Singer-songwriter Ahmed Kakoyi best known for his stage name “Mad Ice” is one of the most
charismatic artists the world music genre has to offer. Based in Helsinki, Finland Mad Ice has
gained recognition with his fabulous soulful voice and touching live performances. With love being
the main message conveyed on the lyrical side of his compositions, Mad Ice’s music is a unique
fusion of melancholic Africa melodies with a touch of soul…call it Afro-soul.
Not only is Mad Ice a talented writer but a great performer as well. Listening to his warm and
powerful voice is an experience, whether you understand the language or not…Its like being on a
transcending journey to the unknown. Appreciated by any audience, Mad Ice performs regularly
with his band on Jazz and World, even on Pop and Rock stages. Being recognized as one of the
greatest stars in East Africa, his music is year after year on playlists not only on African but also on
international radio stations.
ROOTS
Born in Uganda 1980, Mad Ice started his career way back in 1998 as a young Mcee on various
club events, Talent shows and singing covers in hotels. Influenced mostly by mid 90s Caribbean
Ragga/Reggae sounds of Chaka demus & pliers, Shaggy and the likes, this affected a lot on Mad
Ice’s earlier style which can be heard on his 2003 debut album Baby Gal.
From an early age Mad Ice has always been a big fan of Ragga/Reggae music, but at home he grew
up listening to Country, Soft rock and some South African music. In search for inspiration, Mad
Ice’s ability to embrace different music genres led him to Seal, Tracy Chapman, Khaja nin, and
Lokua Kanza’s music… I guess this explains the diverseness of the singer and his music today.
DISCOGRAPHY
BABY GAL
By the end of 2002 Mad Ice teamed up with producer Miikka “Mwamba” Kari and started working
on his debut album in Dar es salaam,Tanzania. Released in 2003 the album title song “Baby gal”
became one of the biggest #1 hit song of all times in East Africa staying on top of the charts for
months on many radio stations in the region. This led to Mad Ice’s long and successful career
locally and internationally.
MAD ICE
After visiting Finland in 2004, Mad Ice secured a record deal with a Finnish record label and in
2005 the label released his first album as to the European market. This self-titled release was more
of a remake of Mad Ice’s debut album Baby Gal but with a few additional english tunes.
MANENO
Released in 2007, MANENO album features songs like “Wange” #1 hit single 2005 – 2006
Tanzania & Uganda, Afro-groove version of one of the most known African traditional songs
“Malaika” and “Nionyeshe njia” a single that made Mad Ice to be recognized also as one of Africa’s
talented songwriter in the International Songwriting Competition USA 2007, when the song went
through to the semifinals in the world music category.
MAISHA EP –
Maisha – A swahili word for life!
In Maisha Mad Ice takes us through a tremendous journey familiar to so many, from life hardships
with “Maisha”, through greatest love with “Te Amo” and “Sogea”, parenting with “Nisikilize” to
relationship difficulties with “Mapenzi Sumu”. Without doubt Maisha EP showcases the real soulful
side of Mad Ice.