Swahili country music star Samson Maombi is making waves on the global stage after his breakout single “Nitauimba Wimbo” soared to the top of Spotify’s Viral 50 charts in both Norway and Sweden.
The viral track, a collaboration with Norwegian producer Henrik Borg, overtook Norway’s “Lighter” by Kyle Alessandro and Sweden’s “Bullerbyn är död” by Simon Superti, an unprecedented feat for a Kenyan artist in the genre.
The song, whose title translates to “I Will Sing a Song”, has captivated audiences both locally and internationally with its heartfelt lyrics, raw emotion, and a unique blend of African storytelling and classic country music style.
Widely shared on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, the track initially sparked conversations about Maombi’s originality, with fans praising his voice, lyrical depth, and prowess in country music, a genre rarely explored in the region.
Maombi had initially shared the track in a low-key release.
However, within days, the song’s emotional message and catchy chorus began trending online, earning him admiration and comparisons to global country icons.
But Maombi’s journey to the prestigious Tromsø Country Festival was anything but smooth.
Originally set to depart Kenya on 9 July, Maombi’s visa application was denied at the last minute.
Thanks to a same-day appeal and intervention by the Norwegian Embassy, he was urgently called back to submit his passport, and his visa was miraculously approved late that Friday night.
Then came another hurdle: his host in Norway unexpectedly asked him to purchase his own plane ticket, an expense of nearly Sh200,000.
With limited resources, he turned to his US-based manager, who managed to book a flight.
But in a cruel twist, the ticket was voided at the last minute, leaving Maombi stranded at the airport.
After a sleepless night and two more failed bookings, he finally secured a valid flight early Saturday. He landed in Tromsø just 30 minutes before his scheduled performance.
“I didn’t even have a minute to rest. I just alighted and went straight to the stage, no rehearsal, no soundcheck. But I never disappointed,” he said.
Sharing the stage with international names such as Guy Pratt, Kinsey Rose, and Mac DeMarco, Maombi delivered a high-energy set featuring Nitauimba Wimbo and three other original tracks, firmly cementing his place as a rising global country music sensation.
Despite his success, Maombi expressed frustration with his current management, citing missed opportunities in Canada and the United States.
“My music is a brand. I believe I can explore it further around the world, with better support from my fans and stronger networks,” he said.