Kenya
What Publishing Deals Mean for Kenyan Artists
When a Kenyan artist signs with a publishing company like Sol Generation Publishing, the announcement is often met with excitement—but also confusion. Many fans equate publishing deals with record deals, yet the two operate very differently. A publishing deal isn’t about dropping hits; it’s about owning, managing, and monetizing the music itself. At its core, […]
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 […]
Bars vs Bangers: The Thin Line Between Hardcore and Commercial Rappers
In Kenyan hip hop—and globally—the debate between hardcore and commercial rappers has never really gone away. It’s a conversation rooted in identity, purpose, and what artists choose to prioritize when they step into the booth. Hardcore rappers are driven by expression. For them, music is a tool for storytelling, resistance, and documentation of lived realities. […]
From “Sitishiki” to Legacy Status: Wahu Celebrates 20 Years with Lifetime Achievement Honor
Kenyan music icon Wahu Kagwi is officially stepping into legacy territory after being awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by ONErpm, marking an incredible 20-year journey in the music industry. Wahu’s rise to fame was nothing short of defining for Kenyan pop and R&B. She burst onto the scene with bold, confident hits like Sitishiki and […]
Pricing Yourself Out the Ring: Alfayo’s 500K Gamble Before Kasarani Showdown
A few days to one of the most talked-about boxing events in Kenya, controversy has already entered the ring—this time outside the ropes. Alfayo, one of the fighters scheduled to curtain raise ahead of the highly anticipated bout between Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer at Kasarani on April 4th, is reportedly turning down a Ksh 100,000 […]
Big Money, Bigger Stakes: Obinna’s Kasarani Boxing Event Sparks Excitement—and Concern
Kenyan boxing is experiencing a fresh wave of attention, and much of the spotlight right now is centered on a major event scheduled for April 4 at the iconic Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The upcoming fight night, spearheaded by media personality Oga Obinna, has quickly become one of the most talked-about sporting events in […]
Wadagliz Set the Stage for “The Wadagliz Experience” with Intimate Live Recording Event
Kenyan music group Wadagliz are taking a step back to where it all began as they prepare fans for what they are calling The Wadagliz Experience. Before the full experience rolls out, the group has announced THE PRELUDE – A Live Recording Experience, a stripped-down event designed to reconnect their music with the raw energy […]
Why LAFAYETTE Da 1 Is Shaping Up to Be Kenya’s Standout Artist of 2026
A new wave is quietly taking over the Kenyan music scene, and at the center of it is rising star LAFAYETTE. Over the last three months, the rapper and vocalist has built serious momentum, positioning himself as one of the most exciting artists to watch in 2026. With a unique vocal texture and the rare […]
Political Beats: Shekina Karen’s “Babu Kwa Sababu” Signals the Start of the Creative Campaign Season
Kenyan female rapper Shekina Karen has stepped into the political conversation with the release of her new track Babu Kwa Sababu, a campaign-themed anthem rallying support for Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who is positioning himself for the Nairobi gubernatorial race in Nairobi County. The move highlights an emerging reality in Kenyan politics: creatives are […]
Hip Hop Never Forgets: How Kenyan Rap Is Reviving Its Legends
One of the most beautiful things about Hip Hop culture is its memory. The genre has a way of circling back to its roots and reminding fans where the movement came from. In Kenya, the past year has been a clear demonstration of this phenomenon, with several legendary and long-time underground artists finding their way […]
