Unsung heroes whose lyrical prowess powers music industry

Bien-Aime

Bien-Aime Baraza is a vocalist, songwriter and guitarist. His style of singing is soulful and his songwriting skills are celebrated by many. He has occasionally written songs for other artistes like Elani, Amos and Josh and Wendy Kimani.

Mr Vee

Venanzio Githae is a gospel crooner with an enchanted pen and although he has not been celebrated much as an individual artiste, he has penned unfading hits. He wrote Mercy Masika's evergreen hit Mwema and the follow-up Nikupendeze. His works include Soldier, V.I.P, Fundi wa Mbao with Gospel Fathers and Just A Way, a collabo with the late Kaberere.

He also wrote most of Kenty's songs when he left the group MOG, with the most notable one being their collaboration with Subira. So far, Mr Vee has worked with established artistes like Daddy Owen, Mercy Masika, and Janet Atieno.

Josh

Josh is an Afro-pop singer, songwriter and one-half of the popular duo - though now split - of Amos & Josh. He is famed for writing most of their songs when they were still together, including their collaboration with Calvo Mistari as well as Baadaye featuring King Kaka.

**Moji Short Babaa.** [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Konkodi

The former shisha seller, born Noah Nganga, is not only rapper Bon-Eye's protege but a good writer on the down-low. During the 'Who is the illest' femcee battle, Konkodi co-wrote Conoka, a diss track aimed at settling scores between Njeri and Femi One. In 2019, he set off on a project that birthed Femi One's Hiyo One.

Brian Nadra

Brian Nadra is a fast-rising Kenyan artiste signed under Musyoka's record label, Decimal Records. Off Jack Rooster's album Nyumba, Nadra is the brain who penned down the hit Complicated.

Rigan Sarkozi

He is talented in both singing and songwriting. He previously sang secular songs before switching to gospel music. He has written some of Daddy Owen's and the late Papa Dennis', a notable one being Olala, which he co-wrote with Dennis.

Boss MOG

The singer is not just talented vocally, but also pens the most poetic lyrics. The biggest beneficiary of his brilliance might be Vivian. Most of her tunes are written by him from Teren Teren, Attention, Charm and Chum Chum. He has also written songs for Santorini Bae, formerly known as Syd. He also wrote the last project that he did with Kenty as MOG Tosheka and dropped some verses in Size 8's Vumilia as well.