Rapper Jon thee Don
Pachagazine: What’s your brand name?
Don: Jon thee Don or JD.
Pachagazine: And what is your real name?
Don: I was named after my grandpa John Mbugua Thandi.
Pachagazine: Tell us something about John the Don.
Don: Jon thee Don is best known to be a vibe everywhere that he goes and to all that he meets. Whether they are on a different lane ama we are doing the same thing. In this industry, Jon thee Don is also a producer, an actor, a rapper and songwriter. Basically, I’m an entertainer.
Pachagazine: You have interest different field, which one came first?
Don: I started scripting my own lyrics back in 2010 while I was in class 8. At that’s when I was open to music apart from “kigoco” (vernacular gospel) and country music. My dad couldn’t let us listen to any other music apart from the two. So that’s was when I was introduced to rap music.
I started listening to Lil Wayne, Birdman and T.I. So that’s how I was motivated and inspired to write rap music. Later in 2012, I learnt about Drake Kendrick and J Cole since they were like new to the industry. Now these three artists when you mix their vibes, you get the current Jon thee Don.
Pachagazine: Are you signed with any label or you work independently?
Don: I’m independent
Pachagazine: Why call yourself the Don?
Don: It came after a long search I had so many names back then but this one felt right and it felt like I was the one to grace my hood up so I went for it
Pachagazine: Are you a full-time artist, or it’s just a hobby?
Don: I’m a full-time artist
Pachagazine: Do entertaining pay?
Don: I believe it does, but one has to be in the right place an the right set of mind , you have to be ready, you got to be hungry ,you got to have the yearning that’s so big that’ll push you to do better and better every time.
“people pay what they value most”.
~Jon thee Don
Pachagazine: Who inspires your entertainment journey locally?
Don: They’re so many. Starting with the OG’s. King Kaka with his Empire and how he got deals with Remy Martin being their brand ambassador. Wow, that so motivational.
Then we have Octopizzo, Khaligraph, new artists like Liquid from the hood, we have Boutros, … the lost is long.
Pachagazine: When did you release your first official piece?
Don: 2019. Real Talk was my first release featuring my hommie Troy Baraka also the one who produced the track. Shout out to him.
Pachagazine: So which type of rap do you rock with? or you are versatile.
Don: I can fit in any vibe I’m giving. But I’m purely in rap, hip-hop.
Pachagazine: Do you have any EPs/album
Don: The first one is called Settin it Str8 though it was unfinished … 6 songs are already out in YouTube. two tracks got lost.
Pachagazine: Any collaboration?
Don: Yes, by I have so many tracks that I have had the pleasure of collaborating with great artists and Emcees.
From my hommie Troy Baraka to the entire Studio Seven Franchise, Inheritance Group, My home Crew – (2 Town Empire) shout-out to Qido, King kid Klassic, Madphyn, Pg. Shanky, Vosti, Ghost, Trippy Wan, K2, Heteki, Pachy Mwangi, Kenna Crae.
Pachagazine: How do you think your content is unique from other rapper for cross competition?
Don: The Don is a story teller, I tell stories about my life and experiences and stories from others too. I mix storytelling with quick short phrases that keep the flow tight
Pachagazine: What are your future plans?
Don: know the does and, “if you gave the guts to ” dons of the industry… An EP on the way … Marooned Soldier, is the name.
Pachagazine: Where can people find your music?
Don: YouTube page Jon thee Don
SoundCloud Jon thee Don
Pachagazine: Which hood do you represent?
Don: Dagoretti South.
Pachagazine: How can we follow you on social media?
Don: It’s Jon thee Don everywhere on IG FB and Twitter
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