Mario TJ Cassela,[1] popularly known as Trio Mio (born October 22, 2004) is a Kenyan rapper, singer and songwriter.[2] He began his music career in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, with his debut single "Bazenga - Vile Inafaa." He is best known for his hit single "Cheza Kama Wewe," which was released on July 15, 2020, and featured remixes by other Kenyan artists such as Mejja, Exray and Nellythegoon.[3][4]
Trio Mio | |
|---|---|
| Born | Mario Thanks Jesus "TJ" Cassela October 22, 2004 |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Other names | Mkurugenzi wa Jiji |
| Occupations |
|
| Parent | Irma Sakwa[5] |
| Musical career | |
| Genres |
|
| Years active | 2020 - present |
| Labels | Trouble Music Kenya |
Early life and education
editHe was born in Nairobi, Kenya, to a father of Italian and Congolese descent and a Kenyan mother.[6] He completed his high school education in 2022 and took the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams in November 2022.[7]
Career
editIn early 2020,Trio Mio released his debut EP, "Son of the City", which included tracks such as "Cheza Kama Wewe" and other popular songs such as "Serereka" and "Kanairo". The EP received positive reviews from critics and fans, and topped the Kenyan charts for weeks. Trio Mio has since collaborated with various local and international artists, such as Shari Afrika, Tunu, Moeazy, Wiz Khalifa,[8] Wakadinali, A Pass, Masauti, Sauti Sol, and Breeder. His music is characterized by his versatile and dynamic style, blending rap, hip hop, and afrobeat genres.[9][10]
Management and Performances
Trio Mio is managed by his mother, Sofia Irma Sakwa, who also serves as his personal manager. In 2022, he was one of the performers at a peace concert in Nakuru, Kenya, ahead of the August 9 Kenyan General Election. He shared the stage with other popular artists such as Mercy Masika, Evelyn Wanjiru, Nadia Mukami, Sauti Sol, Octopizzo, and DJ Joe Mfalme.[11]
Recent Developments
In July 2023, Trio Mio announced that he was working on a song with American rapper Wiz Khalifa,[12] which was expected to be released in August 2023. The track was then released in November 2023.[8]
References
edit- ^ "Trio Mio Biography, Real Name, Age, Background and Music". whownskenya.com. May 2, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
- ^ Javan, Samora (June 27, 2022). "New From Trio Mio Featuring A-pass And Masauti: 'Do it'". Soundcity. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
- ^ "The big year that was 2021 for Kenya's rising star, Trio Mio". Citizen Digital. December 31, 2021. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ "Trio Mio's debut song 'Cheza kama wewe' hits 10M views on YouTube - K24 TV : K24 TV". www.k24tv.co.ke. December 29, 2021. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ "Trio Mio celebrates as his momager in style as she turns 50". Mpasho. August 24, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ "5 quick things you didn't know about Trio Mio : K24 TV". www.k24tv.co.ke. August 7, 2022. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ Anyango, Manny (January 20, 2023). "My son did his best, Trio Mio's mum says on KCSE result". The Star. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ a b "Trio Mio collaborates with American Rapper Wiz Khalifa on new song : K24 TV". www.k24tv.co.ke. November 5, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ "Trio Mio: 17-Year-Old High Schooler Mints Profits from Music". Business Today Kenya. October 26, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ "Sipangwingwi hitmaker opens up on music journey". Nairobi News. February 15, 2022. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ "Special peace concert set for Nakuru". Nation. July 30, 2022. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ Wafula, Linda (July 28, 2023). "Rap Sensation Trio Mio Set To Collaborate With Wiz Khalifa". KenyanVibe. Retrieved December 8, 2023.