I come from a country that believes not in the rule of law but an understood construct of, it’s our turn to eat. Everybody knows it and those that are lucky do it. It’s our turn simply means that depending on the government in power, there is going to be a lot of money and opportunities available to those allied to the government in power. So for those that happen […]
On Sunday May 18 the Karen and Wamunyoro homes of Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua were surrounded. By armed officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), backed by General Service Unit (GSU) and National Intelligence Service (NIS) operatives who descended after a week in which the former Mathira MP dominated headlines with the launch of his party and a viral interview on the Oga Obinna show. […]
We all have a brain. You might have never seen it in your life, but you know it is there or at least you hope it is. Despite having brains, many of us still do not know how to effectively use our minds, myself included. When you are born, you are not told your occupation, passion, partner or even what to study in university. When you are born, you are […]
In an age where influencer culture constantly intersects with art, activism, and advertising, the dispute between Kenyan musician Kethan and creative agency Light Art Club (LAC) resonates far beyond its initial entertainment value. What may appear as a simple fallout between an artist and a brand has evolved into a complex commentary on artist treatment, brand ethics, and the public performance of accountability in Kenya’s growing creative economy. The conflict […]
Dear reader, welcome to this week’s edition of New Music on the Radar, MAY 16. This week, we highlight the turn to vernacular lyricism: a complete one by dancehall star Dufla Diligon in Adok Ebei and a partial one by Nviiri the storyteller in Mwana wa Mubi. The Jinja born artist has spent much of his adult life in Kenya and shaped its urban culture so much that few fans […]
Kenyan singer-songwriter Nikita Kering stepped beyond the stage and into policy advocacy on May 13, 2025, as she represented Kenyan musicians at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Stakeholders’ Conference held at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The 23-year-old artist, known for her soulful fusion of R&B and Afro-pop, joined artists and policymakers from across the continent to spotlight the growing concern over the exploitation of […]
Dear reader, welcome to this week’s edition of New Music on the Radar dated MAY 9. Explore the joys of coming out of a dark season in life with Jason Sibi-Okumu’s introspective This is My Life and Modest Chabari’s rather lighthearted No Balance. Sabi Wu and 4MR Frank White keep it gritty in their hustle anthem Dim My Shine, a theme V-BE also explore in their new number, For […]
Recently, Matata re-released their single Mpishi featuring Bien, a track that had initially been flagged down due to copyright claims. Since its re-upload, Mpishi has soared past 1.3 million views on YouTube in just eight days—an impressive feat that underscores both the group's magnetic appeal and the public’s anticipation of their audiovisual artistry. With this renewed momentum, Matata is once again affirming their place as one of Kenya’s most visually […]
This week’s New Music on the Radar brings a mix of comebacks, reinventions, and bold statements. Boondocks Gang’s unexpected reunion on Kafya shows the gengetone old guard regrouping to face off arbantone stars like Tipsy Gee who has made a matatu anthem Nganya with the help of Mavo on the Beat. Silly by Mau From Nowhere an hihi is as braggadocios as rap songs can get but this is cleverly […]
