Kenya
Familiar Blame Game: Harambee Stars Loss Sparks Old Debate
The recent penalty shootout loss to Estonia national football team after a 1-1 draw has once again thrown Harambee Stars into a storm of criticism—this time squarely aimed at head coach Benni McCarthy. As expected, reactions from Kenyan fans and sections of the local football ecosystem have been swift and emotional. Social media, particularly X, […]
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 […]
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 […]