Kenya’s Music industry must be very competitive. You can produce a hit song and become so popular today and tomorrow you are nowhere to be seen. Other new artists have come and displaced you while you slumber. There are several musicians who, not so long ago, ruled the industry but right now are nowhere to be seen. Their creative juices must have evaporated into thin air. Many Kenyans are wondering where they are and what they are up to.
Kenrazy
Kenrazy entered the music industry with a boom. His hit song,” Tichy” topped several chats. He was a hot cake. Many event organizers engaged him in several gigs in and outside town. During the time of Kenrazy, I was a first-year University student. I remember when he came to perform during our Fresha’s Night gig. After “Tichy”, he produced,” Whoop” and then “Hivo Ndo Kunaendanga” with Jomino records together with Naiboi. He has since gone silent.
Big Pin
Big Pin made a name for himself in Kenya’s music industry by his unique rapping style. He fused Dholuo, Kiswahili and English in his rap songs. He collaborated with Amani and Patonee in the hit song, “Songa Karibu.” He then produced a few singles including, “Big pin.” He was the self-proclaimed “Jatelo” (leader) of the industry. He has since gone mute.
Cannibal
Rapper Cannibal was a force to reckon with in the Coast. He conquered the Coast region and then came to Nairobi where he also became one of the major artists. His songs,” Street hustler” and “Kichwa Kibov” are still played in clubs till date. He also collaborated with several big artists including Prezzo in “My city, my town,” Sharamah in “Bouncing bouncing,” and Abida, among others. Nowadays he is nowhere to be seen.
Shantal
Shantal was a one-hit wonder. After producing the song, “Toklezea” with rapper Abass Kubaff, she completely disappeared. Never to be seen again.
Zakah
For those who might not know Zakah, he is the guy who gave us “Dandora L.O.V.E” and “Mizani.” He was part of the underground hip hop group Ukoo Fulani Mau Mau. Zakah was a skilled rapper. In his songs, he addressed issues affecting youths in the ghetto. From joblessness to extra-judicial killings. He has since gone silent. Personally, I wish he could make a come-back.