The Kenyan music industry has experienced a lot of growth. Artistes have leveled up intergrating creativity, diversity, and authenticity in their art. A good example is Octopizzo’s Jungle Fever Album. If musical evolution had a face, it would be his.

As much as the music scene has changed, and people are playing Kenyan music, there are phenomenal artists whose art is a masterpiece and needs to be appreciated more. These are game-changers, a force to reckon with but unfortunately, their names still linger in the shadows. Their music is not played as much and neither are they celebrated as they should.

The first time I heard of Idd in the song Kilamu featuring Blinky Bill and Saronde, a musical group, I almost got an orgasm. I couldn’t help but wonder who Idd is. I thought he was Ethiopian because of his unique sound but later found out he is Kenyan. His passion for ethnicity and the Mijikenda culture is the reason why he has infused that in his songs. 

If Africa had a sound, I believe it would be his. He is one of the most distinctive, and gifted vocalists in Kenya. His style of music cannot be put in a box because it goes beyond Dance, Electronic and Afro-House. The flow, the beats, the versatility, and the creativity in his songs are something else. He is a legend. Everything he touches turns to gold. He is one of the reasons I’m proud to be Kenyan. 

He recently collaborated with Octopizzo in his album Jungle Fever to create three phenomenal tracks. Good Morning Africa. City Cabanas and Dungu. His work is mind-blowing.

Bill Sellanga popularly known as Blinky Bill is something else. Words aren’t enough to describe how remarkable he is. I don’t think we deserve him because his talent, creativity as well as his style of music are out of this world. He is not only a singer but also a dope producer and a DJ. His radio sessions on YouTube will leave you begging for more. 

Blinky portrays a high level of confidence in his music. He is not afraid to be himself and to do things his way. This man can turn anything, even bread into good music and you’ll love it. His artistry is wild, his distinctness, and I think these are some of the things that have helped him break musical barriers. He never tries to be seen or heard, Blinky is Blinky and his legendary works speak for him. 

I love his voice as well as his amazing style of fashion. Everything about him is sacred and mystical. When you think you have seen his best works, he surprises you with something else. He is on a level of his own and the sky is not the limit for him. 

If I die and go to heaven, I would love to seat at Kwame’s feet and hear him sing all day, all night until he loses his voice or chases me away. Kwame has a lovely voice and sings with so much passion that you want to live in those beautiful moments. Most of his songs are in Kikuyu but it doesn’t matter, because you get to connect with him on a deep level. His music is inspiring, soothing, relaxing, and entertaining.

He loves to celebrate the Kikuyu culture and his music is a combination of modern and traditional styles. He released an Extended Playlist (EP) Ng'ano Ng'ane an EP that focuses on Kikuyu culture and reminds people to go back to their roots.

Kwame is a legend and we are blessed to have him in this generation. Some of my favorite songs are Mwene Nyaga, Haraya and Ngemi. 

I first heard of Crystal in Extravaganza featuring Sauti Sol, Nviiri the Storyteller, Kaskazini, and Bensoul. She is a strong powerful woman with an angelic soulful voice. The type of voice that leaves fingerprints in your soul. She is a talented artist, songwriter, and an advocate for people with disabilities.

Crystal is a force to reckon with and I believe she is one of the greatest singers we have in Kenya. Her song Safer gave me goosebumps. She takes you to church and lets you drown in her voice. It is a beautiful inspiring song that relaxes you and reminds you of God’s grace.

In February she released Lenga, a lovely authentic Swahili song, that is motivating as well. Straight No Chase featuring Nairobi Horns Project blew my mind. It is jazzy, relaxing and speaks to your soul. State of Love is a brilliant song with amazing beats. Crystal is what the future sounds like, what more could we ask for?

Jivu is an Afro-soul duo that consists of Uncle K and Chege Anderson. They are talented singers, songwriters, and performers. A friend who was their guitarist back then played me Nakupenda Bado, a beautiful sad song and I fell in love.
Their voices are perfect and blend well together to create an amazing melody. Their sound is the definition of a fine artistic production. A cocktail of creativity and brilliant instrumentals.   

They released Hayawi Hayawi a chilled exceptional EP with 6 great tunes that are worth a listen. My favorite song has to be Different Response. Every time I meet people I have to recommend them to Jivu because their music is great and I believe they will be one of the biggest bands in Kenya.

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