Known as the King of Kalpop, The DON of dons, Badman’s Killa, The Black Monster, Don Santo ( born April 13, 1986 as Chris Michael Wanzala) started singing at an age of 4 in church and family functions. Ie went professional in January 2010 doing my first single "She'z On Fire" with Grandpa Records. I am a versatile artist with love for the game.
I am the President of the Klassik Royal Organization, Photo-Videographer, Creative Director (Blame It On Don), producer, song writer, arranger, singer, actor, author and an all round entertainer.
The genius of Don Santo rests in my willingness to break from traditional formula and constantly push the envelope.
I flip the method of the moment with undeniable swagger and bold African sensibility.
I have written many songs for various artists and done backups for many other recording artists before venturing fully into the music career in the year 2010. I have also been performing in various functions among them weddings, funerals, festivals and many other corporate functions.
As a songwriter, I revisit simple, but profound aspects of the human experience – love, lust, desire, joy and pain that define classical art and drama. I apply Kalpop concept to rich, full vocals that exude my intended effect.
It is this uncanny ability to compose classics and deliver electrifying live performances that define everything that is essential Don Santo.
Among others, Michael Jackson, R- Kelly, Shaggy, Don Williams, Lokua Kanza & Joseph Hill have all inspired me and influenced who I am.
In 2010; I decided to venture into professional music in styles I know and understand best.
In 2013, I founded the Klassik Royal Organization whose core objectives are:
To identify and nurture talent(s) amongst the people
To empower the youths by promoting self sustenance through arts and innovation.
To promote teamwork and co-existence in the universe through arts and culture.
This gave birth to the Klassik Royal Community which has since spread around the world.
In 2015, I won the East Africa Music Awards in the Artist of the year Category while his song "Sina Makosa" won the Song of The year.
With all the musical experience, I will leave an imprint on your heart from a musician who is pure talent and an amazing performer. I am second to none.
I have three (3) albums to my name:
Alpha (2012)
Released in 2012, my first album Alpha was the best-selling album, generating three Top 10 hits. Sexy Lady stayed on the charts for 5 weeks, holding the No. 1 spot for 2 weeks. My collaboration with Tanzania’s Jilly Baby on “She’z On Fire” was an instant mega hit in Urban Kenya.
I sold over 10,000 copies in six weeks. My victories showcased the diverse nature of my work. With co-producer Jilly Baby, I shared the award for album of the year.
Milele (2014)
This was an 8-trac gospel album produced by me at Don J Records. My album Milele (2014), was released as a follow-up to Alpha, reached the top of the charts, with a record five No. 1 hits, including "Usinipite," "Independent Woman" and the title track. I spent more than a year on the road, playing concerts to promote the album.
While highly successful, Milele was unable to duplicate the phenomenal sales of Alpha.
Am BLACK (2018)
HOT AND JEST!
Imagine Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Franco & John Lennon meet R. Kelly at the gates of heaven: KALPOP MUSIC. The album features collaborations with Kingpheezle (Uganda), Jilly Baby (Tanzania) among other artists. Kalpop has once again proven it's ability to bring together all cultures under one harmony.
My Love for Kalpop Music is manifest.
If you want to listen to SIMPLY THE BEST MUSIC, listen to Don Santo!
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