From Scoring a D+ in School to Minting Millions the Little Known Story Of Khaligraph Jones

Brian Robert Ouko, widely known as Khaligraph Jones, Papa Jones, or the OG, stands as one of Kenya's most accomplished and revered rap artists. His distinctive rawness, assertive persona, and remarkable lyricism have positioned him as a standout figure in the Kenyan Hip-Hop scene, earning him recognition as a face of the genre in the country.

Despite the acclaim he enjoys today, Khaligraph's journey to success has been marked by challenges, and he started from rock bottom. This article sheds light on Khaligraph Jones' remarkable journey to becoming one of Africa's best rappers:

 Khaligraph Jones' Early Life and Education

Born on June 12, 1990, in Kayole, a Nairobi informal settlement, Khaligraph faced early life challenges. Limited details are available about his formative years, but he revealed in an interview that financial constraints affected his high school journey, resulting in him scoring a D+ in his KCSE exams.

Khaligraph Music Debut

Khaligraph's foray into music began during high school. In Form Three, he performed at various events, earning up to Sh15,000 per show. Post-high school, he worked as a club bouncer, earning Sh500 per night. However, a job dispute led to his exit, propelling him to fully embrace his music dream. His participation in the 2009 Channel O MC Africa Challenge marked a significant milestone, paving the way for his entry into Kenya's mainstream music industry.

Khaligraph Jones' Major Breakthrough

The turning point in Khaligraph's career came in 2013 with the release of "YEGO," a song dedicated to Kenyan javelin champion Julius Yego. The track resonated widely, catapulting Khaligraph to national fame. Subsequent releases like "Mazishi," "Now You Know," "Toa Tint," "Yes Bana," "HAO," and "Sifu Bwana" further solidified his position.

Collaborations with renowned musicians, both locally and internationally, including Sauti Sol, Nyashinski, Sarkodie, and others, added to his acclaim. Through the Khali Cartel series, Khaligraph provides a platform for emerging rappers to showcase their talents in collaborative songs.

Khaligraph Jones' Awards and Achievements

Khaligraph's hard work garnered him recognition, including the Best Rap Act award at the SoundCity MVP Awards in Nigeria (2018) and a nomination in the Best International Flow category at the BET Hip Hop Awards (2019), making him the first Kenyan to achieve this feat. He has also been part of corporate projects like Coke Studio Africa and collaborated with various brands as an ambassador.

Khaligraph the Businessman

Beyond music, Khaligraph has ventured into entrepreneurship. His company, Omollo Customz, focuses on collecting and trading luxurious cars. This business success is evident in his impressive car collection, featuring a Mercedes Benz, a Lexus LX570, a Chrysler, and a Subaru, among others.

Khaligraph Jones' journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing a multifaceted artist who has left an indelible mark on the Kenyan music industry.