Several young Kenyan female artistes have broken barriers in the local music scene, to emerge one of the best vocalists the country can proudly boast of.
Talk hip hop, talk R&B, talk rap, talk classics. A number of Kenyan songbirds in their 20’s and mid-30’s have proven unbeatable at what they do and never settling for less.
From Victoria Kimani, to Avril, to singer Laika, to Nadia Mukami, Femi One, you name it! Let’s run the list in no particular order:
1. Nadia Mukami
The self-proclaimed “African popstar” has beaten her seniors at their own game after fast gaining popularity with her Coke Studio debut. A time she could hardly afford a decent house let alone a decent living but her mellow voice and soothing melodies took her places.
She has since won multiple awards from her hit songs and currently boasts of 1.7 million streams on Boom Play music Kenya, all from her 9-singles’ Million Dollar album.
Either way, much has been said about this starring 23-year old who turns 24 in November 2020 and I’m sure her work speaks for itself. We can only give a bow.
2. Victoria Kimani
Well, we are only getting better. Vicky is an American-Kenyan R&B/Afropop singer currently residing in Nigeria. A place that has seen her break the glass ceiling and work among the world’s music stars including Tekno Miles, Diamond Platnumz, Cynthia Morgan, Ice Prince, Sarkodie…just to mention a few.
The 35-year old songstress just collaborated with Liberian-American multi-platinum recording artist FKi on her just released “Afreaka” album and her fans can’t get enough of it. Let’s leave it at that.
3. Laika
Talk of Laika and the songbird has left a major mark in the local entertainment scene with sultry hits like “Nimekusahau”. Before she fell into emotional turmoil as she walked through her pregnancy journey, later confessing about depression after her delivery.
After gaining courage to speak about her situation, the wife and mother of one recently announced her major music comeback, as she preps to release her first ever EP in a few.
We can only sit back and watch.
4. Avril
Born Judith Nyambura Mwangi is a force to reckon with in the music industry one who was there when it all started and one whose vocals have still maintained her in the competitive craft.
The music heavyweight has on numerous occasions swept us off our feet with her love ballads that not only speak to our past but to our present and future love lives.
Talk of her 5-year old Hello Baby tune that stands to date whether during weddings or during that simple date with your loved one at the corner of your house.
5. Jovial
The Coast music star has definitely come a long way but managed to maintain her presence with her unique style that forever keeps evolving and staying on toes with the current trends in the industry. She has however confessed her love for Afro Fusion.
The sassy Kenyan songbird has penetrated the local entertainment space with sultry tracks the likes of Chanda Chema that boasts of over 62k views on Youtube. Her most recent is a Swahili love ballad dubbed Kolea that features Alphajiri.
6. Wangechi
Moving on is to Wangechi, best known for her exquisite rap skills that flawlessly rope in Swahili, English and some Sheng blend that will leave your jaw dropped.
She crowns it all with her outstanding sense of style, fashion and living life away from the worldly noises. Barely aged 26, she’s got so many years ahead of her and we can only believe that it will only get better.
7. Femi One
This 26-year old lass barely needs introduction especially now after her latest track Utawezana became an online sensation soon as it dropped.
One which she features genge rapper, Mejja and one that in as much as caused her controversy, equally brought her the fame and pride to own such an anthem.
I don’t need to say much about it, currently boasting of a staggering 7.3 million plus views on YouTube, having just premiered on April 1, 2020. That´s as high as it has ever gotten and still counting.
8. Noti Flow
Born Natalie Florence, she calls herself the only Kenyan female rapper with a Sick Flow and she clearly is one. Controversies left, right, centre but none of it ever pulled her down. If anything, it only created a stronger foundation for the lass to build her empire and wear her crown like a queen.
Noti does not spare the cameras what you think she needs to but her mark in the industry forever remains etched. She’s just 26 years of age and I don’t think she will be leaving soon.
She is actually rising the more with her latest crazy single dubbed Foto Moto featuring Benzema.