Music
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, […]
Kenyan Fans Aren’t Tired : They’re Just Selective
When Mnabey dropped his new album EAST LONDON with a staggering 30 tracks, the immediate reaction from fans wasn’t curiosity—it was complaint. “Too many songs,” they said. “Who has the time?” But let’s be honest: the issue isn’t the length of the album. It’s the shifting behavior of the listener. There’s a growing culture of […]
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 […]
From Inspiration to Income: How #NCBAElev8Live 2026 Is Reshaping Kenya’s Music Industry
Where it started was inspiration. Where we are now is transformation. The return of the #NCBAElev8Live 2026 Series signals more than just another talent platform—it marks a deliberate shift in how Kenya nurtures and sustains its creative economy. For years, emerging artists have had to navigate an industry built on exposure, often trading talent for […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Rise of Artist-Led Shows in Kenya: Saisa Ndabi and the New Wave of Live Experiences
This Friday, Saisa Ndabi steps into the spotlight as the headline act for Vibes na Marafiki, going down at Hit Labbz from 2PM. The event brings together a lineup featuring Katapilla, Hassano, Skillo, Tulia and more, setting the tone for what is quickly becoming a defining movement in Kenya’s live music space. At its core, […]
Empty Halls and Hard Lessons: The Reality of Kenya’s Event Business
Another weekend, another cancelled event. This time it was a stand-up comedy show by Wilson Muchemi of MTV Shuga Mashariki that was supposed to take place at Kenya National Theatre. For many people this might just look like another cancellation notice on social media, but for anyone who has ever tried organizing an event 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 […]
