QSTICK BALAA

AKA: Stephen Nyoike

Birthplace: Kenya Gender: Male

Race or Ethnicity: Black

Sexual Orientation: Straight

Occupation: Musician Nationality: “Kenyan”

Qstick Balaa is a young musician ushering in a new genre of music, which can only be described as explosive and intense. Qstick has a lot of culture through his upbringing having grown in up in the ghetto of Kawangware. He is the second born in a family of three is childhood played a major role in molding him as he started performing as early as four yrs 14 yrs old. Music became his driving force all through high school, as he would often perform for his classmates.

Having combined reggae, hip-hop and genge (Kenyan), he creates a unique and vibrant sound. This can be heard in some of his songs like “Friday Night”. When on stage performing, he is untouchable as he brings a positive energy to the stage that ignites his fans.

He uses his lyrics, not only to entertain but also to encourage his fans with a positive message this can be heard in the song “Upendo”. As he says in his own words “if music is the universal language then I am the translator.” He also writes his own music.

His big break came in 2002 Children’s World Aid’s day when he opened a show for Redsan (a popular Kenyan artist). This made him realize that he had truly found his calling. He first belonged to two groups earlier; “Bow and Arrow” and D.F.C which comprised of Jim a.k.a ban 2 and other members. After what seemed like an uphill battle he got his first recording deal with “Calif records” in 2004. When he came to the united state he teamed up with a female artist known as Sharon Thoithi aka shazz to form the group “Totally Kenyan”

Qstick was then featured in the acclaimed magazine “The Insyder”-June 2004- which was extremely popular among the teens in Kenya. By now he had established his place in the music industry and proved that he was a force to be reckoned with.

Moving to the United States only fueled his drive as he joined a group known as Totally Kenyan, which was produced and recorded by Pharoz. Totally Kenyan was called to open shows for popular Kenyan artists like Nonini, Jua Cali, while performing in collaboration with Dynamq.

As a sole artist Qstick has performed and curtain raised for artists like... Necessary noize, Gidi and Maji, Nonini, Jua Cali, Bamboo, Mr Nice, Logombas, Code Red Dj Stylez , Singer Dynamq.

Inspired by the likes of Sizzla, Richie Spice and Anthony B, Qstick is hoping to rise to greater musical heights as he grows up in the industry.

Currently Qstick is working under the Royal Entertainment/Chizzi Inc production. Qstick has big things planned ahead him as he is working on releasing an album and performing in different states in the summer of 2007.

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