Octopizzo is a hip hop artist from Kibera, the largest slum in Africa and the Founder of the C.B.O. and youth group Y.G.B. (Young, Gifted, and Black), consisting of talented rappers, poets, graffiti artists, graphic artists, and dancers... Born Octopizzo (HENRY OHANGA) is a hip hopper by birth. He attended primary and secondary school in Kibera as well as St. Mary's Changamwe College in Mombasa, before coming back to Nairobi to get down with the microphone. He is the first-born in a family of four and is also a proud Daddy to two Lovely daughters Tracy and Zara At a very young age Octopizzo was first and foremost shaped by his life in Kibera, but was musically influenced by artists such as Jay Z and Eminem. He has won various freestyle competitions in Kenya, including G Pange Hip Hop Challenge, Hip Hop Halisi Freestyle Challenge, and Usanii Kona Hip Hop Challenge. He has also performed at a variety of events including Translating Hip Hop (Goethe Institute), International Hip Hop Summit, Grand National Peace Concerts, Global Development of Peaceful Environments, as well as several university, charity, and HIV Awareness concerts. Octopizzo has shared the stage with international artists such as Dead Prezz (U.S.A.), Snoop Dogg(USA),M.i (Nigeria)King Sani Ade(Nigeria) and many more. Octopizzo has recorded 3 mix-tapes: S.O.N. (Strugglers of Nairobi), Y.G.B. (Young Gifted and Black), and The White Shadow. In 2008 S.O.N. was the best selling mixtape in Kenyan hip hop history. His album Chocolate City is soon due for release. Apart from music, Octopizzo is also the C.E.O of Chocolate City (Kibera) Tours and Chairman/Founder of the youth group Y.G.B. (Young, Gifted, and Black), a community based organization (C.B.O.). He is the serving Youth Ambassador for Film Aid International where he works with refugees from diffrent countries and support them artistically. Octopizzo also has a hip hop fashion line called "YGB WEAR" well known for his Y.G.B. t-shirts, SnapBacks and Condom line dubbed 'LET'S DO IT' soon to be launched. And on other arts Octopizzo is also an Actor who has been in Remarkable Programmes like on MTV SHUGA Season 2 drama. Octo was also nominated as BEST Male Artist of the year during the 2012 Coastal Nzumari Awards, which he Won. Octopizzo also has a number of major deals in Kenya from Coca Cola, Safaricom, Sprite and Nescafe. He has also performed outside Kenya in Cities like Dubai and Manchester. Last but not least, Octopizzo does alot of work with communities helping to impact the lives of the less fortunate. Project such as the art center at Kakuma refuge camp, Power Womens' Group for supporting women with HIV in Kibera and Youth Gifted & Black that deals with Youth empowerment programmes are some of the projects he is very passionate about. - See more at:
