The Kenyan oontz music scene is buzzing with excitement as videos of Kenyan Afro-House sensation Idd Aziz performing at Coachella 2025 have surfaced online, courtesy of a collaboration with Haitian DJ and producer Francis Mercier. The clips, shared by Ngoma Charts on X, capture the artist in his element, commanding the stage with his signature sound and vibrant energy. Fans are speculating that Idd Aziz might be the first Kenyan artist to grace the iconic Coachella stage, marking a monumental moment for Kenyan music on the global stage.
Who Is Idd Aziz?
Hailing from Kenya’s coastal region, Idd Aziz has emerged as a trailblazer in the Afro-House genre, seamlessly blending the pulsating beats of house music with the rich cultural tapestry of Mijikenda and Swahili traditions. His music is a celebration of African heritage, infused with modern electronic elements that resonate with audiences worldwide. Aziz’s distinct style within the Afro-House and “oontz” sound—a term often used to describe the rhythmic, bass-heavy beats of electronic dance music—sets him apart as a maestro of cultural fusion. His vocals, often delivered in his native tongue, carry the soulful melodies of his coastal roots, while the driving beats appeal to the global EDM community.
Idd Aziz’s journey in music began as a percussionist, and his early career saw him collaborating with international jazz and Afro-fusion legends such as Angelique Kidjo, Salif Keita, and Youssou N’Dour. These experiences shaped his musicality, giving him a unique perspective that he brought back to Kenya in 2014. Since then, he has become a powerhouse in the Afro-House scene, earning accolades like the Afrimma Best East African Artiste award and performing at prestigious events such as the Lamu Art Festival, Koroga Festival, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC.
A Global Following and Consistent Releases
One of the most remarkable aspects of Idd Aziz’s career is his massive international following. As he shared in a past interview, “My fan-base has predominantly been outside the country because the genre of Afro-House that I switched to was more understood and embraced outside there than Kenya when I started.” Over the years, however, his music has gained traction at home, with Kenyan audiences increasingly embracing his style. This global appeal has made him a sought-after collaborator for international producers and DJs, as evidenced by his Coachella appearance alongside Francis Mercier.
Aziz’s consistency is another hallmark of his career. For the past three years, he has maintained a rigorous release schedule, dropping new music at least every fortnight. This prolific output has kept his fans engaged and his sound evolving, ensuring that he remains a dominant force in the Afro-House scene. Tracks like “Ni Wewe,” “Noma,” “Kamili,” and “Hale” have become anthems, showcasing his ability to craft songs that resonate both on the dancefloor and on the airwaves.
The Pepo EP: A Celebration of Roots and Collaboration
Adding to the excitement of his Coachella performance is the recent release of his EP Pepo, a collaborative effort with producer/DJs Dr. Feel and TIMATHI. Available on DSPs, the EP is centered around a single tune with various versions. Pepo is spirit in Swahili as well in many coastal bantu languages. Aziz explores the spiritual side that drives his creative process. The producers utilize heavy drumming to create vibrancy that contrasts with Idd Aziz high pitched cadence that slowly builds as he narrates.
Written by Otieno Arudo
