Kenyan rapper Lil Maina has teamed up with SKYE THE PRESENCE on the remix of ‘Margiela Steppin’, released on November 13.
The collaboration brings together the two artistes' different approaches to Kenyan hip-hop and features on Lil Maina's forthcoming album, Genge Rockstar.
Maina says he was drawn to SKYE THE PRESENCE's music after coming across a preview of the original track on social media. He particularly liked the artiste's use of Sheng over trap production, describing his approach as distinctive and uninhibited.
“I like how he puts Sheng on trap beats. His approach is different. He is not afraid to express himself or do things his own way. He is free. He is art,” says Maina.
The remix follows the release of the original song on September 19. According to Maina, the collaboration took shape after his creative director, Philip Koth, informed him that SKYE wanted to work on a remix. He readily agreed to the idea.
The release also offers a glimpse into the musical direction of Genge Rockstar, an upcoming project that draws inspiration from Genge and Kapuka, genres that shaped Maina's musical upbringing.
Rather than simply recreate the sounds of the early 2000s, Maina says he wants to reinterpret their influence for a new generation while connecting with listeners who grew up listening to the genres.
“One generation is discovering something while another is reliving something,” he says.
The album's title combines the Kenyan sounds he grew up listening to with what he describes as his Rockstar identity, reflecting his interest in experimentation and artistic freedom.
Maina, who rose to prominence through online entertainment before building a music career, has continued to explore different sounds since releasing his debut album, Maisha Ya Stunna, in 2023. His catalogue includes influences from Genge, hip-hop and dancehall.
Songs such as ‘Vimajor’ and ‘Tetemesha’ have also explored the influence of early 2000s Kenyan music through contemporary production.
The rapper says he remains committed to using local languages and cultural influences in his music rather than changing his sound to appeal to international audiences. He believes Kenyan music can connect with listeners abroad through its rhythm, character and identity, even when they do not understand the lyrics.
The ‘Margiela Steppin’ remix adds to his growing catalogue as he prepares to release Genge Rockstar.