How a Kenyan Rapper, Comedian, and Content Creator is using Meta Llama 2 & 3 AI.

In the vibrant heart of Nairobi, an organization known as Wasanii Mtaani/Artists in the Hood is revolutionizing the creative landscape. This collective brings together local artists, providing them with access to cutting-edge open-source AI tools to enhance their artistic endeavors. By leveraging technology and open source tools such as Google Textfx and Meta Llama 2 & 3, Wasanii Mtaani empowers artists to push the boundaries of their creativity. The organization’s mission is to bring in creative solutions that are more accessible, sustainable, and reflective of Nairobi’s dynamic street culture. Through workshops, collaborations, and innovative projects, Wasanii Mtaani fosters a thriving community of creators who are redefining what it means to be an artist in the digital age.

One of the standout initiatives by Wasanii Mtaani involves using Google Textfx to help rappers craft unique and compelling lyrics. This idea was inspired by the groundbreaking work of Lupe Fiasco, who utilized AI to write his song "A Glass of Water." The success of this project showcased the potential of AI in the creative process, prompting Wasanii Mtaani to adopt similar techniques. Rappers within the collective now use Google Textfx to generate lyrical ideas, refine their verses, and experiment with new styles. The AI tool provides a platform for artists to explore linguistic creativity, offering suggestions that they can build upon and personalize. This innovative approach not only enhances the quality of their work but also opens up new avenues for artistic expression.

A prime example of Wasanii Mtaani’s innovative use of AI is seen in the work of Jonte Picasso, a rapper, comedian, and content creator. Jonte creates Sheng/local slang content that covers music, lifestyle, fashion, skincare, and fragrances. He utilizes Meta’s Llama 2 & 3 opensource tools to develop engaging video scripts, which he then turns into short, captivating clips for his social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. By using these advanced AI tools, Jonte can brainstorm ideas, organize his thoughts, and create content that resonates with his audience. The AI-generated scripts serve as a foundation, allowing him to add his unique touch and style, resulting in content that is both entertaining and culturally relevant. His work exemplifies how AI can be a powerful ally in the creative process, enabling artists to produce high-quality content efficiently.

Beyond just creating scripts, Jonte also uses the opensource version of Meta Llama 2 & 3 to transform his rough, often garbled ideas into polished, organized concepts. These AI tools help him structure his content, making it more coherent and impactful. Jonte further refines these ideas by infusing them with Sheng, Nairobi’s street language, ensuring his content remains authentic and relatable to his local audience. The accessibility of these tools online is a significant advantage. Jonte starts by using a free VPN called Windscribe to access the Meta AI page, logging in with his Facebook account. He also directly uses the llama2.ai site to refine his content. Additionally, Jonte employs third-party websites like Vext Text and Gradient AI, which allow him to upload entire PDFs of scribbled content ideas or memes inorder to generate customized scripts. These platforms provide him with the flexibility to choose his preferred AI tool, Meta Llama 3, enhancing his creative process.

In conclusion, the innovative use of AI tools by African creatives, particularly Kenyan artists like those in Wasanii Mtaani, demonstrates the transformative potential of technology in the music and arts arena. By incorporating AI into their workflows, artists can write lyrics, create content, and organize their daily lives more effectively, paving the way for a new era of creativity and expression.

Photos Courtesy of Rockcil