Kenya’s Vocal Stars: Celebrities Turn Political Critics in a Time of Discontent

Kenya’s political landscape is witnessing a surge of unexpected voices: celebrities. Beyond their usual roles of musicians, comedians, and social media influencers, these personalities are emerging as vocal critics of President Ruto’s administration. Using their platforms and influence, they challenge policies, question decisions, and amplify public concerns – transforming mere observers into shapers of the national discourse.

From Scathing Verses to Bold Declarations:

  • Huddah Monroe: Once a supporter, the renowned influencer made a dramatic shift, labeling Ruto “Kenya’s worst president” due to economic woes. Her blunt criticism resonated with Kenyans facing rising costs of living.

  • Njugush: This comedian uses satire to skewer the government’s claims of free education and affordable healthcare, highlighting the stark reality of high prices and unemployment. He also criticizes the appointment of wealthy politicians amid inflation.

  • Madtraxx: The musician accused Ruto of deliberately “oppressing the country” to justify potential authoritarianism. While later advocating for prayer and support, his initial outburst echoed public anxieties.

  • Khaligraph Jones: In his hit song “Minimal Pressure,” the rapper critiques the failed “bottom-up” economic strategy and calls out perceived hypocrisy among creators who met with the president about taxation. His bold lyrics resonated with Kenyans struggling under economic hardship.

Beyond Entertainment: A Shift in Role:

These celebrities’ actions represent a significant shift. By stepping beyond their traditional spheres and engaging in political discourse, they:

  • Amplify Discontent: They give voice to widespread frustration with the government’s economic policies and perceived lack of action on pressing issues.

  • Challenge Narratives: They question official pronouncements and offer alternative perspectives, fostering critical thinking among the public.

  • Hold Power Accountable: They use their influence to scrutinize the government’s decisions and demand transparency, pushing for better governance.

This trend raises crucial questions:

  • Can celebrity involvement in politics effectively bring about change?

  • Will it polarize the public or encourage constructive dialogue?

  • How will it shape the future of political discourse in Kenya?

One thing is certain: the emergence of these vocal celebrities marks a new chapter in Kenyan politics, one where entertainment and activism increasingly intertwine. Time will tell how their influence will shape the nation’s future.

Madtraxx reveals why Kansoul broke up

Madtraxx, one of the founders of the legendary Kenyan trio group Kansoul, has opened up about the reasons behind the group’s breakup.

In an interview on the Iko Nini Podcast, Madtraxx said that the group was originally meant to be much larger, with up to 12 members. However, as they came together, it eventually became just the three of them: Madtraxx, Mejja, and Kidum.

One of the biggest challenges the group faced was getting their music played in clubs and on the airwaves. This was due to the language used in their music, which was often considered to be too explicit for the time.

Madtraxx also said that he started making beats in his car, and that he would often tweak his beats to sound the same. This was because he wanted to create a unique sound for the group.

Despite the challenges they faced, Kansoul went on to become one of the most successful groups in Kenya. They released several hit songs, including “Niko Sawa,” “Mbele,” and “Ngori.”

However, the group eventually disbanded in 2017. Madtraxx said that the breakup was amicable, and that there is no bad blood between the members. He said that the group’s priorities simply shifted as they became fathers.

“Our priorities started shifting at some point when now we most became fathers and priorities kind of shifted,” Madtraxx said. “Mejja was more focused on making hit after hit and making money, but to me, I was just doing it because I can experiment.”

Madtraxx said that he is still in touch with Mejja and Kidum, and that they are all supportive of each other’s careers. He said that he is open to the possibility of Kansoul reuniting in the future, but that it is not something that is being discussed at the moment.

“We are still friends, we still talk, and we are still supportive of each other,” Madtraxx said. “So, never say never.”

Madtraxx Explains Why He Took A Long Break From Music

Renowned rapper and producer George Mugai, known by his stage name Madtraxx, has returned to music after a hiatus of over five years.

In an interview on the Iko Nini podcast, Madtraxx opened up about the reasons behind his break from music, saying that he had been dealing with a number of personal struggles, including the death of his elder sister.

“I lost my sister in 2017, and that was a really tough time for me,” Madtraxx said. “I was also going through some other personal issues, and it just felt like the right time to take a break from music.”

During his hiatus, Madtraxx focused on his family and his other business interests, including a hotel chain that he co-owns with his mother.

“I’m really grateful for the support of my family and friends during this time,” Madtraxx said. “They helped me through a really tough period, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Madtraxx is now back in the studio working on new music. He said that he is excited to be back in the game and that he has a lot of new material to share with his fans.

“I’ve been working on a lot of new music, and I’m really excited to share it with the world,” Madtraxx said. “I’ve also been working on some new projects, and I can’t wait to share more details about those soon.”

Madtraxx is a talented rapper and producer, and his return to music is a welcome addition to the Kenyan music scene. His fans are eager to hear his new music, and they are excited to see what he does next.

‘Alinitukana’ Madtraxx Explains How Kid Kora Detached Himself From The Kansoul

Popular Genge group ‘The Kansoul’ was one of the most sought after musical groups; with numerous hit songs over the years. And without a doubt, their split up had fans worried a lot. Mejja and Madtraxx embacked on doing solo music, while Kid Kora decided to keep silent on the way forward about his musical career.

They Conned Me: Kid Kora Reveals Why The Kansoul Split Up - KenyanVibe

Madtraxx and Mejja’s split up with Kid Kora was speculated to be a nasty one. The two were accused of not involving Kid Kora in their agendas.

However, Madtraxx has come out to address the issue. The singer claims there’s no bad blood between them. He claims he called him when he saw negative news on social media about their split up; but Kid Kora insulted him on phone.

He disclosed this in an interview on Radio Maisha ;

”Mi niliamka asubuhi nafungua mtandao, naona izi comments zote… Alinitukana. But you know that’s the nature of relationships. Even with your own friends. Siezi sema that we’re now enemies. This things happen. Unaeza pata in a few years we’re back to where we were again.

But Mejja has his own priorities.”

Madtraxx also disclosed that he has been focusing on family and business. He added that Kansoul is now dissolved; we’re yet to know if they’ll make a comeback.

The Kansoul is irreplaceable!

As I was listening to The Kansoul’s latest release with Sudi Boy dubbed Mapigo, I realized that I still enjoy their music 5 years down the line. Perhaps, I enjoy their music even more now.

Truth be told, I’ve never come across a song by The Kansoul that I totally didn’t feel. Maybe I didn’t vibe to some songs when I first heard them but they grew in me with time.

I have been a fan of the group since 2014 and it has been a beautiful journey. From the days of Dabo Tap, to Utamu Wa Life to No Woman No Party to Nyongwa to Bablas to their latest release Pikoko Lithim, the party has never stopped.

Also read: We want the old Mejja back and we are not joking

In my opinion, The Kansoul is here to stay because their style can’t be replicated. If you were thinking of copying Mejja, Madtraxx or Kid Kora don’t even try because you’ll fail terribly. Put simply, they are irreplaceable.

You see, all the three members of  this group are creative geniuses. Each of them has a unique approach to music, their voices are also unique and they just merge well in a track that you will find yourself hitting the replay button a couple of times.

The Kansoul
The Kansoul

To add to that, Madtraxx produces most of their songs so I don’t need to tell you that he puts his best foot forward when he’s in studio. The result is a beat that slaps really had and blends well with the lyrics. Like I said before, they are creative geniuses.

I might have some concerns about how Mejja has transformed from a storyteller to having ratchet lyrics like geuka nikubeng but we’ll forget about that for a moment because he’s the main reason why we even listen to The Kansoul.

The Kansoul
The Kansoul

Kid Kora is also a gifted musician. However, I have to admit that sometimes I forget that he’s part of The Kansoul but that’s just me.

Side note: Can someone please tell The Kansoul that we eagerly await their next solo release? We really love the collabos but we’ve honestly had enough!

Watch The Kansoul’s mega hit dubbed Bablas below.

Why is the Kenyan gospel industry such a mess?

Although I’m not a staunch Christian, I must admit that sometimes I get bothered when I see some of the things that are going on in the Kenyan gospel industry.  I’m sure many of you who are reading this are perturbed s well.

Also read: Gengetone gospel should not become a thing!

In the past few months, a new genre of music that many people refer to as gospel gengetone has gained traction and to be honest, it is one of the things that really worries me.

Size 8

I knew things had gotten out of hand when Linet Munyali, alias Size 8, released a song with Masterpiece titled High Bila Ndom. For a woman who is a role model to hundreds of thousands, that was a new low.

The gospel industry is also riddled with many scandals. From Bahati’s dramatic fall outs with artists who are singed to his label to the sex scandal involving DK Kwenye Beat and Hopekid to the countless pregnancy scandals.

I don’t really know what happened but it seems somewhere along the way, gospel artists forgot that their main role is to spread God’s word. It like the fame and money got into their tiny heads.

Alice Kimanzi and Paul Clement treat us to Yuko Mungu
Alice Kimanzi

I wish that the gospel industry could be as it was in the early 2010s. Every secular artists wanted to become a gospel musician because they were good examples to others and the industry was very vibrant.

Outrageous scandals involving gospel musicians – something that has become the norm today – were almost unheard of back then and neither were did they have to pull stunts before releasing new music. It was just good vibes.

I think it is time for the players in the gospel industry re-evaluate themselves.They should go back and see where the rain started beating them before it’s too late.

And no, I did not say that all the gospel artists have lost their ways, the likes of; Mercy Masika, Alice Kimanzi, Pitson, Guardian Angel and Gloria Muliro still make good music and it’s my hope that they will be steadfast in the faith.

Watch Kererembe by Bahati, Mejja and Madtraxx below.

Madtraxx is back with ‘Maximum’ and it’s a banger (Audio)

Kenyan rapper George Muigai, better known as Madtraxx, has dropped a new joint and we are really feeling it ladies and gentlemen. Like, really!

The song titled Maximum talks about doing things to your level best, whatever it is. Put simply, this jam encourages people to do their very best.

I really love this jam. As expected, Madtraxx really came through with some dope lyricism. You just want to listen to him as he flows.

Madtraxx
Madtraxx

My favourite line from this song is the part where he says, “I’m really maximum, shows I kill it maximum, check my M-PESA it’s reading maximum, means I’m getting paper ata kushinda capsicum, nine hundred ninety thousand cash bank maximum, maddy akiagiza nimamzinga maximum, ka nikuchachisha nachachisha maximum, makuro kali kali wana fyekwa maximum, manguo bei kali kwa kabati maximum.”

I know you are wondering what stellar about that hook, I don’t know either, I just kept listening to it on replay and it didn’t  wear me me out. Props to Madtraxx.

The beat on this jam is also sick. Anyway, I was not expecting anything less from the Get Down hitmaker. It slaps so hard. I can’t wait to hear more of his solo jams.

Listen to Maximum below and tell us what you think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3oyEulO9_w&t=41s

King Kaka’s collabo with The Kansoul dubbed ‘Kula Vako’ is a big tune (Video)

I’m sure most local music fans, just like yours truly, have been looking forward to the day they will see King Kaka and The Kansoul on one jam and after many years of exercising patience I’m pleased to announce that the wait is over!

Also read: King Kaka is releasing so many songs but nobody cares

The two music powerhouses released a jam dubbed Kula Vako a few hours ago and by the look of things, it’s going to be a massive hit. Well, I could also be wrong but let’s just be optimistic for once.

Kula Vako is a Sheng word that means ‘to ignore’ or ‘to believe a lie’. Basically, you should take information as it is being provided to you. In the context of this songs it means the same thing i.e. if someone snatches your girlfriend, kula vako.

King Kaka
King Kaka

This jam is very decent, don’t get me wrong. I, however, feel like the tempo is too slow. It’s even hard to believe that people can actually dance to this song. Chances are you might fall asleep in the club while listening to it.

The wordplay by King Kaka, Madtraxx, Mejja and Kid Kora was on point. You could literally listen to them the whole day and no one would even blame you. It’s just what it is.

The Kansoul
The Kansoul

Of course and as usual I was particularly impressed by Mejja’s lines. There’s a part he says, “cheza chini buda, kula vako buda, kale kadem kajana leo nataka kukakuta, leo usiku nataka kumfunza kamasutra…”

The song was produced by Jack Jack on The Beat and directed by Rikky Bekko of Big Dreams Entertainment.

Watch Kula Vako below and tell us what you think.

The Kansoul and Vivian have teamed up on a new club banger dubbed ‘Accelerator’ and we love it (Video)

About a fortnight ago, I wrote an article urging The Kansoul to treat is to another hit. I had noticed that despite featuring The Kansoul is irreplaceable! in various collabos, the group had not released a song of their own since September last year.

Also read: The Kansoul is irreplaceable!

I was not aware that they had something in the works seeing as they released a new banger a few days later. To top it all, The Kansoul decided to feature Vivian in the song  titled Accelerator or Serereka if you like.

Just as the name suggests, this is a party song. There is no message here ladies and gentlemen, sorry to disappoint you. It’s just a feel good song, the kind will lift your spirits in a snap.

The Kansoul
The Kansoul

All the three singers i.e. Mejja, Madtraxx and Kid Kora had great punchlines in this song. I, however, feel that none of them came close to the latter. There’s a part where he says, “kama kuku ni ndege basi samaki ni meli” and it will leave you with so many questions.

Vivian also did a great job on this track, if you listen keenly it almost seems like she’s rapping as the song begins. Her wordplay and lyrics was also on point. She brought a different vibe that was just awesome.

The video concept was simple. It’s probably the same as all other videos by The Kansoul. People just dancing in an outdoor setting while Mejja, Madtraxx and Kid Kora go about their thing. The only difference is that this time  around it has a girlish vibe (read as umbrellas) because of Vivian.

Vivian
Vivian

Just like most songs by The Kansoul, Accelerator was produced by Madtraxx himself and to be honest, he outdid himself on this one. You might argue that the beats in their songs are pretty much the same but I feel this one has a twist. Does it though?

Watch Accelerator (Serereka) below and tell us what you think.

 

We want the old Mejja back and we are not joking

There was an interesting debate on social media this past weekend. Music fans want the old Mejja back and they are not mincing their words. The general feeling is that he has moved from being a great story teller to a trashy musician.

Mejja

I thought I should weigh into this debate because I share the same sentiments. A huge part of me also feels that Mejia has failed his fans with his latest releases. He keeps getting worse with every subsequent song.

You see, I used to be a huge fan of Mejja. The first time I listened to him was circa 2007. I was still a student. I was watching The Beat during a school holiday then Jana Kuliendaje was cued up. I really loved it as I’m sure most of you did.

In the song, Mejja narrates how he got drunk the previous night and the series of events that followed after that. His description is so vivid that you can literally feel like you were there with him.

He went on to release other great songs like Landlord, Niko Poa, Furahia Maisha where he tells great stories about different events. It wasn’t about what he was saying, it’s how he was narrating the events. I loved his music. Many referred to him as the greatest storyteller ever and I had no qualms with that.

Somewhere along the way I heard that he was teaming up with Kid Kora and Madtraxx to form The Kansoul. I thought it wasn’t such a bad idea since the other two members were also super-talented.

The Kansoul

The group went on release big hits such as Dabo Tapo, Kanayudu, Drum, No Woman No Party, just to name a few. Simply put, they were doing well.

I don’t know what happened, but somewhere along the way the group lost it. They moved from doing feel good or party songs to provocative music. Unfortunately, Mejja was also caught up in this. He moved from being a great storyteller to singing things like ‘geuka nikubeng’. 

Many fans, including yours truly, have been left wondering whether he made a mistake by joining The Kansoul. Truth is, Mejja was probably one of Kenya’s biggest musicians 10 or so years ago. This was when Calif Records was still the biggest record label in Kenya.

If Calif Records had stood the test of time, would Mejja have joined The Kansoul and would he still be the great storyteller that we all knew? Truth is, we’ll never know.

Whatever the case, we want the old Mejja back and we are not joking. This should serve as a wake up call to him to shape up or shape out.

Meanwhile, skip to Mejja’s part in the song below dubbed Inama and give us your thoughts.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yvFT0_ER32Q

Photos from DJ Style’s lovely wedding that took place at Ridgeways Baptist

Veteran DJ Styles finally exchanged vows with his longtime girlfriend Wanjiru Kiritu at Ridgeways Baptist during the weekend.

The wedding was attended by close friends and family members, comes just five months after his brother and singer Madtraxx solemnized his marriage to the mother of his kid and was held on the same day as Kanze Dena’s.

Attendees

The lovely wedding was also attended by celebrities who included KICC boss Nana Gecaga and Sportpesa Chief Executive Ronald Karauri among others.

Let’s congratulate our BOY @coderedstylez on his wedding today to the BEAUTIFUL Ciru my GOD continue to BLESS you both,” said Nana Gecaga.

The evening party was held at Roasters from 7pm.

Here are some of the photos:

Madtraxx and Salma’s wedding: All the best photos from Ridgeways Baptist Church

George Muigai popularly known as Madtraxx walked down the aisle with the love of his life Salma in a colorful wedding held on Saturday December 2nd.

For starters, Madtraxx and Salma have been dating for dating four more than three years, the public only got to know about their relationship in 2015.  The two lovebirds are blessed with two girls.

Salma held her bridal shower a week ago on Saturday December 1st before she finally exchanged vows with her sweetheart this past Saturday December 2nd.

Star-studded wedding

Madtraxx and Salma got married in a beautiful ceremony held at Ridgeways Baptist Church along Kiambu road. The wedding was attended by several celebrities.

Madtraxx’s brother DJ Stylez was the best man while his long time friend and group member – Mejja was one of the groomsmen.

Big Pin, Joe Muchiri among several other celebs were also in attendance. See photos of the wedding below:

 

 

 

Kansoul now one of the most bankable music groups in Kenya

Genge music group The Kansoul has dominated airways with hit songs like ‘Mabega’, ‘Nyongwa’, ‘Thitima’, ‘Drum’, ‘Dabotap’, ‘No Woman No Party’, ‘Tumekubali’, ‘Moto wa Kuotea Mbali’ among others.

Kansoul is now one of the most sought-after music groups in Kenya having performed at major concerts like Koroga festival, Jameson concert among others.

The group has not only been raking in money from their performances and music sales, brand endorsement has since become an integral part of Mejja, Madtraxx, Kid Kora who make up the Kansoul.

Kansoul’s major brand endorsement was with local alcoholic beverages manufacturer, Africa Spirits Limited (ASL). The group has been Bluemoon Vodka brand ambassadors for three years.

Kansoul endorsed Bluemoon Vodka through their music, events and activations across the country, targeting the segment of the market where the brand has been entrenched.

Most bankable group

Mejja and Madtraxx have individually landed multiple brand endorsements. In June this year, Mejja inked a lucrative deal with telecommunication giants, Safaricom where he acted on the short cameo of the Maisha ni M-pesa Tu campaign.

Madtraxx also landed brand endorsement deals with Pampers and Total Kenya. The rapper’s ‘Boda Boda’ hit song was used in Total’s advert.

Rumor has it that Total’s sales hit a record high on the first day the campaign went live. Of course it had to given the influence Madtraxx has.

 

Sadness as madtraxx breaks down to tears at Sister’s funeral…only takes the intervention of Eve de Souza to calm him down(photos)

Allan Muigai Popularly Known as DJ Stylez and Younger brother George Muigai AKA Maddtraxx laid their elder sister, Dr Njeri Muigai to rest on Monday 24th April amid close friends and relatives.

Also read: Kansoul’s Madtraxx in mourning after the passing on of his sister…she was 8 months pregnant and this was the desparing way she met her death

Dr. Njeri Mungai passed on 17th April after a fatal accident at their home in Nairobi. He mother found her having tripped and fallen in the bathroom, having passed on together with her unborn baby.

She was a recognized psychiatrist who was working with Kiambu County at the time of her death.

Here are some photos of the funeral:

Madtraxx

Madtraxx

Madtraxx

madtraxx

Madtraxx