When Ya Levis last stepped onto a Kenyan stage, it became a shared moment etched into the memory of both artiste and audience. The Congolese sensation, known for his silky vocals and charged delivery, recalls that night with a sense of awe that still lingers. “Honestly, that night really left a mark on me,” he says. “What I remember most is the incredible energy of the Kenyan audience, a pure, sincere energy that you feel as soon as you step on stage.” For Ya Levis, Kenya is not just another stop on a tour circuit; it is a place where his music feels…
Author: Solomon Koko
Jane Orumoi. [Courtesy] In Kenya’s fast-growing beauty market, oil-based perfumes are quietly gaining a loyal following. Walk through malls in Nairobi or browse social media and you will notice a surge of fragrance sellers offering concentrated perfume oils that promise stronger scent and longer wear. Yet many consumers still confuse perfumes with colognes, unaware that the difference lies in concentration, longevity and formulation. “Traditionally, fragrances are classified by the amount of aromatic oils they contain. Colognes typically have the lowest concentration, often around two to five percent fragrance oil diluted in alcohol and water. Because of this, their scent tends to be lighter and fades faster,…
Brian Oluoch best known as ABH, is the soft-spoken producer shaping Toxic Lyrikali’s sound. [Courtesy]ty, Solomon Koko writes The ongoing lyrical tension between Toxic LyriKali and Buruklyn Boyz has ignited debate in Kenya’s hip-hop scene. It is dividing fans, dominating online conversations and placing local rap culture back in the spotlight. But from behind the mixing console, ABH views the moment through a different artistic lens, not as chaos, but evolution. “As a producer watching this unfold, I actually see this tension as a healthy development for Kenyan hip hop,” he says. He approaches artistic rivalry analytically. “Conflict isn’t always negative. Friction creates…
Raised in Nairobi’s Eastlands at a time when hip-hop and dancehall were beginning to take root locally, Daddy V chose a path few took then, dancehall. Today, the US-based musician says his ambition has never drifted far from home. “We started out when we were young and green. It was hard even to come up with a name, but we still jumped on stage for musical contests,” he says. His earliest training ground was the weekly jam sessions where many young performers tested their craft before unforgiving crowds. Those jam sessions were more than open-mic nights; they were cultural incubators. Young artistes…
Guda Man is not just a hype man; he is an experience. From the moment he takes over the stage, his undeniable chemistry and energy instantly elevate the audience, injecting life into any event he is trusted to host. In an industry where crowd connection is everything, he offers the spark that has often been missing, turning ordinary gatherings into unforgettable moments. Born and raised in a place called Congo, in Kawangware, Guda Man’s journey is a living testament to the power of dreams backed by relentless hustle. Once a young boy with nothing but ambition and raw talent, he…
UK-based Kenyan singer and producer Reezy Reez speaks about his latest project, ‘Zimmer Reez’. (photo courtesy) Ryan Samuel Mungai’s sound reflects a life shaped by movement, discipline, and cultural fusion. Popularly known as Reezy Reez, he’s a 24-year-old artiste whose relationship with music began almost as early as memory itself. “By the age of three, I was already learning piano, an interest my mother recognised and nurtured through formal training. I’ve since followed a classical path under the ABRSM system and naturally music became second nature to me, layingFr a foundation that that defines my artistry,” he says. Throughout his…
“My world of percussion has always been shaped by the very best. I have performed with world-class artistes across the globe, and when it comes to my art, I know I am different.” Those words capture the essence of Idd Aziz, a high-flying Kenyan Afro-house singer and songwriter whose sound has travelled far beyond his homeland. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on dining with the elite of world music, commanding airwaves across Europe and Southern Africa, and staying rooted in authenticity in an ever-shifting industry. His musical journey began remarkably early. By the age of 15, he was already touring…
Eric OneWash [Courtesy] Eric’s journey began long before anyone recognised his name. For 13 years, he dedicated himself to hairdressing, refining his craft until his chair became a place where stories, ideas, and connections flowed as freely as the music playing in his African Royalty salon. He has served some of the continent’s biggest stars Burna Boy, Skales, Otile Brown, Ali Kiba along with political leaders such as former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and the current governor, Abdulswamad Shariff. His salon transformed from a simple grooming space into an unexpected meeting point for culture, influence and opportunity. So when people…
National Housing Corporation Houses (L) along the Southern Bypass are accessible from Langata and Otiende. (R) Artistic impression of Purple Tower. (Photos: File, Standard, Courtesy) Nairobi’s skyline has long been defined by the steady rise of glass towers and high-density blocks stretching across Kilimani, Kileleshwa, and Upper Hill. But as the city grows upwards, a quieter counter-trend is taking shape on its edges, reshaping how urban living is imagined. Across the city, a new wave of low-rise residential development is emerging, signalling a shift towards modern suburban living at a time when vertical construction dominates much of Nairobi’s housing supply. New townhouse developments sits at the heart of…
As the festive season kicks in, daytime parties are becoming popular among revelers. Brunch parties are emerging as a dominant trend, pulling large crowds and even attracting corporate sponsors. With millions now circulating in the entertainment industry, it has become a make-or-break moment for club owners and event organisers. The competition is fierce, pushing players to think beyond the ordinary. New entertainment venues are not just extending their operating hours but also introducing new attractions to stand out. From celebrity appearances to high-profile collaborations such as the recent Premier League Trophy Tour organisers are pulling out all the stops to…
Former Nairobi Governor and flashy city businessman Mike Sonko has issued a heartfelt plea to Kenyan youth, urging them to shun alcoholism, which he warns has become a growing crisis claiming the lives of many young people. In a recent social media post, Sonko revealed that through his Sonko Rescue Team, they had already buried dozens of young victims who succumbed to alcohol-related complications. “It’s heartbreaking to see how many young people are turning to alcohol as a way to cope with the economic hardships in the country. Unfortunately, it’s killing them at an alarming rate,” he said. Sonko shared…
For a while, Kenya’s entertainment scene has been relatively quiet, save for the occasional lighthearted banter with East African neighbours, usually over football or lyrical prowess in hip-hop. But recently, fashion sparked an unexpected storm. During a radio interview, rapper Octopizzo took a swipe at a fellow artiste’s fashion sense. “There’s a certain rapper who clads in sweatpants from January to December and rocks them with old-fashioned Timberland boots,” Octopizzo said. His comments triggered a quick response. Khaligraph Jones, never one to miss an opportunity, countered by endorsing his own OG Omollo custom sweatpants, limited edition. Before the dust had…