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JIVU feat. Mbithi – “Weza” [Video]
Personally, I’d give a nod to every jam that JIVU release. The Nairobi-based duo are not only known for their sweet vocals but also for making tantalizing R&B/pop music. They are back with another Dillie-produced song named “Weza”. The buoyant track features Kenyan rapper Mbithi, who also appears on the video made by The Raww…
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Listen to Bazenga Mentality album by Breeder LW
Nairobi artist Breeder LW has been a Kenyan household name since 2019. The notable consistency with which he has been releasing catchy sing-along tracks has helped place him on the map as one of the most popular rappers in the country. His second album Bazenga Mentality arrived on 18th June, three years after his debut…
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Nikita Kering’ shares A Side Of Me EP
When Nikita Kering‘ revealed that she was releasing her debut EP, the news got her fans totally thrilled. And as promised, on 25th June, A Side Of Me dropped, packed with six beautiful tracks. Most of these have been accompanied by cool videos, including the final single, “Crossing Lines”. A Side Of Me showcases the…
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Watch Kipsang in new video, “Moto Moto”
Kipsang, a.k.a. The Kalenjin Bwoy, makes his music by blending elements of Kalenjin folk and Afro-pop music. The Kericho-born singer/songwriter has perfected this style so well, it’s impossible to ignore him especially if you love exploring fresh and unique sounds. “Moto Moto”, his latest single, is simply blissful. Like a shot of ecstasy, the Afro-pop…
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Here is Amara Tari and Nviiri TheStoryTeller’s “What I See” [Video]
It is not a common occurrence in the burgeoning Kenyan R&B scene to come across a proper duet. So when you hear a song as good as “What I See” by Amara Tari and Nviiri TheStoryTeller, you find it quite gratifying. The two are undeniably some of the most talented singer-songwriters in the country. About…
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Watch Ethan Muziki’s New Video”Kesho Kutwa”
Ethan Muziki has been making music as part of the Kaka Empire-signed music group Jadi. Now a solo artist, the Nairobi-based singer-songwriter and producer has been churning out amazing jams, his current one being “Kesho Kutwa”. The R&B/pop track is sweet and soothing as Ethan’s vocals will carry you to a serene place. The warm…
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Watch “Lenga” by Crystal Asige
Crystal Asige came into the limelight when she signed to Sauti Sol’s label, Sol Generation Records. Currently riding solo, the Nairobi-based singer/songwriter still commands fans’ attention. A few days ago, she returned with a new jam named “Lenga”. The blissful Afro-fusion track is inspired by chakacha style. It’s generally an uplifting song accompanied by a…
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Listen to “Django” by JayDonTheDayOne
Kenyan emcee/producer JayDonTheDayOne today shares a new single named “Django”. It is a hip-hop track characterized by a chill instrumental. Lyrically JayDonTheDayOne vulnerably opens up about the fears he has had to deal with while pursuing his dreams. Regardless of these obstacles, though, he remains determined as eve. The rapper’s articulated delivery makes “Django” so…
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Listen to Jovie Jovv’s new album, DWMD
Christopher Karimi Gichuki, professionally known as Jovie Jovv, or ‘The Shrap OG’, is a Nairobi-based rapper/producer. He got his breakthrough after releasing his debut track, “Kiasi”, and has managed to release plenty of good music in 2020, including being featured on a number of projects. On 27th October, Jovie Jovv released a new solo Album…
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Watch Nyashinski’s new video, “Serious”
Ever since he jetted back into the country after his long stay in the US, Nyashinksi has kept fans entertained with his well polished songs. His comeback run was completed by the arrival of his debut album Lucky You earlier this year. In maintaining that buzz, the Nairobi-based singer is sharing “Serious”, his latest single.…
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The Mumbua shares new single named “Skiza” [Video]
Bubbly and ever-smiling, The Mumbua adds that infectious attitude in her music. The Nairobi-based singer/songwriter is engaging her fans with yet another song. Named “Skiza”, it’s a sweet, feel-good Afro-pop jam sung in Swahili. Lyrically, it finds the beautiful songstress pouring her heart out as she tries connecting with a love interest. “Skiza” was produced…
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Listen: Caleb Awiti – “Envy”
It’s been a good year for Kenyan R&B. A number of artists have released new music, with Caleb Awiti being one of them. The Mombasa-based newcomer released an album (Ex Tape) earlier in the year but still is still in the mood of dropping new singles. His latest is titled “Envy”. This is a heartfelt…
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Dez presents “No Love” visuals
Gearing up to release a new EP titled WAV. PCK, Kenyan rapper Dez shares the project’s first single and video for “No Love”. Produced by Klobosmashedit, it’s a catchy and vibey trap track laced with guitar melodies. The record captures the ‘Staki Ma Pressure‘ star flexing his smooth and impressive flows, effortlessly switching between rap…
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Listen to Sir Bwoy’s debut album, Transaction Story
Up-and-coming Kenyan vocalist and songwriter Sir Bwoy finally released his debut album, Transaction Story. The compilation includes 15 personal songs about his journey, with the title being a reference to the business transactions that have sustained his life. “I used to hustle a lot and preferred to be paid via mobile money transfer, hence the…
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Watch Fena Gitu in new video, “Siri”
In celebration of her 10-year music career, Kenyan singer/songwriter and producer Fena Gitu released her sophomore album Unleashed earlier in the year. Recently, she unveiled the music video for “Siri”, one of the songs in the project. The track has a simple beat, with major focus being on the lyrics. ‘Siri’, which means secret in…
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Watch Karun’s video for “True To Me (Sky Girls Anthem)”
Most people identify Karun as a singer/songwriter but few are aware that the Nairobi-based artist also doubles up as a producer. The “Roses” hit-maker has just shared a new record “True To Me”, which she co-produced with Cedo and EA Wave‘s Sichangi. Written about self-affirmation, the song is dedicated to those ‘teen girls who are…
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DJ Fita shares “Ghetto Love” featuring Poly Joe and Hendrick Sam
Kenyan producer DJ Fita returns today with a new jam, “Ghetto Love”. On it, he enlists singers Poly Joe and Hendrick Sam. The singalong R&B song is flavoured with a beautiful flute which complements the smooth rap and heartfelt singing. With the sweet lyrics, “Ghetto Love” paints the picture of a couple on a romantic…
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Muddah features Asum Garvey in new single, “My Way” [Video]
Nairobi artist Muddah is currently working on a project titled Ghetto Gospel and he has since shared its first single, “My Way”. On this song, he teams up with fellow Kenyan emcee Asum Garvey and together, they created an uplifting hip-hop jam with a smooth, reggae-inflected chorus. “My Way” is aspirational. With their go-getter lyrics,…
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Ramian Angelo shares “2 A.M”, the first single off his upcoming EP
As a huge fan of bedroom playlists, I’m always thrilled when I stumble upon a song that fits that bill. Kenyan singer/songwriter and rapper Ramian Angelo‘s latest single “2 A.M” is one such jam. It is a smooth R&B track with chill beats and sensuous rhythm. On it, the artist sings passionately about a new…
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Domani Mkadinali x Sir Bwoy – “Blow Me Kisses” [Video]
Kenyan rapper Domani Mkadinali recently enlisted Sir Bwoy, an up-and-coming songwriter and vocalist, to release new single and video “Blow Me Kisses”. The love song is backed by a rhythmic guitar as Domani lays a heartfelt hook and verse, with Sir Bwoy topping it off with an endearing vocal. The production is crisp and was…
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Jakk Quill shares new single, “In My Element”
Still basking in the shine of his new album New Decade Same Dreams, emerging Nairobi-based rapper Jakk Quill blesses fans with a new single, “In my element”. The song is energetic and lively and captures Jakk Quill lyrically flexing. He raps about self-belief and why he’d rather not be compared to any artist. Self-produced, “In…
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Listen to Shukid’s “T.A.L.A.I.A” featuring Southcoastnerd
Months after releasing the album Shukid Season, Kenyan rapper Shukid features his South African counterpart Southcoastnerd in a new single named “T.A.L.A.I.A” – the title is the abbreviated form of the phrase ‘That’s As Long As I’m Alive’. Both artists can be heard ‘gassing themselves up’ as they talk about their ambitions. For Shukid who…
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Kemboi delivers new video “Unanibamba”
Kemboi caught my attention the very first time I heard him singing with his band, Third Hand Music. Describing his music as Afro-fusion R&B, the artist is, without a doubt, one of the most talented Nairobi-based singer-songwriters that I know of. Kemboi’s newest song “Unanibamba” (the title translates to ‘you impress me’) is downright creative.…
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Monski and Chale Slim present “The Clock” [Lyric Video]
Two of my favorite up-and-coming rappers Monski and Chale Slim (who are both stationed in Nairobi) teamed up for the song “The Clock”. It’s a heavily lyrical piece on which Monski addresses the wanton corruption and police brutality in the country while also sparing some bars to throw a few jabs at fellow rappers. On…
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Watch An!les make her debut with new video, “Energy”
There is an exciting new female artist in town. Her name is An!les (pronounced Selina). The up-and-coming, Nairobi-based singer has introduced herself to the world with the “Energy”, her debut single. Talking about the song, Selina says that she has reached the point of getting rid of all the bad energy in her life…
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Le Ru drops new single, “Don’t You dare”
https://soundcloud.com/rubygithui/dont-you-dare-le-ru? Le Ru describes herself as a sweet and spicy hummingbird and that’s well illustrated in her newest piece, “Don’t You Dare”. Effortlessly switching from soulful singing to rap, the Nairobi-based artist’s delivery is marvelous. “Don’t You Dare” is a trap-infused contemporary R&B jam with a jazz-inclined smoothness. The song is about self-empowerment and is…
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Watch King Kaka and Pascal Tokodi in new video, “Nakulove”
King Kaka and Pascal Tokodi‘s new song “Nakulove” is such a jam. The reggae-influenced Afro-pop track will get the listener involuntarily snapping their fingers to its grooves. While Kaka impresses with his wordplay, Tokodi hooks us with his smooth chorus. “Nakulove” was produced by Bern Music and its well scripted video directed by Mike Lolly P.…
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Is Kenya really ready for conscious music?
Every now and then, especially when a song is released and its lyrics deemed ‘dirty’, the conversation on Kenyan music content resurfaces. Most people argue that artists should make music that revolves around societal issues or ‘conscious music’, if you will. The kind of music referenced by that phrase, as commonly agreed, is that which…
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Bey T shares new song, “Ndio” [Lyric Video]
It’s only been a short period since her debut but, right now, Bey T is considered a top Kenyan female rapper. The Nairobi-based artist is extending her forray into the game with “Ndio”, a new song on which she intimates some of the struggles she has faced in her music career. For example, Bey T…
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Watch Viola Karuri’s new music video, “I like It”
It is always refreshing to come across a new song from the talented vocalist and producer Viola Karuri. Her new song “I like it”, which is an appreciation of love is delightful. Her vocals are soft, seductive and engaging. Delivered over an energetic beat, it definitely gets you on your feet dancing. Shot and directed by…
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Watch Mutoriah and Bensoul in the video for “Tosheka”
How do you know that a song has had an effect on you? I guess it’s when you involuntarily close your eyes and let it carry you to some blissful place. “Tosheka”, a record by fast-rising Nairobi-based afropop artist, instrumentalist and producer Mutoriah, is one such song. Written by (and featuring) Bensoul, “Tosheka” is beautiful…
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Amazz recalls fond memories with “Friends”
The Nu Nairobi scene is blazing with ‘nu’ good music every day. Up-and-coming Kenyan rapper, mix engineer and producer Amazz released a number of songs some days ago. Among them, “Friends” is the one that caught my attention most. On the funky, catchy and relatable track, Amazz recalls having a good time at an amazing…
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The element of Humour in Kenyan Music
Humour is an artform that people across age and cultural boundaries easily respond to. When it comes to music, humour is a necessary spice, and has been utilized in the many genres of Kenyan music, be it kapuka, genge, hip-hop or gengetone. This is evident in the lyrics, dramatized music videos, use of funny titles…
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Caleb Awiti enlists Malkizzy for new song “I Want You Here” [Lyric Video]
Mombasa-based Kenyan R&B singer Caleb Awiti is currently preparing a new album titled Ex-Tape. To keep the anticipation up, he’s dropped a new single, “I Want You Here”. Featuring rapper Malkizzy (himself also readying an EP), it’s an amazingly crafted song which Caleb admits was inspired by an Instagram model (@tifloeeen). With its slow-burning instrumentation,…
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Steph Kapela – “Wewe ni Nani? ” feat. Scar Mkadinali [Lyric Video]
Nairobi is a harsh city to live in. To survive, you can’t afford to be naive. For Steph Kapela and Scar Mkadinali who hail from Rongai and Umoja estates, respectively, survival is probably all they know. Their new collaborative track “Wewe Ni Nani?” highlights their acquired streetsmarts. Trading bars over a bouncy trap beat, each…
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Listen to Andia Sande’s first song, “As Friends”
I recently came across an upcoming Kenyan R&B singer and songwriter by the name of Andia Sande, and her lovely voice blew me away. Listening to her first single “As Friends” is pretty refreshing. In an era when most young people are afraid of commitment, the song explores the alternative relationship arrangement. Andia confesses her…
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Stream Wanja Wohoro and EA Wave’s collaborative EP, Honey
When I discovered Kenyan soulful singer and songwriter Wanja Wohoro, I knew I had to keep tabs on her. That’s why I was glad to learn of her new project; in collaboration with Nairobi’s DJ/producer collective EA Wave, they recently released Honey, an EP of two songs: “Honey Bee” and “Honeydew”. Carrying Wanja’s warm and…
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Listen to “HAKIMU” by Ohms Law Montana and GeniusJini
Ohms Law Montana, an up-and-coming rapper from Kenya’s coastal town of Diani, has been churning out new music since the year began. One of the songs that caught my attention is “HAKIMU” (the title is a Swahili word meaning a ‘judge’). The Afro-pop track features Tanzanian singer-songwriter Geniusjini. “HAKIMU” captures each of them sharing their…
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Listen to “Jana”, the latest single by Ms Sunshine
Ms Sunshine, a Kenyan Afro-pop artist, recently released a new song, “Jana”. The title is a Swahili word which translates to ‘yesterday’. A soulful and seductive song about the quest for genuine love, the singer details a romantic experience she just had. She further admits the challenges involved in dating, especially considering that she is…
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Ayrosh features Muringi in new single and video “Nuu”
Ayrosh is a rising Kenyan afropop artist. With his latest release titled “Nuu” (a word which translates to ‘who’ in Kikuyu) he features vocalist Muringi. Although written about a breakup, it is one of those sad love songs which will leave you craving for more. On it, the two artists’ voices blend perfectly with the…
