American singer-songwriter Max McNown has promised to fly in the viral Kenyan “Maize Guy” to one of his concerts in the U.S. after the street vendor used McNown’s song in a TikTok video that quickly captured hearts online.
Taking to Instagram, Max wrote, “Dennis is a great example of a positive influence in the world and I’d be honored to get him out to a show!”
McNown later confirmed his plans, writing, “We need to get you out to a show,” in a follow-up TikTok comment, sealing what might be Dennis’s journey from roadside maize seller to international stage guest.
Max had initially announced a ticket giveaway to users who would create videos using the song.
“Might mess around and give tickets to a random video under this sound,” the 24-year-old artist wrote on TikTok, sparking a wave of fan-generated content.
@denniswawira2 taking baby steps every day #roastedcorn #growth #hardwork #consistency#fyp ♬ Same Questions – Max McNown
One standout entry came from a Kenyan street vendor, now popularly known as “Maize Guy,” who lip-synced the song while roasting maize at night.
His calm demeanor, expressive gestures, and the visible steam in the cold air made the scene both striking and moving.
The clip even included a boda boda rider watching from a distance, adding an unmistakable Kenyan vibe.
McNown, touched by the authenticity of the video, declared it the winner of his challenge.
The singer’s warm response thrilled Kenyans online, many praising Dennis for representing the country with grace and humility.
Social media lit up with reactions: “Usiwahi puuza mtu, ona sasa maize guy anaenda majuu,” one user wrote.
Another added, “Corn guy from Kenya made me love this song. He deserves a ticket.”
Max McNown is an American singer-songwriter from Bend, Oregon, now based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Born in 2001, he rose to prominence in 2023, largely fueled by the viral success of his single A lot more free.
His music is a blend of country, indie folk, and Americana, characterized by his deep, expressive voice and poignant, relatable lyrics.
Within just a year of teaching himself guitar, McNown signed with Fugitive Recordings and has since released several EPs, including A lot more free and Willfully blind, along with the full-length albums Wandering and Night driving.
He has quickly amassed a significant following on social media, performed at major festivals, and made his TV debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show in early 2025, cementing his place as a rising star in the music industry.