Nasri Babu, widely known by his stage name IKONICNAS, is a hip-hop artist whose story reflects both the harsh realities and resilient spirit of Kenya’s urban youth.
Hailing from Kibera, one of Nairobi’s most vibrant yet challenging neighbourhoods, Nasri has steadily carved a name for himself as a socially conscious artist whose music speaks directly to the streets that raised him.
He describes himself as the voice of the youth and a mirror of society, a role he says was shaped by his upbringing and lived experiences.
“Most people call me the voice of the streets,” Nasri says, “My music is deeply rooted in everyday struggles, survival, and hope”.
His journey into music began at a very young age. He started writing lyrics and shaping his artistic identity at just 11, long before he ever stepped into a professional studio.
Officially, Nasri recorded his first song in 2020, a milestone that marked the beginning of a serious but difficult journey. Reflecting on his path, he says the experience has been both inspiring and demanding.
“My music journey has been super amazing,” he explains, “But even with daily life challenges, I still hold on to my dreams, not to give up nor forget where I came from and where I’m going.”
He credits much of his perseverance to a strong support system, adding that he is “thankful and grateful to have supportive brothers and a great team as my backbone on this road to success.”
Musically, Nasri is firmly grounded in hip-hop culture, which he views not just as a genre but as a way of life. However, his sound continues to evolve. He says he and his team have been experimenting with other genres such as Amapiano and Genge, a creative risk he believes is paying off.
“Lately, we have been experimenting with other genres, and the results have come out pretty good,” he says. “Alhamdulillah, I am looking forward to sharing the tracks with the world, inshallah,” he tells The Nairobian.
Despite the progress, his journey has not been without painful setbacks. One particular incident stands out as the lowest point of his career;a moment he says nearly ended his dream altogether.
Nasri recalls struggling to raise Sh500 while hustling in the ghetto just to book a studio session to record a demo. When he finally managed to get the money, the experience turned devastating.
“The producer did not take the session seriously,” he says, “The ordeal almost killed my music career.”
The disappointment, he says, cut deeply, especially because it came at a time when he was still trying to find his footing as an upcoming artist.
That near-collapse, however, would later be contrasted by one of the biggest breakthroughs of his career.
The release of his song, Kasongo, marked a defining turning point. The track struck a chord nationwide, particularly during a period when Gen Z protests were dominating public discourse in Kenya.
Nasri explains that the song’s lyrics captured the collective pain, resistance, and unity felt by many young people across the country.
“The song was hyped so much by fans because it spoke about what the youth were going through at the time,” he says.
Kasongo was produced and shot by Ambia Janii, while the writing and direction were handled by Bboy Vick, collaborations Nasri believes were crucial to the song’s impact.
“It was a great connection and a strong team,” he says, “Together, we managed to spread a powerful and grieving message of togetherness in the country in times of need.”
The song not only elevated his profile but also reaffirmed his belief in purposeful music.
Following that success, Nasri released Let’s Go, another high-energy track that quickly gained popularity and is now widely regarded as a street anthem. The song features Derrickey Steeby, a fellow artist and producer from Kibera, and was produced by Keys (Keysonthebeat). The reception, according to Nasri, exceeded expectations and further cemented his place within the urban music scene.
He is also preparing to release Under Cover, a youth-empowerment track written by Nasri and produced by Keys. Although yet to drop officially, the song has already generated excitement during live performances.
“Whenever I perform it live, people really connect with it,” he says, urging fans to stay tuned through his social media platforms.
Beyond music, Nasri sustains himself through multiple professions. He works as a dance teacher and performing artist, specializing in breakdancing and Afro styles. He is also a Capoeira Angola martial arts practitioner and instructor.
In addition, he runs an entertainment production company, which contributes to his livelihood.