Why Virusi Mbaya Is The Kenyan Rapper To Watch 2026

On December 5^th, 2025, Virusi Mbaya dropped what is his biggest hit yet, Have Mercy, featuring Scar Mkadinali, officially introducing him to mainstream Kenyan music and Gen Z. Virusi Mbaya is, however, not a new artist or rapper. His YouTube channel was opened in 2015, 10 years before the release of Have Mercy. Further proving the theory of 10, 000 hours and how the making of a hit song can take anywhere between 7 – 10 years.

Fans of underground hip-hop will remember Virusi Mbaya as a hardcore freestyle rapper who emerged on the scene alongside Octopizzo. Few remember that after Octopizzo became popular, Virusi Mbaya and others came out to say that Octopizzo had left them behind. But Virusi Mbaya’s story is his own, and it is great to see him finally get the recognition he deserves after all these years in the industry.

As Radio 254, we were privileged to interview Virusi Mbaya in September of 2024, one year before the release of Have Mercy. As we write this today, Have Mercy has been remixed by Wakadinali and has become one of the biggest songs in 2026. Virusi Mbaya has also signed an endorsement deal with Rong Liquor and collaborated with Femi One and Wangechi.

What many do not know about Virusi Mbaya is the fact that, aside from music, he is also a father of two. A proud father and veteran of Kenya’s freestyle and underground hip-hop scene who is not afraid to reinvent himself and use ChatGPT. In 2026, we believe that Virusi Mbaya is the Kenyan rapper to watch. Everybody in the industry knows that it’s about time that Virusi Mbaya gets the shine he is getting and rightly deserves. As Radio 254, we pray for him and wish him the best, as the lord makes all his dreams come true. May he not just become the biggest rapper in Kenya but also Africa and Beyond. Virusi Mbaya is a legend. His hood, Kibera, loves him. A man who is extremely talented and never gave up. Virusi Mbaya