem. His love for fashion is evident throughout the video with his blue denim ensemble that he describes as one of his favourite outfits. “ I regret not carrying it from that shoot.”
The Shrap music scene looked
a lot different when twelve-year-old
Boutross
stepped onto the stage for the first, and it is more different now with him in it. Despite his prolific talents and following, the hip-hop industry has not spared him from the lessons and experiences it offers to those who start early. “
Starting early enabled me to see the world for what it is,” and credits the industry for “presenting opportunities to meet so many people-good and bad.”
Styling: Kabi Kimari @kabikimari999
Make-up artist: Nirbas Beauty @nirbasbeauty
Photographer: Stephanie Matu @panzigo
Set design: Bakhita @lunar_consciousness
Creative Director: Mina Hameau
Styling: Kabi Kimari @kabikimari999
Make-up artist: Nirbas Beauty @nirbasbeauty
Photographer: Stephanie Matu @panzigo
Set design: Bakhita @lunar_consciousness
Creative Director: Mina Hameau
"If you cut the grass short enough,
you'll realise that it's not only snakes
that are lurking beneath and that there
is a lot more underneath to deal with."
Like many artists — particularly those who are credited as pioneers in their respective genres-Boutross describes the experience when he started out as experimental and equally dangerous. As propagators of a new sound in Kenya, Boutross and his counterparts were treading into unfamiliar territory in the music scene. “We saw ourselves in the main character of Dolemite, whose ability to fill theatres and gather crowds they often doubted. But through it all, he had faith in the few fans in each area he would visit that ultimately added up to millions of people. “
And he is constantly shaping and reshaping the content and narrative about Shrap and Hip-hop. His music and influence have continued to impact younger generations on creating more music in the genre. “My word of advice to those who are starting out, the key is self initiative. “Asked about what influence the industry has had on him and his craft, “the Shrap community and industry has helped me to dream bigger. I thought I dreamt big, but music opened me up to much more. “
Aside from his music,
his eclectic and vibrant fashion sense vividly distinguishes him from the rest. He credits himself as an advocate for local fashion brands and mentions Black Viking as one of his favorite brands. “Luxury to me is having something that no one else has- the inaccessible,” he explains, as he credits his fashion for bringing out his personality.
“I like to push limits and experiment, and I love fashion so I was open to seeing what the YM Life team would deliver based on the ideas they presented for the shoots.” He credits the platform for the role that it might play in putting creatives in places where they cannot do so on their own.
Styling: Kabi Kimari @kabikimari999
Make-up artist: Nirbas Beauty @nirbasbeauty
Photographer: Stephanie Matu @panzigo
Set design: Bakhita @lunar_consciousness
Creative Director: Mina Hameau
Styling: Kabi Kimari @kabikimari999
Make-up artist: Nirbas Beauty @nirbasbeauty
Photographer: Stephanie Matu @panzigo
Set design: Bakhita @lunar_consciousness
Creative Director: Mina Hameau
“Stylist”
Kabi Kimari @kabikimari999
“Make up”
Nirbas Beauty
“Photography”
Stephanie Matu @panzigo
