The evolution of Kenyan hip-hop

A collage of past and present hip-hop artistes in Kenya.

A section of local entertainers credit pioneer musician Jimmy Gichu for having paved the way for local hip hop in the mid-’80s. Others believe it was Jimmy Gathu with his self-recorded classic throwback hit, ‘Look, Think, Stay Alive’ that changed the scene.

Many, however, credit veterans Kalamashaka rap trio of Oteraw, Kama and Johny Vigeti as the ultimate godfathers of Kenyan hip hop. They crucially paved the way for hip hop to go mainstream.