Your favorite musicians in Kenya and their real names

She is married to DJ Mo.

2. Papa Owen – Owen Mwatia

The Kenyan contemporary Christian music artist and songwriter is the brother of award-winning gospel musician Rufftone.

The 35-year-old began singing from the school days at Eshihiru Secondary School. Owen owes his breakthrough in music to the great support of his family, particularly his brother Rufftone and the late gospel artist Kaberere, whom he has consistently referred to as his mentor.

Daddy Owen, as he is popularly known, is the founder of Malaika Awards and the Macho Macho Campaign aims to provide medical care to those in need with eye problems in Kakamega.

3. DJ Mo – Sammy Muraya

Sammy Muraya aka DJ Mo started his career in music in 2004 after high school. He first worked with DJ Nev before standing alone. In 2009, DJ Mo gained popularity after participating in the Pilsner Mfalme DJ competition, where he became a finalist.

He is the founder of System Unit – a company that provides opportunities for talented Christian dancers. DJ Mo is married to another size 8 Kenyan artist and they have a daughter together.

4. Octopizzo – Henry Ohanga

Octopizzo’s love of music dates back to his early days in Kibera. According to him, he was musically influenced by the likes of Jay Z, Nas, Biggie, 2Pac and many others, which of course explains his choice of music – hip hop.

Prior to his musical career, Henry Ohanga completed a computer course in Mombasa before moving to Nairobi to study electricianship.

He worked in a Juakali garage for 3 years before turning his full attention to music.

Apart from music, Octopizzo is busy with many other things. For example, he is Managing Director of Chocolate City (Kibera) Tours and Founder and Managing Director of the Octopizzo Foundation.

5. Redsan-Swabri Mohammed

Born on May 1, 1981, Swabri Mohammed, popularly known as Redsan, has become a well-known ragga and dancehall artist not only in Kenya but also in East Africa and even across the continent.

His music career took off after winning the Star Search Challenge at the Carnivore Discothèque in Nairobi in 1998. In 2002 he released his first album Seasons of the San as part of the Ogopa DJs unit.

Redsan currently owns his own record label DuttyKlänge which focuses on dancehall, hip hop and R&B musicians. He has won several awards including the 2005 Chaguo La Teeniez Award for Best Male Artist and the 2005 Kisima Music Award for Best Reggae/Ragga.

6. Lady Bee – Bernice Nduku Mugo

The gospel singer-turned-secular began her music career in the early 1990s with the Jambo rebel band.

In 2000 she traveled to Dubai where she joined Bilenge Musica and recorded her first album Zamu Yangu in 2007.

In the same year she returned to Kenya and joined the Pro Habo music label where she recorded her other hits such as chali wa mtaani, sema nami and kumbuka.

In 2012 she switched from secular to gospel song and released her hit song Matunda .

7.Avril-Judith Nyambura Mwangi

Avril is another Kenyan singer-songwriter, actress and entertainer whose works have won the Nzumari Award, Kisima Music Award and Golden Mic Awardand two Chaguo La Teeniez Awards.

The multi-award-winning singer, who was born and raised in Nakuru, began making music as a sophomore at the University of Nairobi.

In 2007 she signed a record deal with Ogopa and recorded her first single, Mutter , which was not released until 2009.

Mom’s success encouraged her to do more. Avril rose to popularity through her collaboration with AY on his 2010 single Leo Remix .

8. Amani – Cecilia Wairimu

Amani is one of the strongest female artists in the Kenyan music industry who has made immense contributions to the industry, having received multiple awards and nominations: These include the Best Female categories at the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards, Pearl of Africa Music Awards, Kisima Awards and Chaguo La Teeniez Awards.

Her entry into the industry came in the early 2000s with her debut singles Keep going, Tahidi and Papii which were on every radio station in Kenya. She has also collaborated with artists such as Nameless.

9. Nameless – David Mathenge

Nameless isn’t really nameless, his name is David Mathenge. The award-winning artist was born in August 1976 and has a degree in architecture from the University of Nairobi.

Nameless burst into the limelight in 1999 with his first hit single, Magarider. His other hits are Butterfly, Sinzia and Salari.

Like Rufftone, Nameless is married to fellow musician Wahu Kagwi and they have two daughters, Tumiso and Nyakio

10. Nonini – Hubert Nakitare

Known for his controversial and sexually explicit poetry, Nonini is also credited as the godfather of Genge. He is the founder of P-Unit (Pro-Habo Unit).

With his debut single, Nonini conquered the hearts of Kenyans Nonini ni Nani for the first time ? Then his 2002 track Manzi wa Nairobi gave him national and regional recognition.

11. Bamboo – Simon Kimani

Raised in Inglewood, California, Simon Kimani was sent to Kenya at the age of 17 to prevent him from living the dangerous life he fears if he stays in Inglewood.

Back in Kenya, Simon made his name by landing a record deal and producing his first album. Nairoberry with his group K-South in 2001.

He co-founded the record label Project 254 with Tim Waindi and Attitude. Bamboo is also a member of the record label The Grass Company.

12. Ringer – Roy Smith Mwatia

Roy Smith Mwatia is a Kenyan gospel artist popularly called Rufftone. He began his musical career in 1999 as a secular artist before being born again and moving into gospel music.

Rufton comes from a family of musicians as all his brothers are in the music industry. Rufton is the brother of Papa Owen, whose real name is Owen Mwatia.

He is married to Susan Njoki aka Krystal who is also a gospel artist in Kenya.

Roy is the Republic of Korea’s Goodwill Ambassador for Public Diplomacy and the founder of Lampstand Music Record.

13. Nazizi – Nazizi Hirji

Kenya’s First Lady Nazizi Hirji launched her music career in such a grand style. The mother of one was a member of the famous Necessary Noize group, which was made up of Wyre and Bamzigi before they quit.

Regardless, the reggae diva has continued to rise to prominence in the Kenyan music industry and beyond.

14. Wyre-Kevin Waire

Kevin Wyre is a popular Kenyan R&B/Reggae artist, known from the groups Necessary Noize and East African Bashment Crew.

Wyre, who is also a solo artist, has two solo albums to his credit. He has been in the industry since the 1990s.

15 . Bahati-Kevin Kioko

Bahati did not have what many would consider a very comfortable childhood. After the death of his parents, young Kevin went to the ABC orphanage in the Mathare slums for protection.

After receiving a C+ in KCSE from St Theresa’s Boys in Eastleigh in 2011, he decided to pursue the music industry and first single Siku Ya Kwanza ‘s release in 2012 made him a star almost immediately.

Prior to his debut album in 2012, Bahati gave a fantastic solo performance in 2010 at the Music Festival National Level in Nakuru. The following year he represented his school, St Theresa Boys High School Eastleigh, at the National Music Festival where he sang and played guitar.

Kevin has received various nominations for Best Video of the Year and Best Collaboration. In 2014 he won the Groove Award for Best Male Gospel Singer.

16. Madtraxx-George Muigai

George Muigai, popularly known as Madtraxx, is one of Kenya’s most respected producers and rappers.

He has worked as a producer at Coke Studio Africa 4 with other artists across Africa. His hits include Skamaress, Boda Boda, and Geuka.

17. Marya – Mary Wanjiku

The Sishiki Simu singer is popular as Marya, but her real name is actually Mary Wanjiku.

She became a recording artist in 2008 and has since maintained her relevance in the industry, singing about what’s going on around her.

18. Kris Eeh Baba – Christopher Njogu Munene

Kris Eeh Baba’s real name is Christopher Njogu Munene. This Kenyan gospel musician was born on September 4th, 1988 and came to the limelight when he released his song Eeh Baba which earned him the stage name “Kris Eeh Baba”.

The multi-talented, award-winning artist attended Parklands Boys High School and was a member of Deliverance Church in Nairobi’s Kahawa West.

19. Jaguar – Charles Njagua Kanyi

Although Charles Njagua Kanyi goes by the stage name Jaguar, he has the humblest and meanest beginnings imaginable. He was born in the Nairobi suburbs with three other siblings.

Jaguar’s mother died when he was just 11. Surviving, he worked as an advertising executive in Nairobis Matatus (Public Service Vehicles) and so did many other odd jobs. With the support of friends, he was able to finish school.

His breakthrough came in 2004 when he released his first single. Jaguar. He later joined East Africa’s music powerhouse Ogopa Deejays in 2005 where he recorded and released several other singles that became big hits such as Kigeugeu , Kipepeo, Kio o and One Centimeter – a collaboration with well-known Nigerian artist Iyanya.

20. Willy Paul – Abubakar Radida Opondo

Going by the stage name Willy Paul, Abubakar Radida Opondo is one of the most controversial gospel artists in the country, having been linked to several scandals.

That being said, let’s tell you a little bit about 23-year-old artist Willy Paul is the last of five children. His father (late now) was half Tanzania and half Kenya while his mother is half Uganda and half Kenya. His father was a carpenter and his mother worked as a stylist in a salon before being tied to a bed.

Raised in Area 3 of Mathare North, the promising artist dropped out of school while in Form Three and supported his family through music.

About his redemption he said that he was reborn in Form 1. In 2013 he received the Groove Award for Male Artist of the Year.

21. Ala C-Morris Githinji

Morris Githinji AKA Ala.C was born 22 years ago in Murang’a County. He attended primary school in Kaganjo and high school in Kiaguthu.

He began singing very early in his Sunday school class, and he says his love of music grew as the leader of music in the Christian Association, the school choir and the joint choir of the Murang District Schools.

After graduating from high school in 2009, he joined CalifRecords to pursue his music career. That same year he met Clemo, who coached him, and the following year he got the chance to be signed to the music stable.

22. Pitson-Peterson Ngetha

Peterson Githinji, popularly known as Pitson, is best known for his hit song Lingala Ya Yesu – for which he received the 2014 Groove Awards.

Pitson was born and raised in Eastleigh. Life was very difficult for them as a family as his parents were unemployed, but this did not weigh on Peterson’s determination to get an education.

After graduating from Eastleigh High School, Pitson went to Inorero University where he studied law. After his law degree, he completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

He married the love of his life Carol Mwai in December 2013 and they are blessed with a baby boy. He owns a sound company called Pitsounds.

23. Frasha—Francis Hamisi

The physical therapist-turned-musician goes by the stage name Frasha, but his real name is actually Francis Hamisi.

Frasha practiced for five years before giving up the medical profession to follow his love of music.

Not so much is known about his personal life other than that he keeps his family out of the limelight. But we do know that he has been married for over a decade and they have two beautiful children together.

Once in an interview with Daily Nation, he said he could distinguish between Frasha and Hamis – because Hamisi is a parent, a father who runs a home for his children, while Frasha is the entertainer made for the stage.

24. Kidum – Jean Pierre Nimbona

The Kidum name is not new to many Kenyans, but what about the Jean Pierre name? Well, no need to be confused as the name refers to the same person.

The 43-year-old musician from Nairobi, who was honored as the best male artist in East Africa at the 2012 Kora Awards, earned his nickname Kidum, which eventually became the stage from his mother. Kidum literally means 20 liter jar, his mother calls it that because it’s so big.

He started playing drums at a fairly early age. He fled Burundi (the country of his birth) to Kenya in 1995, where he continued to develop his music career. In 1999 he recorded his first song Yaramenje Today he is a name to be reckoned with in Kenya’s musical entertainment.

25. Jimwat – James Wathigo

This Kenyan genge rapper coined his stage name Jimwat from his first and last name – James Wathigo.

He was born on May 21, 1985 and grew up in Kabete,Nairobi and attended Musa Gitau Primary School and Kikuyu Day Secondary School, Thooto. After graduating from high school, he completed computer training before studying graphic design.

Jimwat started rapping when he was in grade 7 but didn’t take center stage until 2003, entertaining his fans one hit at a time.

He disappeared from the music scene for a time due to alcohol and drug addictions, but made a big comeback with Come Home .

26. Alpha Msanii – Wycliffe Waweru

Wycliffe Waweru AKA Alpha Msanii said gospel music influenced him in his early days before later developing a love for hip-hop as a teenager.

The music of Notorious BIG, 2Pac were real inspirations for him when he made his step into the music industry. In 1999, Alpha Msanii took part in his first rap battle in popular Florida 2000, the following year he joined a group of rappers and formed The Slum Dwellaz.

With financial support from family, friends and well-wishers, the group recorded their first single Nikuget.

After two more singles, the group broke up and Alpha Msanii pursued a solo career.

27. Mejja – Major Nemeye Khadija

Major Nemeye Khadija, popularly known as Mejja or Okwonkwo, can turn any bad experience into fun, memorable and entertaining songs.

Although not much is known about his bio online, a few months ago, Kenyan rapper Mejja revealed his daughter’s face online. Mejja has over 50 songs in his honor.

28. Jua Cali – Paul Nunda

Paul Julius Nunda, known by the stage name Jua Cali, is a Kenyan hip hop artist performing in Swahili.

Born in September 1979, he attended Ainsworth Primary School, Shepherds Junior Buruburu, Jamuhuri High School and later Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute (KCITI) Eastleigh where he received a Diploma in Information Technology.

His parents are late. He founded Calif Records in 2000 with Clemo. Jua Cali’s songs include Ruka, Kamata Dame, Kuna Sheng, Ngeli ya Genge and Karibu Nairobi, among others.

Jua Cali is married and has two sons.

29. Khaligraph Jones – Brian Robert Ouko

Brian Robert Ouko popularly known as Khaligraph Jones is a Kenyan rapper who was born on June 12, 1990. He grew up in Kayole Estate in Nairobi. Jones, who performs comfortably in both Swahili and English, released his first song at the age of 13.

He won the Channel O Emcee Africa competition in 2009 and was named Kenya Music Ambassador in 2014.

30. Cannibal – Ralph Masai

The rapper, who has said he prefers to keep his personal life away from the media, was born and raised in the coastal regions of Kenya. His education started in Mombasa, then in Nairobi and also in South America
Africa.

He attended Valentine Primary School, SacredHearts Mombasa for his high school diploma and the University of Nairobi where he earned a degree in Business Management before moving to South Africa for further studies.

He is the first child in a family of four boys. Cannibal has been in the music industry for over two decades.

In 1999, one of his first songs with Sweet Brenda was so good that it received a Kisima Awards nomination. In an interview with Nairobi News in 2016, he revealed that he has two daughters.

31. Gabu – Gabriel Kagundu

Gabu’s real name is Gabriel Kagundu. Gabu discovered his love for music early on. In 2004 he collaborated with Calif Records on his debut single Paulina – the song became so popular that it was used as the theme song for a popular TV show called Dance Mania.

He is involved in mentoring emerging artists – he does so through his collaborative company Absolute Entertainment .

Gabu is a member of P-Unit – a Kenyan pop group with Frasha and Bon’eye as members.

32. Bon Eye – Boniface Chege

Boniface Chege, popularly known as Bon Eye, is one of the three artists that make up the Kenyan pop group P-Unit.

Bon Eye’s love of art isn’t just in music, he started writing plays and acting in secondary school. After graduating from high school, he attended the Nairobi Film School and studied film and television production.

He has worked as a part-time DJ at various clubs across the country and has appeared in a number of TV series including Mali, Siri and Makutano Junction.

Bon Eye is the only East African artist selected for the festival Shuga II Theme Song – An MTV Africa Drama Series 2012 Production.

He is married and has a son.

33. J Blessing – Jibril Blessing

Jibril Blessing (JBlessing) is one of the most popular music video directors in the country.

Jblessing started out as a freelance video director and producer before founding Link Video Global –a production company based in Nairobi, Kenya.

So far he has mentored, nurtured, brought to life and founded young people who are interested in art. Some of them have helped him achieve their dreams as musicians, others as producers.

He has received several awards for his work, including 2010 Audio Producer at the Mwafaka Awards and Best Video Producer 2011 at the Groove Awards.

34. Rabbit – Kevin Onimba

Kevin Onimba aka Rabbit Kaka Sungura is an incredibly talented rapper and songwriter.

His name was Rabbit because he sold rabbits as a child. He got his other nickname, Kaka Sungura, from Harry Kimani, who told him he was more of a storyteller than a musician, hence the name.

He released his first album Tales of Kaka Sungura in 2008 and many more followed.

Rabbit’s music career was further brought into focus when he met Jorma Taccone (member of The Lonely Island) in 2011 while traveling for AFAR Magazine in Nairobi, Kenya on Turn the Globe.

Sungura collaborated with Taccone to create a rap video that had over 1.2 million views. Taccone later wrote an article for AFAR Magazine documenting his experience with Sungura.

Rabbit currently has multiple albums and more than 100 songs, mixtapes and collaborations to offer.

35. DK Kwenye Beat – David Kilonzo

Better known by the stage name DK Kwenye, gospel artist David Kilonzo is known for his songs – Asusu, Furi Furi and Sari Sari.

David started singing right from his Sunday school class. His love for music grew when, at the age of 14, he wrote his first song GOD

Today DK Kwenye is one of the most famous local gospel artists in Kenya.

36. Abbas Kubaff – Andrew Kabiru

Abbas Kuraff was born Andrew Kabiru Karuku on January 8, 1978. The popular Kenyan hip hop artist started his music career as a member of the rap group K-South before performing as a solo artist.

Abbas is known as a solo artist for his hits Chapaa and Tokelezea. He has won a Chaguo La Teeniez Award in 2008 and a Golden Mic Award in 2011.

37. Kenrazy – Kenneth Aketch Oluoch Barnabas

Kenrazy was born and raised in the Jericho Estate of Washington, Nairobi. He is the fourth child and only son of his parents. He began pursuing his music when he graduated from high school in 2006 and his rise in the industry has been fairly rapid.

In 2007, he won a rap battle competition that landed him a record deal with Jomino Entertainment. In 2008 he released the massive hit TICHI which became the #1 song on every Kenyan radio station for many months.

That same year, the song won the Addictive Track award at the prestigious Chaguo La Teenies Awards.