Banter
“Si once we leave jobbo tunapiga sherehe?”: A Salute to the Cheers Baba Era
There was a specific time in Kenya, roughly around late 2018, when the air smelled of designer perfumes, expensive whiskey, and the infectious beat of King Kaka’s “Dundaing” featuring Kristoff and Magix Enga. It was the peak of the “Cheers Baba” culture—a time when Kenyan English took a hilarious, posh turn, and everyone was suddenly “dundaing” after […]
Setting the Standard: Why Virusi Mbaya’s Transparent Rate Card is a Game Changer
In an industry often shrouded in “DM for inquiry” mystery, veteran Kenyan rapper Virusi Mbaya just did something revolutionary: he gave the public a receipt. By openly sharing his professional rate card, the lyricist has sparked a vital conversation about the business of music in Kenya. The Numbers Behind the Talent Virusi Mbaya’s rates reflect both his […]
“Ask Fally or Diamond”: Khaligraph Jones Sets New Vetting Rules for His DMs
In the world of Kenyan entertainment, few artists command as much respect—or stir as much controversy—as Khaligraph Jones. Known as “The OG,” the rapper has long been a vocal advocate for the Play Kenyan Music movement. Recently, he took his stance a step further by revealing a strict new “vetting process” for anyone sliding into his Direct Messages […]
When Legends Align: BLOGA FLANI X UKOO FLANI Finally Meet Up at the Historic ‘Ndio Hii’ Album Launch
Last night was one of the most important nights in my career as a music journalist. I got to meet the legendary group that has something to do with this brand name. When I picked this name I referenced the group because most of my content revolved around rap music. Sitting side by side with […]
The Sheng Supremacy: Why the “English Flow” Struggles to Rule Kenya
In the heart of the 254, the debate over linguistic authenticity in hip-hop has raged since the days of Kalamashaka. Today, Khaligraph Jones stands as the undisputed “OG,” but his path to the throne was anything but a straight line. When he first emerged, he arrived with a polished, rapid-fire USA “twang” that left many […]
The Colloblue Conundrum: Why the Sol Generation Publishing Deal is Not a Mistake
The Kenyan music scene was set abuzz this week when Colloblue, a popular dancer and choreographer known for the viral hit “Up Burukanga,” officially signed a deal with Sol Generation Publishing. While many fans celebrated the milestone, others were left confused, questioning why a dancer with only a handful of songs would be signed to the […]
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 […]