Banter
Hype vs Legacy: Is Mejja Reinventing or Reaching?
Rumors surrounding Mejja allegedly paying influencers and bloggers to push his latest album Mtoto wa Khadija have sparked a familiar debate in Kenya’s music scene. But in reality, this is less of a scandal and more of a strategy. Across the global music industry, paid promotion has become a standard roll-out tactic—artists are no longer […]
22K Masterclass: How Msichana wa Jirani Built a 1.5M House Before We Built Discipline
There’s always that one story that humbles your entire financial existence. This time, it’s msichana wa jirani—gross salary ya 22K per month—who somehow managed to build a 1.5 million house for her parents in just six months. Six. Months. Naturally, the neighborhood investigative unit (read: nosy but concerned citizens) had questions. Because math was not […]
Away Haiwezi: The Day I Became a WiFi Salesman to Save My Life
There are bad decisions, and then there are jioni plans that should have stayed in the drafts. So this girl calls me, all casual, “kuja away.” No red flags, no disclaimers, just vibes. I show up thinking I’m about to enjoy soft life… only to walk straight into a live episode of “Wrong Place, Wrong […]
Why Kenyan Fans Prioritize International Artists Over Local Talent
Why Kenyan Fans Prioritize International Artists Over Local Talent The conversation around Kenyan fans and their perceived lack of support for local artists continues to spark debate within the industry. While this phenomenon exists globally, many argue that it is more pronounced in Kenya, where international acts often receive more attention, streams, and ticket sales […]
From Viral to Vinyl: How Kenyan Artists Chase the Moment
The Kenyan music industry has developed a predictable reflex—when something catches fire online, artists rush to translate it into a song. Whether it’s a catchphrase, meme, or viral clip, the turnaround time between trend and track is getting shorter. This isn’t new. During the peak of Gengetone, viral slang and street energy fueled an entire […]
Million Today, Broke by Monday: VDJ Jones and the Cost of Fast Money in Gengetone
VDJ Jones has peeled back the curtain on one of the most defining eras in Kenya’s modern music scene, offering a raw and reflective account of how he survived the rise—and eventual slowdown—of the Gengetone movement. Speaking during an interview on Homeboyz Radio, the DJ didn’t just revisit the glory days; he dissected the decisions […]
VAR, Inconsistency, and Controversy: The Premier League’s Refereeing Problem
The latest draw between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth once again exposed a recurring issue in English football—refereeing inconsistency. In a league that prides itself on being the most competitive and entertaining in the world, decisions made on the pitch continue to spark more debate than the football itself. A key flashpoint in the match […]
Block Culture: Are Kenyan Artists Avoiding Growth by Silencing Critics?
In the age of digital feedback, where audiences have direct access to artists, criticism has become part of the creative ecosystem. However, a growing trend among Kenyan musicians suggests a troubling pattern—blocking critics instead of engaging them. Artists like Octopizzo and Breeder LW have often been called out for swiftly hitting the block button when […]
Nyashinski’s “The Showman Residency” Is Redefining the Kenyan Concert Experience
Kenyan rap heavyweight Nyashinski is once again pushing creative boundaries—this time with a bold, immersive concept dubbed The Showman Residency. Set to run from April 4th to 12th at Carnivore Grounds, the residency is shaping up to be less of a traditional concert and more of a multidisciplinary performance experience. Through a series of Instagram […]
Clout to Chorus: Why Kenyan Influencers Keep Crossing Into Music
Kenya’s digital culture is evolving fast, and one trend that refuses to fade is influencers pivoting into music. The latest example is Malcom, who has turned his viral “Mwecheche” catchphrase into a full-fledged track featuring established artists. While some may dismiss it as a gimmick, it actually reflects a deeper shift in how attention is […]
