Nairobi-born dancehall artiste, producer and creative executive Tim Adric is preparing for a major career milestone with the release of his forthcoming project, Dancehall Gaad EP.
The seven-track body of work marks a defining chapter for him as he has steadily built his reputation as both a performer and a music entrepreneur shaping Kenya’s modern dancehall movement.
Born and raised in Nairobi, his journey into music began with curiosity about technology. He started as an artiste but quickly realised his knowledge of computer software could translate into music production through digital audio workstations.
Encouraged by friends, he moved behind the console, a shift that would later become the foundation of his business.
“I started out as an artiste, but production opened doors,” he says. “That’s how I created Kleenshot Records, which later expanded into Fully Kleen Entertainment where we handle all production services.”
Since releasing professional music in 2020, he has positioned himself as a versatile creative.
He has managed to build his own brands such as Tim Adric, Kleenshot Empire and Fully Kleen Entertainment and has worked with respected Kenyan dancehall figures such as Redsan and Wyre.
“Working with them taught me to stay focused, be smart and maintain high standards for my brand,” he explains.
His career stands out for its balance between artistry and strategy. University studies in Accounting and Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) gave him a business-minded approach rarely seen among emerging creatives. The combination allows him to manage his own releases, develop artists and build sustainable music structures.
“My artiste side inspired me to enter the industry,” he says. “Production helped me create for myself and others, while being a creative executive brings everything together into one professional unit.”
Dancehall remains central to his identity.
He traces his connection to the genre back to primary school, when global acts such as Elephant Man, Beenie Man, Mavado, Vybz Kartel and Sean Paul captured his attention. While he listened to hip-hop, R&B and rock, he says dancehall felt like home.
He views African dancehall as a growing global force, with countries adapting the sound into local cultures.
His work, particularly riddims and medleys, shows his collaborative spirit.
Projects such as Starman Riddim, Maad Rush Medley, Rampage Medley and Punisher Riddim have helped bring artists together while shaping Kenya’s dancehall soundscape.
The upcoming Dancehall Gaad EP represents the clearest statement of his artistic direction so far.
The project blends softer melodic dancehall with more concentrated, high-energy tracks. Lead single Limbo is dance-driven, while One Day delivers an inspirational Kenyan message.
The EP also includes girl-themed songs such as Whine, If A Gyal Want Mi, Top Shotta and Benz, described as a party-ready Kenyan dancehall record.
“The EP shows different sides of me,” he says. “It’s globally focused but culturally rooted.”
That balance is intentional. He blends Swahili, Sheng and soft Patois to maintain authenticity while making the music accessible to international listeners.
Beyond his own releases, Tim Adric continues building infrastructure through Kleenshot Records and Fully Kleen Entertainment, companies focused on production, artiste development and content distribution.
He founded the studio after recognising a gap for emerging artistes who lacked accessible recording spaces.
“I wanted to make music creation easier and build something bigger than myself,” he says. “The dream is to grow it into one of the best labels in Africa and the world.”