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Versatile: Nairobi matatus, markets shaped my music

Versatile. [Courtesy]

Paxson Kamau, better known as Versatile, is a leading dancehall artist based in Nairobi. Passionate about creating music that resonates with people, Versatile blends his Kenyan roots with global influences to redefine the genre. "I was born and raised in Kariobangi South, so Nairobi has always been home for me. Later, I moved to Eastlands, Nyayo Estate, where I began to truly understand the heartbeat of the city. Nairobi isn't just a city I moved to-it's the place that has shaped me, my hustle, and my art," he says

"Growing up in Nairobi was like stepping into a canvas bursting with colors, sounds, and endless stories. From the matatu rides with their flashing neon lights and pounding music to the vibrant marketplaces where everything seemed alive, Nairobi taught me the beauty of hustle and rhythm. I remember the streets of Kariobangi South being a melting pot of cultures, where kids played football on dusty roads," he adds.

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